Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Liam Livingstone’s high price likely played a role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) decision to release him into the IPL 2026 auction pool. Livingstone played for RCB in their title-winning IPL 2025 season after being bought for Rs. 8.75 crore in last year’s mega auction. However, his performance fell short of expectations, scoring 112 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 133.33, including one half-century, and taking two wickets in nine overs with an economy rate of 8.44.

It remains to be seen whether RCB or another franchise will pick him up during the IPL 2026 auction, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16.

Kumble, who has previously captained RCB, said on JioStar, “Releases are always tough calls. Liam Livingstone is someone I enjoyed working with closely, and he was outstanding for Punjab in IPL 2022, probably his best season. He can change a game single-handedly in just a few overs with his powerful batting.”

He added, “What makes him special is his bowling flexibility; he bowls leg spin to right-handers and off spin to left-handers, and he’s also a good fielder, making him a complete package. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a great IPL season for RCB last year and missed out on selection for England. Otherwise, I’m sure other franchises would be interested. His high price tag was likely a factor in the release. RCB also needs backup options, both an overseas and an Indian fast bowler, to support their main attack of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. This need for bowling depth may have contributed to this tough decision.”

Meanwhile, former India wicketkeeper-batter and national selector Saba Karim questioned RCB’s decision to release young batter Swastik Chikara. “It’s a splendid position for RCB as defending champions. Regarding their auction plans, they can still buy back Liam Livingstone in the mini-auction if he doesn’t go for too high a price,” Karim said.

He added, “I’m also surprised they didn’t retain Swastik Chikara, who was an excellent buy last season after his prolific performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. I was expecting him to play, but he didn’t get a single game and has now been retained. If RCB wants to strengthen their batting lineup, they have several Indian uncapped batsmen they can target in the auction to build squad depth for the upcoming season.”