Full list of retained and released players of Royal Challengers Bengaluru

In preparation for the IPL 2026 auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has announced its retention and release list, which prominently includes the debut of English all-rounder Liam Livingstone. RCB had a sensational IPL 2025 season and clinched their first IPL title after an 18-year wait. Under the leadership of skipper Rajat Patidar and veteran Virat Kohli, who scored 614 runs, RCB put up impressive performances throughout the tournament.

The team made history by winning all seven away matches and showed a strong all-round effort in critical matches. While Philip Salt and Krunal Pandya made significant contributions, the bowling unit also chipped in at crucial moments. RCB’s consistent performance in the league stage and impressive play in the play-offs, highlighted by a thrilling win against Punjab Kings in the final, marked a landmark season for the team.

Looking forward to IPL 2026, RCB have retained key players like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Philip Salt. However, they have also released a few players to improve squad balance, especially in the bowling department where they may look to add new talent.

Liam Livingstone was released ahead of IPL 2026 and his replacement Mayank Agarwal will also be released. Also, the most expensive uncapped player of IPL 2025, Rasikh Salam Dar, was also released.

List of players retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Suchhara, Abhinandan Singh, Rasikh Dar, Yash Dayal

List of players released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Tim Seifert, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Blessing Muzarabani, Mohit Rathee

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