As the buzz rolls in for IPL 2026, fans are already excited to know how the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad is forming up this time. The retention and release window becomes a big talking point every year of what process teams follow, who they are retaining and who they have to let go.
But RCB has taken a few bold but measured calls this year concentrating on developing a solid core and addressing those gaps which failed them in the previous editions. Now, Let’s simplify the FC Goa Full Retained and Released Players List for ISL 2021-22 along with the detailed analysis of their roles in the team and other expressing thoughts on every move.
RCB Retained Players for IPL 2026
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Rajat Patidar (C) | Batter |
| Virat Kohli | Batter |
| Phil Salt | WK-Batter |
| Jitesh Sharma | WK-Batter |
| Krunal Pandya | All-Rounder |
| Tim David | All-Rounder |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler |
| Suyash Sharma | Bowler |
| Jacob Bethell | All-Rounder |
Why Were These Players Retained?
Rajat Patidar (C) – The New Captain
Rajat Patidar has been one of RCB’s most consistent performers in the past few years. He has the ability to see the innings through, he’s got a good head and can handle pressure, he plays spin and pace perfectly and that makes him an ideal captain for future. It makes sense for RCB to show faith in him with the captaincy, its message being long term.
Virat Kohli – The Backbone of RCB
No surprises there—Virat Kohli is still the spine of this franchise. MIXING IT Even in the deeper autumn of his career, experience, fitness and a winner’s personality make him irreplaceable.
Phil Salt – The Explosive Opener A player who is not afraid to swing his bat.
Phil Salt offers an explosive start up top and doubles up as a wicketkeeper. His fearless attitude will gel well with RCB’s batting, especially at the Chinnaswamy where hitters are key.
Jitesh Sharma – Middle-Order Finisher
An Indian ‘keeper with endgame capabilities is a blessing in the IPL. Jitesh Sharma, Middle-Order Hits the ball well and gives our team multiple options in terms of squad combination.
Krunal Pandya – Multi-Dimensional All-Rounder
With steady left-arm spin, effective lower-middle-order hitting and with lots of experience, Krunal Pandya is indeed a useful all-rounder who dovetails perfectly into RCB’s balance plans?
Tim David – Power Finisher
Tim David’s finishing prowess can swing games in few balls. RCB is surely looking for a player who can play come down and whack the ball, they need a world class power hitter and with his strike rates always being above 150 David will not disappoint them.
Josh Hazlewood – The Pace Anchor
Hazlewood’s control, lift and powerplay prowess make him one of the most influential bowlers in the competition. RCB realise that the impact of foreign pacemen is paramount, and Hazlewood simply can’t be offloaded.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Experience + Swing
RCB’s decision to bid and bring back Bhuvneshwar Kumar is only set in stone the fact that they are looking to shore up their pace battery. His swinging deliveries in the powerplay and poise during pressure overs add some much-needed stability.
Suyash Sharma
Pacer Suyash Sharma has unique action and a natural attacking mindset as well, are long-term assets. “Suyash is very promising, RCB wants to invest in such spin talents.
Jacob Bethell – Well-Rounded option types all over the park.
And Bethell didn’t let his team down because he can hit the ball well and bowl part-time spin, making him a flexible middle-overs option. He has grown well and RCB views him as a mature player with future-impacting abilities.
RCB Released Players for IPL 2026
| Player Name | Reason for Release |
|---|---|
| Liam Livingstone | High price; frees overseas slot |
| Lungisani Ngidi | Overseas reshuffle |
| Manoj Bhandage | Squad restructuring |
| Swastik Chhikara | Bench optimisation |
| Mayank Agarwal | Not in core plans |
| Mohit Rathee | Released for balance |
Why Were These Players Released?
Liam Livingstone – Too Expensive On RCB’s Purse Strings
Livingstone is a game-changer but RCB’s hands were tied at the auction due to his high price tag. That release frees up an overseas slot and more money that can be used to sign specialists.
Lungisani Ngidi – Overseas Reshuffle
RCB have gone with another overseas combination, retaining Hazlewood and Tim David. The release of Ngidi also simplifies the squad, to an extent.
Manoj Bhandage – Squad Restructuring
Seeing enough all rounders in the system, RCB opted to let go Manoj Bhandage so as to invest on new blood and better balance.
Swastik Chhikara – Bench Optimization
Chhikara has potential, but RCB would’ve had to create an Indian domestic pool slot for someone looking a bit readier.
Mayank Agarwal – Not In Core Plans
Mayank’s lack of chances and his unsuitability with RCB’s tactical batting methods, ensured he was not in the plans for the future.
Mohit Rathee – Balance Considerations
But, to manage the perfect mix of bowlers and all-rounders, RCB had to release Mohit Rathee.
Overall Team Strategy for IPL 2026
Both the decisions of retention and release reveal that what RCB is aiming:
Building a strong Indian core
Patidar, Kohli, Jitesh, Suyash and Bhuvneshwar all are reliable players.
Maintaining a balanced mix of all-rounders
Variety and depth is contributed by Krunal Pandya, Tim David, and Jacob Bethell.
Strengthening the bowling department
Hazlewood’s control and Bhuvneshwar’s experience will be crucial on smaller dimensions like the Chinnaswamy.
Basing the squad’s future on stability over short-term mercenaries
Youngsters like Suyash Sharma and Bethell suggest future planning.
Conclusion
The released and retained players lists of RCB for IPL 2026 is a reflection of smart planning, change in pattern towards sustainable strategy and long-term vision. Fans may miss the ring of names like Livingstone, or Mayank Agarwal, disrupting that lineage indeed might be why they’ve lost a bit of interest in their squad this year.
With the IPL 2026 auction in sight, RCB now have it easy on repairing any damage left to be done especially death-over bowling and middle order consistency.
