RCB Squad 2026 IPL Auction: Full List of Players Acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), are heading into the IPL mini-auction with a strong core of 17 retained players. This core includes key figures such as Virat Kohli, captain Rajat Patidar, and overseas stars like Josh Hazlewood and Phil Salt.

Instead of completely overhauling the team, RCB's strategy is to make targeted improvements to address specific weaknesses and maintain their championship balance. The team has released overseas all-rounder Liam Livingstone and pacer Lungi Ngidi, freeing up Rs 16.40 crore to invest in eight open spots, including two overseas players.

One of the primary concerns for RCB is finding an experienced overseas fast-bowling backup for the injured Josh Hazlewood. Additionally, they need to bolster their middle-order firepower to replace the void left by Liam Livingstone. Another area that requires attention is the backup for Yash Dayal, a left-arm seamer who has not played professional cricket since the 2025 Indian Premier tournament and just missed the UPT20 tournament.

The list of retained players for RCB includes:

- Abhinandan Singh - Bhuvneshwar Kumar - Devdutt Padikkal - Jacob Bethell - Jitesh Sharma - Josh Hazlewood - Krunal Pandya - Nuwan Thushara - Phil Salt - Rajat Patidar - Rasikh Dar - Romario Shepherd - Suyash Sharma - Swapnil Singh - Tim David - Virat Kohli - Yash Dayal

Players released by RCB include:

- Liam Livingstone - Lungi Ngidi - Manoj Bhandage - Mayank Agarwal - Mohit Rathee - Sachin Baby

RCB's approach to the IPL mini-auction is a testament to their strategic planning and commitment to building a balanced and competitive team. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents, RCB is well-positioned to defend their title in the upcoming IPL season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most prestigious and popular T20 cricket leagues in the world. RCB, known for their passionate fan base and competitive spirit, has been a consistent performer in the league. The team's management and coaching staff are focused on making the right moves in the auction to ensure they have a squad that can compete at the highest level.

As the IPL mini-auction approaches, cricket fans and analysts alike will be closely watching RCB's selections. The team's ability to address their weaknesses while maintaining the strengths that led them to the championship will be crucial in their quest for another title.

With a solid foundation and a clear strategy, RCB is poised to make significant moves in the auction. The fans are eagerly awaiting the final squad list, hoping that the team will continue to deliver the high-quality performances that have made them one of the most beloved franchises in the IPL.