Royal Rallengers Bengaluru: 5 players can be released ahead of RCB IPL 2026 auction

This Royal Paintings Bengaluru (RCB) achieved a long-awaited milestone Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025she finally claims the title after 18 years of waiting.

RCB’s historic IPL 2025 campaign

This victory was not the result of individual brilliance, but a collective effort from a well-balanced squad that was second-rate in the league stage and second-rate in the play-offs at the right time. Virat Kohli 657 runs, the third highest in the tournament, was the cornerstone of a run-of-the-mill 657-run knock. Complete with his performance Phil saltAdding firepower with a remarkable strike rate of 175.98. On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood22 Wakets ensured that RCB were a formidable attack, providing a vital attack when needed. Moreover, the leadership Rajat Patidar Instrumental in the team’s triumph, he often contributed at a high strike rate to cement RCB’s place in history.

Need for financial efficiency in IPL 2026

Despite the euphoric win, the RCB squad, heavily shaped by Auction signings, has some areas that need financial optimization. The main concern for the franchise lies in the all-round contingent, which has failed to deliver on an expensive power-hitting investment, especially in terms of middle-order stability and bowling impact.

In addition, funds are closed on players whose season is injured or just a temporary replacement, resulting in zero contributions. Another area of ​​concern is the use of high-priced fast bowlers who offer limited value in bench roles. RCB need to streamline their finances to ensure they can make smarter investments in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, maximizing their existing purse while securing the future of the squad.

Read: Phil Salt reveals how his wife’s selfless act led to his decision to play for RCB in the IPL 2025 final

5 players RCB may consider releasing ahead of IPL 2026 Auction:

1. Liam Livingstone (all-rounder)

• Contract value: Inr 8.75 cr
• Release reason: Lack of investment and impact comes worst

Liam LivingstoneBought for his destructive capabilities in the middle order, he proved to be a massive disappointment in IPL 2025. Bowling was also insignificant with only 2 wickets. This substantial investment tied up critical funds that could have been better spent on a more consistent and reliable player. Releasing LivingStone will free up significant resources to target a player that can deliver at key moments, providing a better return on investment.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Pacer)

• Contract value: INR 10.75 CR
• Release reason: Age, salary and staff are restructured

Bhuvneshwar kumarHis performance in YPL 2025 was decent with 17 wickets in 14 matches. However, the base salary combined with his advancing age makes the contract an inefficient use of resources. At this stage of his career, the franchise sees a better value in investing 10.75 Cr in a smaller, top-paced local talent who can contribute over the long run and contribute in the bowling department. The move will also ensure that RCB’s squad is even more reliable going forward as they aim for continuity beyond the immediate seasons.

3. Rasikh Salam Dar (fast bowler)

• Contract value: INR 6.00 CR
• Release reason: High cost, low utility software for a bench player

Hello RasikhPriced surprisingly high for INR 6.00 CR, it failed to live up to expectations. He played only 2 matches, taking 1 wicket and played at an expensive economy rate of 10.62. As a backup bowler, his performance did not justify his heavy contract value. Releasing Dar is a necessary step in RCB’s investment in domestic pace depth, a necessary step to ensure funds are deployed to high-value bench players with a limited programme.

4. Mayank Agarwal (Opening Batter)

• Contract value: INR 1.00 CR
• Release reason: Replacement GOOD AND CORE WAR

Mayerk Agarwal was brought in as a temporary injury replacement Devdutt padikkalbut with Padikkal’s return and Kohli’s opening partnership and Phil saltAgarwal’s stain has become redundant. Although Agarwal had a solid strike rate in the few matches he played, in just 4 games, he scored 95 runs. Releasing him allows RCB to maintain a balanced squad and utilize the available cap space for areas where more reinforcement is needed.

5. Tim Seifert (Wicket Keeper-Inclined)

• Contract value: INR 2.00 CR
• Release reason: The temporary / mandatory contract has expired

Tim Seifert was signed as a temporary replacement at the end of the season Jacob Bethell. However, he did not participate in any matches and thereby contributed nothing to the success of the team. Considering that RCB’s WiketKeeper Slots are already well covered Jitesh Sharma and Phil saltAlways intended to be short-term, Seifert’s contract offers no long-term value. Releasing him is a common decision to clean up the roster and ensure that RCB’s squad is focused and focused on key players for the future.

These strategic releases are important for RCB as they look ahead to IPL 2026. By clearing the upsets, they not only free up significant funds, but also empty out their roster to ensure they build on their historic wins and ensure they are in contention for the seasons title.

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