Royal Challengers Bengaluru Retained Players, IPL 2026: RCB had a memorable campaign last season as they ended up clinching the IPL 2025 title.
They defeated the Punjab Kings in the final to bag their first IPL title, leaving fans as well as players heavily emotional as a long and frustrating wait finally came to an end.
Virat Kohli was RCB’s top run-getter and helped the side with an incredible contribution in their title-winning season. He scored 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75. The former skipper is all set to continue for the franchise he has played for throughout his IPL career. The champions might not make too many changes in their setup as all teams gear up for the next season with some much-awaited retentions and eyes on the released players as well.
Rajat Patidar will likely continue as the skipper in the IPL 2026 as well. Josh Hazlewood picked up the most wickets last season for RCB and is expected to be one of the several players to continue their stay with the franchise.
The presence of Australian power-hitter Tim David, along with West Indies allrounder Romario Shepherd, means RCB already have enough options for the finisher’s role. In an interesting turn of events, they might let go of the England all-rounder Liam Livingston, but the official announcement might have more surprises.
RCB’s list of retained players: Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Abhinandan Singh, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Phil Salt (WK), Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara
Royal Challengers Bengaluru player trades: None
Royal Challengers Bengaluru released players: Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Tim Seifert, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Blessing Muzarabani, Liam Livingstone and Mohit Rathee.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru remaining slots: 8 (2 overseas)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) purse remaining for IPL 2026 auction: Rs 16.40 crore