Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter IPL 2026 with a strong core intact and a purse of Rs 16.4 crore available for the auction. The team kept its main batting spine together, holding on to Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Phil Salt. They also kept their middle-order strength with Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, and Krunal Pandya.
In bowling, they continued with Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, and Rasikh Dar Salam. Salam had played only two matches in IPL 2025 after being purchased for a high amount, but remained part of the plans.
The team parted ways with Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Swastik Chikara, and Mohit Rathee. Livingstone’s exit was the most discussed after he produced only 112 runs and two wickets in ten matches despite being bought for 8.75 crore.
The team released a farewell message for Liam Livingstone after confirming he would not be part of their IPL 2026 squad. The message thanked him for his contribution to the franchise’s first-ever IPL title win and said he would “always be an RCBian at heart.”
Livingstone had been bought for Rs 8.75 crore before IPL 2025 but managed only 112 runs in 10 matches. His overall impact was below expectations, which led to his release ahead of the 2026 auction.
Along with Livingstone, RCB also released South African pacer Lungi Ngidi as part of their squad changes.
In 2025, RCB took home their first IPL trophy. They finished second in the league stage and defeated the Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 and in the final. Virat Kohli was their leading run-scorer, and Josh Hazlewood took the most wickets for the team that season.
After these changes, RCB moves into the IPL 2026 auction with Rs 16.4 crore left in their purse.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Eyeing Players at IPL 2026 auction
RCB will enter the IPL 2026 auction looking to improve their middle order and strengthen their spin and Indian pace options. Matthew Short is a key overseas batting target because he can open or play in the middle order and provides strike rotation and power against spin.
RCB released Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi, Mayank Agarwal, and Swastik Chikara. They retained Yash Dayal, so the team now needs depth in spin and Indian fast bowling. Their remaining purse is Rs 16.4 crore.
RCB is expected to target one major overseas signing. Wanindu Hasaranga, released by RR, is viewed as the top choice for wicket-taking spin. Glenn Maxwell is another option for all-around power-hitting with off-spin. Ngidi could also return as a cheaper backup pace option.
Among Indian spinners, Ravi Bishnoi is the main target because of his attacking wrist-spin. If the overseas slot is available and Hasaranga is not signed, Adam Zampa becomes an alternative.
For Indian pace depth, they may look at Akash Deep as a buy-back and Mohit Sharma as an experienced death-overs bowler. Mahipal Lomror gives a left-handed middle-order option and part-time spin, fitting RCB’s need for flexible Indian batting options.
FAQs
Q. What is RCB’s IPL 2026 purse size?
A. RCB goes into the IPL 2026 auction with ₹16.4 crore left.
Q. Is Virat Kohli going to leave the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025?
A. No. Virat Kohli will remain with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Q. Is Virat Kohli planning to relocate outside of India?
A. Yes. Along with his spouse, Anushka Sharma, and their kids, Virat Kohli intends to relocate to London.
Q. What is the brand value of RCB?
A. RCB’s value is $269 million, the highest among IPL teams.
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