Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is preparing for the IPL 2026 mini-auction after securing their inaugural title in IPL 2025. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the team has finally ended a long wait for a trophy. While significant changes are not anticipated, RCB may choose to release several high-cost players who underperformed last season. The retention deadline is set for November 15. Liam Livingstone is likely to be among those released. Acquired for ₹8.75 crore, he managed to score only 112 runs in IPL 2025. With Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, and Krunal Pandya in the middle order, RCB might opt to let go of Livingstone to conserve funds.
In terms of bowling, senior pacers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are expected to remain following a successful season, while Yash Dayal and Rasikh Salam Dar might be released. Dayal’s performance was inconsistent, and Salam, who was signed for ₹6 crore, played only two matches. The release of Livingstone, Dayal, and Salam could free up approximately ₹19.75 crore, which can be utilized to acquire new or younger talent in the auction. RCB intends to retain their core players, including Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma, Swastik Chikara, Swapnil Singh, and Manoj Bhandage.
Players likely to be released include Liam Livingstone, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam Dar, Mohit Rathee, and Abhinandan Singh.