RCB 2026 Retentions: Released, Retained & Trade Players List Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Published - 15 Nov 2025, 13:29 IST | Updated - 15 Nov 2025, 18:46 IST

AAWRoyal Challengers Bengaluru enter IPL 2026 as defending champions and are starting their title defense season. After their 2025 title run, the franchise steps into a retention window ahead of the December mini-auction.

Notably, RCB is expected to approach their squad structure after last year’s consistent campaign. The team had relied heavily on Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as their Indian batting backbone. Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Devdutt Padikkal ensured to contribute across phases.

However, the franchise still has decisions to make. Over the past few weeks, RCB have already been part of early discussions around potential releases, including overseas names who struggled to make their place last season. With Tim David and Romario Shepherd placing themselves as the reliable finishers, certain high-value overseas all-rounders are being released to free up purse space.

Unlike other franchises moving actively in the trade market, RCB has largely maintained silence. Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, Shepherd, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, and Phil Salt are retained. RCB is expected to keep this group intact.

Meanwhile, the franchise finds itself facing two major off-field challenges, including ownership uncertainty and the possibility of playing outside Chinnaswamy. Diageo’s decision to initiate a strategic review and put the franchise up for sale has created a period of transition just months before the new season. Multiple bidders, ranging from corporate giants to high-profile entrepreneurs, are reportedly in the race.

On top of that, the tragic stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium following the 2025 victory parade led to the venue being deemed unsafe for mass gatherings. As a result, RCB are preparing for the real possibility of playing IPL 2026 away from their iconic home ground, with Pune emerging as a potential temporary base.

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