The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team, which was crowned champions in the 2025 IPL, is now bringing the same positive energy into the IPL 2026 season. The management’s plan is to build a long-term team by retaining the best players and releasing those who failed to make an impact during the last season.
The target of the franchise for 2026 is to create a perfect blend of the old Indian batsmen, the talented foreign players, and the fast bowlers who could perform well under pressure. Now let us analyze the players that RCB is most likely to retain before the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Players RCB Will Retain Before IPL 2026 Auction
| Player Name | Role |
| Virat Kohli | Batter |
| Rajat Patidar (C) | Batter |
| Phil Salt | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Batter |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Tim David | All-Rounder |
| Krunal Pandya | All-Rounder |
| Jacob Bethell | All-Rounder |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler |
| Suyash Sharma | Bowler |
| Romario Shepherd | Bowler |
1. Virat Kohli (Batsman)
- Games Played:-15
- Runs Made:- 657
Virat Kohli still is the heart of RCB. His excellent batting in IPL 2025 and regularity at the top order gives him the first place on the retention list. Apart from his performance, Kohli’s guidance and vitality push the team ahead.
2. Rajat Patidar (Leader – Batsman)
- Games Played:- 15
- Runs Made:- 312
Rajat Patidar was the captain of RCB in 2025 and a picture of calmness and steadiness at the same time. His batting at No 3 and the boldness of his intent when the pressure was at its peak were very important for their championship journey. RCB’s management is going to support Patidar to lead the team once more in IPL 2026.
3. Phil Salt (Keeper-Batsman)
- Games Played:- 13
- Runs Made:- 403
Phil Salt has been a decisive factor for RCB in the powerplay. His bold style of batting at the top releases the middle order to play at their own pace. His consistency provides RCB with a reliable overseas batter who can dominate the bowlers from the very first ball.
4. Devdutt Padikkal (Batter)
- Matches Played: – 10
- Runs Scored: – 247
The left-hander has displayed extreme maturity and stability while batting in the top and middle order. He is a crucial element of RCB’s Indian core due to his ability to form alliances and master spin.
5. Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Matches Played: – 15
- Runs Scored: – 261
Jitesh Sharma is a two-fold asset as a power-hitter and back-up wicket-keeper. His domestic as well as IPL experience makes him an adaptable option in RCB’s batting plans for 2026.
6. Tim David (All-Rounder)
- Matches Played: – 12
- Runs Scored: – 187
Tim David’s finishing skills have been RCB’s ace during the last overs. His rapid scoring has frequently allowed RCB to win the games. The team will hold on to him for his ability to hit huge sixes and being the last-over calmness.
7. Krunal Pandya (All-Rounder)
- Matches Played:- 15
- Wickets Taken:- 17
Krunal enhances the squad with his left-arm spin and the capability of bat last being in the lower-order. His control and six to eight overs, along with his experience as a leader, make him a valuable utility player in the RCB lineup.
8. Jacob Bethell (All-Rounder)
- Matches Played:- 2
- Runs Scored:- 67
The young all-rounder hailing from England not only became praised for his patience but also for his versatility. RCB considers Bethell as a player with potential for a long-term future who can perform different roles, as well as his professional growth under the experienced superstars.
9. Josh Hazlewood (Bowler)
- Matches Played:- 11
- Wickets Taken:- 21
The Australian quick is still a vital part of the RCB bowlers’ group. His precision and ability to get the best batsmen out in the powerplays make him the most trustworthy fast bowler in the league.
10. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Bowler)
- Matches Played:- 14
- Wickets Taken:- 17
The experience and skillful swinging of Bhuvneshwar with the new ball make him an indispensable player for RCB. His ability to keep calm in the pressure cooker situation along with the economical spells have been the key to controlling the game at the critical moments.
11. Yash Dayal (Bowler)
- Matches Played:- 15
- Wickets Taken:- 13
In the RCB bowling roster, Yash Dayal has turned out to be a shining player. The RCB firepower has benefited greatly from his left-arm fast bowling and taking of wickets very frequently.
12. Suyash Sharma (Bowler)
- Matches Played:- 14
- Wickets Taken:- 8
The young spinner was doing the rounds with his variations and dauntlessness in IPL 2025. RCB is hoping to support him for his talent and his capability to deliver against the best batters.
13. Romario Shepherd (Bowler)
- Matches Played:- 8
- Wickets Taken:- 5
The all-rounder value of Shepherd his strong hitting at the end of the innings and medium-pace bowling contribute to the team’s flexibility. RCB might keep him on as a reliable overseas player for the balance in both innings.
Justifying the Retentions
RCB keeping a combination of experienced and young players is a very sensible move. The team is both steady and dynamic with the presence of the veteran stars Kohli, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar and the new faces Patidar, Suyash and Dayal.
The potential release of players like Liam Livingstone and others, who have not delivered, will also contribute to the budget savings for RCB, which they can use to target an Indian fast bowler of the highest quality or an additional spinner in the 2026 auction.
Conclusion: RCB’s Core for IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s retention policy for IPL 2026 is aimed at maintaining an equilibrium, fostering loyalty and putting forward a long term vision. The batting line-up with Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Phil Salt, and the bowling partnership of Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar leading the attack, RCB is well equipped to press their claims on the title with full assurance.
The management’s consistency and strategic foresight will be vital as the group attempts to continue its 2025 victory and make a good reputation for themselves in the IPL.
Written by: Manjunath