As the 2025 IPL season concludes, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stand at a juncture. With hopes running high and fans fantasising about their maiden IPL trophy, the franchise is already pondering its 2026 squad strategy. The emphasis will presumably be on reducing the number of players and taking some hard choices on under-performing or costly players.

Related Article：RCB Trade Targets in IPL 2026：Can the Champions Get Even Stronger?

Five Likely Names on 2026 RCB Released Players List

Speculations regarding the 2026 RCB released players are already out, suggesting that a title-or-nothing revamp may be in the works. The RCB released players list will be closely monitored by competitor franchises and Indian Premier League fans alike. Here’s the inside scoop on five players who are likely to make it to the RCB’s released players list for 2026 IPL Season:

Suyash Sharma

Role: Bowler (India)

Suyash Sharma impressed in bits and pieces throughout the season but lacked consistency in the middle overs. Though he has huge potential, the team can think of him as a rotation player rather than a mainstay bowler. The franchise can release him to open up budget space for a more seasoned or multi-faceted pacer. In conversations regarding the 2026 RCB released players, Suyash’s name has repeatedly been mentioned because of his limited match-defining contribution in 2025.

Suyash Sharma’s Bowling in IPL 2025

Liam Livingstone

Role: All-Rounder (England)

Liam Livingstone’s experience in the IPL has been disappointing given his international status. As much as his big-hitting potential is appealing, RCB may reconsider his role considering his inconsistent batting performances and minimal contribution with the ball. Releasing Liam would be a tactical call, particularly when the list of RCB’s released players list is under evaluation for affordable alternatives. The team may invest in an all-rounder who provides more balance in batting and bowling.

Liam Livingstone’s Bowling in IPL 2025

Liam Livingstone’s Batting in IPL 2025

Rasikh Salam Dar

Role: Bowler (India)

Rasikh Salam Dar displayed moments of genius but failed to establish himself in the playing XI. His economy rate during pivotal games raised some eyebrows, and the management might feel that his position could be taken by a bowler who can be of use in both powerplay and death overs. His likely inclusion in the 2026 RCB released players list appears certain as RCB seeks to renew their bowling department for maximum effect.

Rasikh Salam Dar’s Bowling in IPL 2025

Nuwan Thusara

Role: Bowler (Sri Lanka)

Nuwan Thusara’s leg-spin found application in certain conditions, but in general, he was short of penetration against top-order batsmen. With RCB looking to match-winners who can turn matches regularly, Thusara’s function could be considered unnecessary. Experts anticipate him to feature in the talks of 2026 RCB released players, especially when the team looks to balance experience and new talent for the next campaign.

Nuwan Thusara’s Bowling in IPL 2025

Yash Dayal

Role: Bowler (India)

Yash Dayal has been an effective choice, but RCB may opt for overseas pace or younger players with more upside. His name in the 2026 RCB released players list can open up spots for utility bowlers who can switch between formats. With the title on the horizon, the management may be inclined to rearrange the bowling line-up instead of depending on Yash as a reliable choice.

Yash Dayal’s Bowling in IPL 2025

RCB’s IPL 2025：End to the 18-Year Wait

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 season will be etched as one of the greatest odysseys in the history of the tournament. Ending 18 years of misery and close calls, RCB finally won their first Indian Premier League title, overpowering Punjab Kings by a nail-biting 6 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on June 3. Captain Rajat Patidar’s definitive assertion, “Ee Sala Cup namdu,” was the ideal expression of the victory of a season dominated by grit, determination, and path-breaking performances.

Some knocks you watch, some you never forget. 💪

⬅ Here’s to the ones that made the ride memorable! 🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/2XlK1lZ2G4

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) September 12, 2025

The campaign opened with a baptism by fire for Patidar, with RCB playing three away games in the opening four matches against Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians teams, with a total of 13 IPL titles. Patidar took charge, scoring two consecutive fifties and leading the team to vital away wins, including a historic victory over CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium after 17 years of waiting. Home challenges were met with personal masterpieces, like Josh Hazlewood’s death-over heroics and Romario Shepherd’s blistering fifty, keeping RCB in the fray for a top-two finish.

“Bowlers win you tournaments”… yes, they do! 🥹

Relive our IPL2025’s top spells, that turned highlights into history! 🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/ucvaAjskUj

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) September 12, 2025

Even interruptions, such as IPL’s mid-season break, injuries to regulars, and rain-hit games, could not stop the team. RCB’s bowling attack, spearheaded by veteran campaigners, kept stepping up, demolishing the Punjab Kings in decisive matches. The triumph also completed Virat Kohli’s glittering trophy collection, making him an IPL champion alongside his ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy laurels. IPL 2025 will forever remain a testament to RCB’s perseverance, collective brilliance, and the breaking of long-standing barriers.

Final Words

The 2026 RCB released players list has the makings of being a major talking point for fans and pundits alike. With Suyash Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam Dar, Nuwan Thusara, and Yash Dayal all likely to be on the chopping block, RCB seems poised to adopt a risky strategy that is meant to deliver that long-elusive IPL trophy. As the franchise considers its options, all its decisions will convey the imperative of a title-or-nothing strategy.