RCB Retention list ahead of IPL 2026: Who will the Defending Champions let go?

The deafening roar of the Chinnaswamy Stadium was finally justified in 2025 when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their long, agonising wait to claim the maiden IPL title. That triumph was more than just a win for RCB; it was a moment of release and glory for one of the league's most passionate fan bases. Now, the challenge shifts from winning a title to building a dynasty. Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the defending champions must strategically retain their core, knowing that letting go of a few big names is necessary to defend the title.

Also Read: MI Retention list ahead of IPL 2026: Who will the 5-time IPL champions retain?

RCB Retention Strategy

Sources indicate that RCB's management is prioritising continuity and the aggressive, high-strike-rate DNA that led them to the championship. The batting lineup, in particular, remains almost non-negotiable. Leading the charge is the legend, Virat Kohli, who remains the team’s pillar of consistency and tempo. Alongside him, Phil Salt is a guaranteed retention, serving as the overseas Powerplay accelerator.

The middle-order engine is just as vital and will be led by Rajat Patidar, a key Indian batter and an emerging leader under whose captaincy RCB lifted the trophy. Joining him are the young Indian talents Devdutt Padikkal and the explosive keeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. Completing the batting unit is the specialist overseas finisher, Tim David.

The retention strategy focuses on securing balance in the all-rounder and bowling departments. The duo of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the international spearhead Josh Hazlewood will secure the fast-bowling experience; meanwhile, the reliable domestic spinner Suyash Sharma and the all-rounders Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd add crucial utility and depth.

To complete the 13-man list, the team will retain strategic backups. Jacob Bethell is considered a high-value overseas wildcard, while Swapnil Singh provides necessary domestic cover in the spin department and can also contribute a little with the bat.

Who will the defending champions release?

To free up salary cap space, RCB is expected to make a few hard choices by releasing high-cost or underperforming players.

The biggest name likely to be shown the door is Liam Livingstone. Despite his reputation, his underwhelming performance in the 2025 season, both with the bat and ball, has made his high price tag unjustifiable.

In the bowling department, the franchise is expected to release overseas pacers like Nuwan Thushara and domestic talents such as Rasikh Salam Dar. These moves are crucial for freeing up funds that the franchise will target towards acquiring a premium marquee bowler or a left-handed Indian lower-middle-order batsman in the auction. For the defending champions, every penny counts as they look to transition their title win into a league-defining legacy.

RCB Probable Retention List (13 Players)

Virat Kohli (Batter)

Rajat Patidar (Batter)

Phil Salt (WK-Batter, O)

Tim David (Batter, O)

Devdutt Padikkal (Batter)

Jitesh Sharma (WK-Batter)

Krunal Pandya (All-rounder)

Romario Shepherd (All-rounder, O)

Josh Hazlewood (Bowler, O)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Bowler)

Suyash Sharma (Bowler)

Jacob Bethell (All-rounder, O)

Swapnil Singh (All-rounder)

RCB Auction Purse for IPL 2026 Mini-Auction

New Total Auction Purse (Estimated): 125.00 Cr

Minus: Total Cost of 13 Retained Players: 95.70 Cr

Estimated Remaining Auction Purse: 25.30 Cr (without ₹ 5 cr added)

29.30 cr (with ₹ 5 cr added)