The long wait for IPL trophy is over for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and they will begin the 2026 season with confidence. Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since 2008, finally lifted the trophy, marking a historic moment in RCB’s journey.
Unlike in previous years, RCB are unlikely to make significant alterations to their squad as they head into the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
A handful of expensive recruits failed to deliver in IPL 2025, and with the retention deadline approaching, RCB may part ways with them, giving the Rajat Patidar-led squad some extra budget for IPL 2026.
Liam Livingstone is likely to be released after a disappointing IPL 2025 season. He was bought for INR 8.75 crore but scored just 112 runs at an average of 16.
Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, and Krunal Pandya were magnificent for the franchise.
Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar impressed with a combined 39 wickets in IPL 2025. Their form, vast experience, and tactics should keep them in RCB’s plans for the upcoming season. Rasikh Salam Dar and Yash Dayal were ordinary.
Despite being bought for Rs 6 crore, Rasikh featured just twice.
With Virat Kohli and Phil Salt’s solid opening partnership, Rajat Patidar’s successful captaincy, and Devdutt Padikkal’s brilliance at No. 3, RCB are unlikely to make any changes in the top-order.
RCB’s Probable Retained Players: Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Mayank Agarwal, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Swastik Chikara, Swapnil Singh,.