Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally became IPL champions in 2025! They ended their 18-year wait for the trophy. RCB fans celebrated across the world after that historic win. Now the defending champions are preparing for IPL 2026. They want to keep the winning momentum going strong.
RCB Released Players 2026 List
- Swastik Chikara
- Mayank Agarwal
- Tim Seifert
- Liam Livingstone
- Manoj Bhandage
- Lungi Ngidi
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Mohit Rathee
Royal Challengers made some tough calls on their squad recently. Mayank Agarwal left the team despite his experience there. Lungi Ngidi won’t play for them in IPL 2026 anymore. Tim Seifert also got released from the defending champions’ squad.
Several other players didn’t make the cut this season. The RCB released players 2026 list shows they want continuity. They’re keeping most of their championship-winning team together. Only players who didn’t contribute much got released now.
Bengaluru has Rs 16.4 crore remaining in its budget. They’ll use this money smartly at the auction. The team already looks settled with its current players.
RCB’s Retained Players for IPL 2026
Captain Rajat Patidar will lead Royal Challengers again next season. Star batter Virat Kohli stays with the team obviously. Kohli scored 657 runs during their championship-winning campaign last year.
Phil Salt remains their explosive opener for IPL 2026. He maintained a strike rate of 175.98 last season. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma got retained by Bengaluru management too.
Josh Hazlewood leads their bowling attack once again. He took 22 wickets during the previous IPL season. Several other key players also made the retained list.
RCB’s Strategy for IPL 2026
RCB wants team effort over individual brilliance this time. That approach won them the championship last year. They’re focusing on young talent integration now too.
The released players will find opportunities with other franchises. Royal Challengers believes their current squad can defend the title. The team chemistry from last season remains intact here. They won’t make unnecessary changes to a winning formula.
