IPL 2026 RCB release player list final: Karnataka player name included

IPL 2026 RCB: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), as the defending champions, are expected to keep their core winning team intact for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, which has a retention deadline of November 15, 2025. IPL 2026 RCB release player list final: Karnataka player name included.

While the official list of released players will be announced on or around that date, various reports and speculation suggest that RCB will strategically release a few high-value, underperforming, or surplus players to free up salary cap space for targeted buys in the mini-auction.

Based on performance in the last season and the need to free up funds, the following players are heavily rumored to be released:

Liam Livingstone (Overseas All-rounder): He is the most prominent name expected to be released due to an underwhelming performance in the 2025 season relative to his high price (reportedly Rs 8.75 crore). Releasing him would significantly boost the available auction purse.

Lungi Ngidi (Overseas Pacer): Ngidi is another overseas player who might be released to free up an overseas slot and salary cap space.

Swapnil Singh (All-rounder/Bowler): Often seen as a surplus domestic option, his release would clear a small amount of cap space.

Other Potential Releases:

Mayank Agarwal (Batter – joined as a replacement).

Nuwan Thushara (Bowler – limited opportunities/minimal contribution).

Rasikh Salam (Bowler – to free up purse or buy back at a lower price).

The Core Players RCB is Expected to Retain:

RCB’s retention strategy will revolve around keeping their match-winning core who clinched the 2025 title:

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David                , Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal.

RCB’s Mini-Auction Strategy:

By releasing players like Livingstone, RCB aims to free up a substantial amount of money (potentially over Rs 10 crore) to target specific gaps, which are generally expected to be:

1. A high-impact, aggressive Indian middle-order batsman/finisher to complement the top order.

2. A quality death-overs specialist bowler (domestic or overseas) for depth.

Also Read: KL Rahul back to RCB: Karnataka billionaires interest to buy franchise