Royal Challengers Bengaluru have officially announced their updated player retention list ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The franchise has made some major decisions, retaining several core Indian players while releasing a few notable names to free up their purse. With a solid mix of experience and young talent, RCB head into the auction with clear plans to rebuild and strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Retention List Live Updates: DC To Retain Natarajan, GT To Release Coetzee

RCB Retained Players for IPL 2026

The franchise has retained a strong core group, including senior stars, promising youngsters, and key foreign signings:

Retained List:
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Abhinandan Singh.

RCB Released Players for IPL 2026

The following players have been released as the team looks to adjust its combination and budget:

Released List:
Liam Livingstone, Swastik Chikkara, Mayank Agarwal, Manoj Bhandage, Mohit Rathee, Lungi Ngidi.

Purse Remaining

RCB head into the auction with a substantial amount:

Purse Left: 16.4 crore

Slots Available

The team has enough space to make impactful additions at the auction:

Total Slots Remaining: 8
Overseas Slots Remaining: 2

What This Means for RCB

With Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Hazlewood, Tim David, and Devdutt Padikkal forming a solid foundation, RCB look set for a balanced approach in the 2026 auction. The release of big-name players like Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi indicates room for fresh signings, potentially targeting all-rounders and death-bowling options.

RCB will aim for a stronger, more flexible lineup as they continue their pursuit of their maiden IPL title ahead of the new season.