RCB Released Player List Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set for another round of squad reshuffling before the IPL 2026 auction. Despite the absence of a retention cap this season, the franchise is expected to offload several players to rebuild their balance and boost their auction purse.

The BCCI has fixed November 15, 2025, as the deadline for teams to submit their list of retained and released players. With a total purse of around ₹120 crore and flexibility to keep any number of cricketers, RCB’s focus will likely be on value retention rather than just names.

RCB Likely Released Players for IPL 2026 and Reasons

RCB’s main objective is to strengthen their middle order and bowling depth, areas that faltered in IPL 2025. As a result, a few high-priced overseas and domestic players are likely to be shown the door.

Liam Livingstone tops the list of probable exits. The English all-rounder, bought for ₹8.75 crore, struggled to justify his price tag with inconsistent batting and limited bowling impact. His release could free up a significant portion of the budget.

Lungi Ngidi and Nuwan Thushara are also expected to be released. Both pacers featured in just a handful of matches and failed to provide the firepower RCB needed at the death. Ngidi’s injury issues further hampered his chances.

Among domestic players, Rasikh Salam Dar, who fetched ₹6 crore but played only two games, is another name likely to be cut. Swapnil Singh, Abhinandan Singh, and Mohit Rathee could also be released as the team looks to revamp its bench strength.

Mayank Agarwal, signed as an injury replacement, might not make the retained list either after a quiet season with limited opportunities.

While RCB’s core of Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Tim David, and Josh Hazlewood is expected to remain intact, the team may focus on bringing in impactful all-rounders and Indian pacers at the auction to address key gaps.