RCB Retention List IPL 2026 Revealed! Big Moves, Surprises & Kohli’s Future Confirmed
RCB Retention List IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Reveal Retained and Released Players Ahead of Mega Auction
After years of heartbreak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) realized the dream every fan lust for in 2025 when they lifted their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. This result was an emotional chapter in the franchise’s development, with captain Rajat Patidar leading the RCB to victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a blistering final.
However, as the celebrations die down, attention has rapidly turned to IPL 2026, where ever franchise is preparing for the upcoming mega auction. The RCB management have already begun planning ahead for IPL 2026 and developing their retention list for their next title defense.
Also Read: Chennai Super Kings’ Most Expensive Players in Each IPL Auction from 2008 to 2025
RCB’s Story: From Close Calls to Champs
Since 2008, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been a team that fans are crazy about in the IPL. They’ve always had big stars and exciting games. But even with legends like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, they couldn’t win the trophy until 2025.
The 2025 season was amazing. Rajat Patidar’s leadership, Virat Kohli’s experience, and a great team helped them win the whole thing. This win finally shut up the haters and made the fans happy after years of support.
Now, with new challenges coming up, RCB has announced who they’re keeping for the IPL 2026. Some big names are staying, but there are a few surprises on the list of players they let go.
RCB IPL 2026 Ban Rumours Clarified
Following the grand celebrations at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a small stampede in the area of the trophy parade resulted in RCB potentially getting banned for IPL 2026 becoming the topic of rumours that were circulating online.
In any case, dependable sources close to the BCCI have confirmed that RCB will not be banned and that they will play in the next IPL season as scheduled. The franchise, on its part, has also extended a formal apology and assured that better safety measures for fans will be put in place at the next events.
Therefore, RCB fans can keep calm and collected and be sure that their team will be back to defend the title in IPL 2026.
RCB Retention List IPL 2026
Here’s the official list of RCB retained players ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction:
RCB IPL 2026 retention:
Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Swastik Chikara, Tim David, Tim Seifert, Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal.
The retained team shows RCB’s commitment towards building a strong batting foundation, in the leadership of Patidar and Kohli, bolstered by quality pace bowlers, Hazlewood and Dayal. Further inclusions of Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd bring the balance and all-rounders, paired with Phil Salt and Jitesh Sharma (wk), give RCB flexibility in their top/middle-order batting role.
RCB might let go of these players for IPL 2026:
Even though fans are happy about who’s staying, here are some well-known players who might be released:
Players to Release:
Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Mohit Rathee, Swapnil Singh, Rasikh Salam, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Blessing Muzarabani.
These possible changes hint that RCB wants to get some fresh bowlers and free up some spots for foreign players in the IPL 2026 Auction.
RCB’s Retentions Ahead of Mega Auction 2025
Before the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, RCB retained only three key players Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. Their retention prices showcased the franchise’s belief in building around this solid trio.
| Player | Price (INR Crore) |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 21.00 |
| Rajat Patidar | 11.00 |
| Yash Dayal | 5.00 |
| Total Spent | 37.00 |
Patidar’s rise from a retained batter to RCB captain has been one of the most inspiring stories in recent IPL history.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Full Squad Before IPL 2026
| Category | Player | Role / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Batters | Virat Kohli | Top-order Batter (Retained) |
| Rajat Patidar | Middle-order Batter (Retained, C) | |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Top-order Batter | |
| Swastik Chikara | Emerging Batter | |
| Tim David | Middle-order Batter | |
| Wicketkeepers | Phil Salt | Wicketkeeper Batter (Opener) |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper Batter | |
| All-rounders | Krunal Pandya | Spin All-rounder |
| Romario Shepherd | Pace All-rounder | |
| Bowlers | Josh Hazlewood | Fast Bowler |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Fast Bowler | |
| Yash Dayal | Fast Bowler (Retained) | |
| Suyash Sharma | Spinner |
Once they have managed to bag their first IPL trophy, RCB has entered IPL 2026 with a confidence that is palpable. Their retention policy is a mirror image of their equipoise, their firmness, and a well-defined roadmap for the time to come.
Not only is the club going to benefit from Virat Kohli being around as usual, but also Rajat Patidar taking over the captaincy and thus the franchise is all set for a roller coaster ride of yet another season. RCB might as well be starting a new era of IPL dominance if they keep on going like this.
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