Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their maiden IPL trophy, ending their 17-year title drought. June 3, 2025, at Ahmedabad was a night to remember for a lifetime for RCB and their fans. Having finally lifted the trophy, RCB are expected to maintain their core team.
Now, as the BCCI has given a deadline to submit the retained and released players list, according to the Zee news, here are the three players RCB may release ahead of IPL 2026. Following are the 3 players RCB could release ahead of Mini Auction
3. Nuwan Thushara
The Sri Lankan fast bowler might be released by RCB as he struggled to find a regular place in the playing XI. Last season, he played only two matches in the absence of Josh Hazlewood, who was recovering from injury. Once Hazlewood returned, Thushara was benched. Hence, RCB might release Thushara ahead of the auction.
2. Rasikh Salam Dar
Rasikh Salam, a fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, was picked by RCB for ₹6 crore during last year’s mega auction. He played only two matches for RCB last season. With pacers like Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and others in the squad, it’s difficult for him to find a spot in the playing XI. Considering his high price and limited use, RCB might release him to free up some funds for the auction and potentially buy a more experienced bowler.
1. Liam Livingstone
The English all-rounder Liam Livingstone was bought by RCB for ₹8.75 crore in the last mega auction. However, he managed to score only 112 runs in 10 matches at an average of 16 and took just two wickets.
He was dropped mid-tournament due to poor form but returned to the playing XI after Tim David’s injury. Given his underwhelming performance, RCB might release him ahead of the auction.
How RCB Performed Last Season
RCB finished second on the points table with nine wins out of 14 matches. Since they secured the second spot, they played and won Qualifier 1 against PBKS, which earned them a place in the final. The rest, as they say, was history.
Written By:- Manjunath S
