After a dream season in 2025, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy, the franchise is now preparing for a calculated squad revamp ahead of IPL 2026. Despite entering the upcoming season as defending champions, RCB is expected to release a few high-cost and low-performing players to balance their budget and strengthen key areas before the mini-auction in December.
According to credible reports, the franchise management has identified several names that may not feature in their retained core list. These decisions are based on performance consistency, financial strategy, and off-field factors, all part of RCB’s long-term vision to defend their crown in 2026.
Liam Livingstone Tops the Release List
England all-rounder Liam Livingstone is expected to be the biggest name released by RCB ahead of IPL 2026. Purchased for ₹8.75 crore, Livingstone had a forgettable 2025 season — scoring only 112 runs in 10 innings with an average of just 16. His inability to adapt to middle-order pressure situations and recurring injury concerns made him an expensive yet underperforming asset.
RCB already has a strong middle order featuring Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, and Romario Shepherd, which makes Livingstone’s position redundant. Releasing him will allow RCB to free up significant funds for a specialist all-rounder or an overseas fast bowler.
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Indian Pacers Under the Scanner
RCB’s Indian pace attack is also set for a reshuffle. Yash Dayal, who struggled both on and off the field, could be among the first to be released. His on-field performance dipped sharply towards the end of IPL 2025, and off-field disciplinary controversies have further hurt his chances of retention.
Similarly, Rasikh Salam Dar, who was bought for ₹6 crore, failed to justify his price tag, picking up just one wicket in two appearances. His lack of penetration and consistency means RCB may release him to explore younger Indian pacers with better domestic form.
Other Expected Releases and Squad Balance
RCB is also expected to part ways with Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, and Tim Seifert, all of whom played minimal roles during the 2025 campaign. The team is looking to free up overseas slots and budget to sign a quality fast-bowling all-rounder. Additionally, domestic names like Swapnil Singh and Abhinandan Singh could also be released as part of the strategic clean-up.
If these moves are confirmed, RCB could recover around ₹19.75 crore in purse value, giving them the flexibility to target impactful players in the mini-auction.
While RCB’s core of Rajat Patidar (captain), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Devdutt Padikkal remains untouched, the franchise is clearly aiming for depth and stability over star power. The management’s decision to offload underperforming and high-cost players is seen as a sign of maturity — a shift from past seasons of imbalance.
With a fine balance of experience and youth, RCB’s strategy heading into IPL 2026 reflects their evolution from perennial contenders to title-defending tacticians. The mini-auction in December is expected to reveal the final blueprint of how the champions plan to retain their crown.
