RCB Squad for IPL 2026: Full Players List, Retentions & New Signings

Having clinched their first-ever IPL title in 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are heading into the IPL 2026 Mega Auction with a fresh and strategic approach. Despite their championship success, the franchise has chosen to release several players to reshape the squad and create more purse space for targeting new signings.

Among the most notable names released are Liam Livingstone and Rasikh Salam, showcasing the RCB’s strategy to strengthen key areas ahead of the new season. They will be targeting a dependable death bowler and a proven finisher to finally balance the RCB team 2026. Let's find out the RCB retained players 2026, and how RCB IPL 2026 squad is looking before the auction.

Who will Replace Liam Livingstone and Rasikh Salam in RCB Squad for IPL 2026?

RCB’s decision to release one of the most dangerous batsmen in IPL, Liam Livingstone and young Indian pacer, Rasikh Salam, is driven by form, team balance, and the most importantly, budget considerations. England's explosive batter, Liam, despite his reputation as a powerful all-rounder, had an underwhelming IPL 2025 season and carried a high price tag of 8.25 crore INR, making it difficult for the team to think about retaining him. They can go for their Venkatesh Iyer, Moeen Ali, or even Glenn Maxwell is also in the list of players who will go under the hammer.

Promising young Indian pacer Rasikh Salam struggled for consistency in his appearances last season. Letting go of both players not only frees up significant purse money but also provides RCB the flexibility to strengthen the team with an impactful all-rounder and bolster the pace attack with a reliable young bowler, or can also go for an experienced bowling attack as bolwers including Simarjeet Singh, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Chetan Sakariya, Akash Madhwal, Akash Deep, and Matheesha Pathirana are coming on the auction table.

Apart from these two, RCB has also released other players to optimise the squad and free up slots for the players who will complete the pieces that are missing in the squad. Lungi Ngidi was let go as part of a plan to get a genuine death bowling option along with Bhuvneswar Kumar and one of the best bolwers in the world, Josh Hazlewood.

Manoj Bhandage and Swastik Chhikara were released for squad restructuring and better bench options. Senior Indian batter Mayank Agarwal was also released as a tactical decision, as he had to make way for left-hand batter Devdutt Padikkal.

Can Cameron Green Make A Comeback in RCB Squad 2026?

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who is known for his powerful hitting and seam-bowling ability, will be the player to watch out for in the upcoming IPL Auction 2026. Despite limited appearances last few seasons, his ability to contribute in both departments, batting in the top order and bowling crucial overs, makes him an attractive option in RCB IPL 2026 squad.

With the release of Liam Livingstone, RCB now has the overseas slot and purse space to consider bringing in a high-impact all-rounder like Cameron Green. His inclusion would not only strengthen RCB’s top-order firepower but also provide flexibility in bowling rotations, especially in the death overs where the team seeks control.

Given his international experience and ability to handle pressure, a comeback could give Royal Challengers Bengaluru the balance and depth they need to defend their title. Fans will be keenly watching if the management makes this strategic move.