RCB retention list for IPL 2026 auction: Full list of retained and released players by Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of mini auction

Ritabrata_Banerjee

RCB retention list for IPL 2026 auction: Full list of retained and released players by Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of mini auction image

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Following a dream campaign in the Indian Premier League 2025 season, where they finally got their hands on the elusive trophy after 18 years of existence, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to make minor changes in their squad in the upcoming mini-auction to fine-tune the champion squad and fix whatever flaws exist.

The franchise will, of course, look to preserve their core while freeing up financial flexibility to chase high-impact players at the upcoming auction.

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RCB released players ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

RCB surprising released Liam Livingstone, alongside Mayank Agarwal, Swastik Chikara, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee.

More: MS Dhoni’s ex-teammate reveals wish amid Sanju Samson trade rumours before IPL 2026 mini auction

RCB retained players ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

RCB expected to retain a core group of players, which includes captain Rajat Patidar, legendary Virat Kohli, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Tim David, Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood.

Among the Indian core batters, wicket-keeper Jitesh and Devdutt Paddikal could keep their place in the team as both players had an important role to play in the title win this year.

RCB trade rumours ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

Due to a successful season in IPL in the last edition, not many players from RCB have been linked with a move away from the franchise, it is one of the IPL teams that have not made a lot of buzz in the transfer market, unlike teams like Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.

MORE: IPL 2026 trade deals: Full list of player trades and cash deals ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction

RCB current squad before retention deadline

RCB spent ₹ 119.25 crore in the last mega auction and were left with ₹ 75 lakhs in the purse. The following is the roster they had built.

RCB squad for IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar (C),, Tim David, Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Jacob Bethell, Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Nuwan Thushara, Swapnil Singh, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Romario Shepherd.

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Contributing Writer