RCB Playing XI for IPL 2026 After Retention List

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have always been one of the most followed and passionate franchises in the Indian Premier League. This team has a massive fan base; all credit goes to their powerful batting lineup and especially the Chase Master of modern-day cricket, Virat Kohli.

RCB have always been in the spotlight for their star-studded squad, featuring players like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Travis Head, and Mitchell Starc over the last decade.

As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, all eyes are on what could be one of the best IPL teams, RCB retention list for the next season. After lifting their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, the franchise will now look to maintain its winning combination while planning smartly for the future. Bengaluru retention list set to be announced soon, with reports suggesting that the franchise will retain its key core players while making a few strategic changes ahead of the mega auction.

RCB Retention List

The team management of Royal Challengers Bengaluru is expected to retain key performers who played crucial roles in lifting their IPL trophy. Senior players like Virat Kohli, Tim David, Rajat Patidar, and Phil Salt will continue to be the pillars of the batting unit, while one of the best IPL bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood are likely to lead the pace attack.

RCB may also focus on retaining young Indian talents who showed great promise last season. As with the right mix of experience and youth, the franchise will try to build a balanced squad to defend their title. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how RCB approaches their retention strategy ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

RCB Players Likely to be Released

The players who are likely to be released from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad are Liam Livingstone, Swastik Chhikara, Rasikh Salam, Lungi Ngidi, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Abhinandan Singh and Mohit Rathee. These players didn't perform despite being given multiple opportunities, and management will release these players in order to increase the purse money for the mini IPL auction 2026.

RCB Playing 11 for IPL 2026

The defending champions of the world's richest cricket league have always been the fans' favourite. They had waited for 17 years to cross the final hurdle and lift the trophy. Now it's time to show the world that last season was not a fluke and they are the champion side. RCB will take the field with the intention of defending their title, and for that, RCB Playing 11 for IPL 2026 will play a major role.

RCB will try to acquire some all-rounders and bowlers to strengthen their squad ahead of the 19th edition of the world's biggest cricket league. Even before the Indian Premier League 2026 auction RCB playing 11 is looking complete with international experienced players to domestic youngsters; this team is completely balanced.