RCB Released Players 2026: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have officially released several players ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, focusing on restructuring their bowling lineup and strengthening their Indian core. This detailed article covers the full list of RCB released players 2026, reasons behind the retention decisions, how the releases impact team balance, and expected future strategies.
RCB Released Players 2026
| Player Name | Role | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Livingstone | All-rounder | Overseas | High-price signing; released after low-impact 2025 season. |
| Lungi Ngidi | Fast Bowler | Overseas | Mostly reserve pacer; released to free funds. |
| Mayank Agarwal | Batter | Indian | Replacement player in 2025; not retained. |
| Manoj Bhandage | All-rounder | Indian | Released to create squad space. |
| Mohit Rathee | Spinner | Indian | Team looking for alternative spin options. |
| Swastik Chikara | Batter | Indian | Young domestic player; part of squad trimming. |
| Tim Seifert | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Overseas | Surplus with Phil Salt & Jitesh Sharma in squad. |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Fast Bowler | Overseas | Released to improve overseas pace balance. |
(Replace placeholders with actual players once announced by IPL 2026 officials.)
RCB Squad Strategy for 2026
Focus on Bowling Overhaul
RCB struggled with death bowling in 2025, leading management to release overseas pacers and free up budget for replacements.
Strengthening the Middle Order
Releasing inconsistent middle-order batsmen gives RCB room to invest in finishers and experienced anchors.
Prioritizing All-Rounders
The team aims to build a stronger balance of batting and bowling with multi-skilled players.
Who Might Replace the Released Players?
Overseas Fast Bowlers
RCB might target bowlers with IPL experience, especially death-over specialists.
Power Hitters
With a few middle-order batsmen released, RCB may eye finishers capable of accelerating between overs 14–20.
Spin All-Rounders
Given Chinnaswamy’s batting-friendly pitch, RCB may look for spinners who can also contribute with the bat.
Impact on RCB’s Budget for IPL 2026
The released players free up a significant purse amount, allowing RCB to bid aggressively during the auction—particularly for pace bowlers and explosive middle-order batsmen.
RCB Squad Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
| Player Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Rajat Patidar (C) | Batter | Retained |
| Virat Kohli | Batter | Retained |
| Swastik Chikara | Batter | Released |
| Mayank Agarwal | Batter | Released |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Batter | Retained |
| Phil Salt | Wicket-Keeper | Retained |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicket-Keeper | Retained |
| Tim Seifert | Wicket-Keeper | Released |
| Liam Livingstone | All-Rounder | Released |
| Krunal Pandya | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Swapnil Singh | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Tim David | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Romario Shepherd | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Manoj Bhandage | All-Rounder | Released |
| Jacob Bethell | All-Rounder | Retained |
| Josh Hazlewood | Pacer | Retained |
| Yash Dayal | Pacer | Retained |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Pacer | Retained |
| Nuwan Thushara | Pacer | Retained |
| Lungi Ngidi | Pacer | Released |
| Rasikh Salam | Pacer | Retained |
| Abhinandan Singh | Pacer | Retained |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Pacer | Released |
| Suyash Sharma | Spinner | Retained |
| Mohit Rathee | Spinner | Released |
FAQs
1. How many players did RCB release ahead of IPL 2026?
RCB released 8 players before the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
2. Who are the foreign players released by RCB for IPL 2026?
The overseas players released are:
- Liam Livingstone
- Lungi Ngidi
- Tim Seifert
- Blessing Muzarabani
3. Why did RCB release Liam Livingstone?
He was released due to high price + low impact during the 2025 season and to free up money for new all-rounders.
4. Why did RCB release Lungi Ngidi and Muzarabani?
Both pacers were reserve options and RCB wants to rebuild their overseas fast-bowling core.
5. Did RCB release any senior Indian players?
Yes, Mayank Agarwal was released as he was a short-term replacement in 2025.
6. Which domestic players were released?
RCB released domestic talents such as:
- Manoj Bhandage
- Mohit Rathee
- Swastik Chikara
7. When will the RCB final squad be revealed?
The updated squad will be confirmed after the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
8. Does releasing players mean RCB is doing a full rebuild?
Not a full rebuild — RCB is freeing funds and spots to target power-hitters, death bowlers, and all-rounders.
9. Who are the retained wicketkeepers, leading to Tim Seifert’s release?
RCB retained Phil Salt and Jitesh Sharma, so Seifert was not required.
10. Will RCB sign new overseas all-rounders in the auction?
Yes, RCB is expected to target big-impact all-rounders and power finishers for IPL 2026.
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