After finally breaking their title drought in IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head into the IPL 2026 season with momentum, belief, and a largely settled squad. Their championship-winning campaign was built on collective performances across departments – from top-order firepower to clinical death bowling.
However, even the best-performing teams look to refine their squads, especially with a mini-auction on the horizon. With November 15 being the deadline for submitting the retained player list, RCB may consider releasing a few names who either underperformed or barely featured in the title-winning run – all to create room in the auction purse and target upgrades.
Here’s a look at three players RCB could release ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction:
1. Liam Livingstone
When RCB secured Liam Livingstone for a hefty Rs 8.75 crore, they expected him to be a game-changer – someone who could provide explosive middle-order runs and chip in with handy off-spin. But the England all-rounder endured a below-par season, managing just 112 runs in 10 matches at an average of 16. With the ball, he picked up only two wickets in five innings, failing to impact games consistently.
Given the price tag and the minimal returns, RCB may look to release Livingstone and instead pursue a more effective all-round option – someone like Cameron Green, who offers more balance and consistency.
2. Blessing Muzarabani
Signed mid-season as a replacement for Lungi Ngidi, Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani was brought in at his base price of ₹75 lakh. However, with RCB’s pace attack already firing, Muzarabani didn’t get an opportunity to feature in a single match.
Considering he was a temporary cover and never truly part of the team’s long-term plans, RCB are likely to release him to optimize squad space and free up overseas slots for more strategic signings in the auction.
3. Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal’s return to RCB, as an injury replacement for Devdutt Padikkal, was expected to bring some solidity to the top order. However, he could only manage 95 runs in five matches, failing to replicate his past IPL success. With Padikkal expected to return fully fit for IPL 2026 and plenty of young Indian batters making waves in domestic cricket, Mayank may not find a place in RCB’s plans moving forward.
Releasing him would also add Rs 1 crore back into RCB’s auction purse – money that could be more effectively spent on an emerging talent or an Indian all-rounder.
What’s More
RCB have little reason to overhaul a squad that just delivered them their first IPL trophy. But like any smart franchise, they’ll aim to tweak the fringes and maximize auction flexibility. Letting go of high-cost, underutilized assets like Livingstone, Muzarabani, and Agarwal could help them do just that.
The IPL 2026 mini-auction offers the perfect platform for RCB to fine-tune their title-defending squad – and if they play their cards right, they might just be on course for back-to-back glory.
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