Bengaluru, November 15, 2025 – In a highly anticipated announcement that sets the stage for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have officially revealed their list of retained and released players. Fresh off their maiden IPL title victory in 2025, RCB’s strategic decisions reflect a clear intent to build on their newfound success, balancing continuity with calculated shifts. This breaking news provides critical insight into the franchise’s vision, expertly crafted by their management duo Mo Bobat and Andy Flower.

The Core Pillars: Kohli’s Enduring Legacy and Patidar’s Ascent to Captaincy

At the heart of RCB’s retention strategy lies the unwavering presence of ‘senior icon’ Virat Kohli. His decision to continue with the franchise, especially after their historic title win, underscores his deep commitment and the pivotal role he plays both on and off the field. Kohli’s class, experience, and match-winning capabilities remain indispensable as RCB aims for sustained dominance.

However, perhaps the most significant revelation from the retention list is the anointing of Rajat Patidar as captain (c). Patidar, who has evolved into a ‘dependable middle-order contributor’, taking the leadership reins marks a bold and exciting new chapter for the franchise. His journey from an uncapped talent to a key batsman and now captain reflects a remarkable rise. This move signifies RCB’s belief in developing homegrown leadership and Patidar’s ability to inspire from the front. It’s a clear signal of transition and a strategic play to foster a long-term leadership pipeline within the squad, potentially easing the burden on Kohli while still leveraging his immense experience.

The core stability provided by Kohli and the fresh leadership of Patidar form the bedrock of RCB’s ambitions for IPL 2026.

Strategic Exits: Assessing the High-Profile Releases

No retention policy is without its tough calls, and RCB has made some significant ones. The releases of Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, and Lungi Ngidi stand out as major decisions aimed at re-sculpting the squad. While Agarwal and Ngidi’s departures suggest a re-evaluation of specific roles or perhaps an opening for new talent, the release of English all-rounder Liam Livingstone is particularly noteworthy.

The Liam Livingstone Conundrum

Livingstone, a power-hitter known for his destructive capabilities, was a substantial investment, purchased for a hefty Rs 8.75 crore. However, his performance in IPL 2025 fell short of expectations, as he ‘managed only 112 runs at an average of just 16 and scalped two wickets in the 10 matches he played’. For a player of his calibre and price tag, such returns are simply not sustainable in the cut-throat world of the IPL. RCB’s decision, therefore, appears to be a pragmatic one, freeing up a significant chunk of their purse while acknowledging that the investment did not yield the desired dividends. This release highlights the ruthless economics of the IPL, where even high-value players must consistently perform.

Other players released include Swastik Chikara, Manoj Bhandage, and Mohit Rathee, decisions that align with refreshing squad options and seeking greater balance.

Reinforcing Depth: Smart Retentions and Emerging Talent

Despite Livingstone’s exit, RCB has ensured that their middle-order remains a powerhouse. The retained list boasts ‘in-form Australian Tim David, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, the powerful Romario Shepherd, the emerging Jacob Bethell, and the ever-reliable Krunal Pandya’. This formidable lineup offers a diverse range of skills: David’s explosive finishing, Sharma’s dynamic wicketkeeping and batting, Shepherd’s all-round prowess, Bethell’s promising talent, and Pandya’s invaluable left-arm spin and lower-order hitting. Such depth provides RCB with immense flexibility to adapt to various match situations and pitches.

The Curious Case of Rasikh Dar Salam

Another ‘noticeable retention’ is Rasikh Dar Salam. Purchased for Rs 6 crore as the ‘highest-paid uncapped Indian of the IPL 2025 mega auction’, his statistics from last season – ‘featured only twice for RCB in IPL 2025’ and ‘could pick just one wicket in the two games’ – might raise eyebrows. However, this retention speaks volumes about RCB’s long-term vision and their belief in his raw talent. It suggests that the franchise sees significant potential in Salam and is willing to invest time in his development, banking on his future contributions rather than immediate returns. This patient approach is often crucial for nurturing young Indian talent in the IPL.

A Balanced Bowling Arsenal

RCB has also solidified its bowling unit, retaining a mix of international experience and promising Indian talent. Josh Hazlewood provides the spearhead with his consistent line and length, while Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Nuwan Thushara offer varied pace options, including death bowling expertise. The retention of spinners like Swapnil Singh, Abhinandan Singh, and Suyash Sharma, alongside Krunal Pandya, ensures a well-rounded attack capable of thriving on different surfaces. This ‘strengthening depth across bowling’ is a testament to RCB’s lessons learned from previous seasons, recognizing that a strong and versatile bowling unit is paramount to championship success.

The full list of retained players showcases a deliberate blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting prospects: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, and Suyash Sharma.

The Purse Power: What Rs 16.4 Crore Means for RCB

After these crucial retention decisions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into the IPL 2026 auction with a ‘Remaining Purse: Rs 16.4 crore’. This sum provides them with a respectable amount of financial flexibility. Given that they have retained a strong core and bolstered key areas, this remaining purse suggests that RCB’s primary squad is largely settled. They are likely to target specific backup options, an X-factor player to further enhance their squad depth, or perhaps a specialist in a niche role that they feel might still need addressing. It allows them to be opportunistic in the auction, picking up value buys rather than needing to break the bank for essential components, a luxury afforded to them by their strong retention strategy.

A New Era of Confidence: RCB’s Path to IPL 2026

Having finally broken their title duck in IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru step into the 2026 season with ‘renewed belief’. The strategic decisions made by Mo Bobat and Andy Flower reflect a meticulous approach to team building. By retaining their biggest pillars in Kohli and Patidar (now as captain), while also making bold calls on high-value releases like Livingstone, RCB has demonstrated a clear intent to move forward with a pragmatic, performance-driven strategy.

The emphasis on ‘strengthening depth across bowling, and all-round options’ underscores a holistic approach to squad construction. With a balanced roster of explosive batsmen, versatile all-rounders, and a diverse bowling attack, RCB appears well-equipped to defend their title. The challenge now lies in translating these strategic decisions into consistent performances on the field, fostering the team chemistry that led to their historic triumph, and cementing their status as a dominant force in the IPL for years to come.

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