Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced their list of retention for the 2026 IPL Season, confirming the crux of the squad that will try to defend their maiden title in the upcoming IPL season. With a good mix of Indian Talent and Overseas match-winners, the 2026 RCB Retention list looks solid, with the franchise opting for stability rather than changing much to their squad.

How’s RCB 2026 Retained Players List?

The RCB 2026 retention list displays that they have opted for experience with the mix of multi-dimensional skillsets throughout the squad. The Indian core led by Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (Their Captain) and Jitesh Sharma remains untouched on one hand, while Australian finishers like Tim David and explosive English opener Phil Salt add a factor in the last few overs and the powerplay.

 

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Retaining two overseas seamers, Hazlewood and Thushara, reflects their strategy to have a ready-made pace attack without depending on the auction. Inclusion of emerging domestic names such as Abhinandan Singh and Suyash Sharma also shows RCB’s commitment to building a long-term bench. However, a couple of surprise decisions stand out both in omissions and unexpected retentions.

2026 RCB Retention List: Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Jacob Bethell (Overseas), Romario Shepherd (Overseas), Swapnil Singh, Josh Hazlewood (Overseas), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Nuwan Thushara (Overseas), Abhinandan Singh (Uncapped Indian)

2026 RCB Released Players List: Mayank Agarwal, Swastik Chhikara, Tim Seifert, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi (Overseas), Mohit Rathe (Uncapped Indian)

Surprising Release from RCB in 2026

The release that made headlines from the RCB camp was the departure of English powerhouse Liam Livingstone, who is arguably regarded as one of the most valued players in T20 because of his six-hitting ability and with the ball, the variety that he provides by bowling both leg/off-spin. Although his form in the last season for RCB was not very impressive but his ability to single-handedly change games often kept him in the discussions of franchises.

 

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RCB’s decision to release him, then, indicates a move toward more specialist positions or a need to free up space and resources for more specific additions. His departure also opens the spot for an energetic spin-all-rounder, one which RCB will now be hoping to fill at the auction.

3 Surprising Names in IPL 2026 RCB Retention List

Romario Shepherd

One retention that perhaps raises a few eyebrows is West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd. There’s no denying the impact he has created with some telling cameos and useful medium pace in T20 leagues around the world, but in the IPL, performances have been hot-and-cold. RCB clearly believe that his power-hitting at the death and his ability to bowl tough overs still hold great value in their team structure. With Bengaluru’s smaller boundaries, Shepherd’s batting threat will continue to be a factor, even if his bowling economy remains an area of concern.

Jacob Bethell

Retaining the young England all-rounder Jacob Bethell fits into RCB’s long-term strategy, but still feels like a bold decision. Bethell only had limited outings last season and did not have major returns with either bat or ball. However, his value as a left-hander who can bowl part-time spin offers flexibility that’s very useful in matchup-driven selections. RCB may see him as a developmental pick who’ll grow rapidly with more exposure around senior players.

Nuwan Thushara

Another interesting decision is to keep the Sri Lankan bowler with a slingy action, famous for his resemblance to Lasith Malinga’s action, staying in this list. Thushara brings in X-factor with his yorkers and pace that is often deceptive because of his unusual bowling action, but he still has to prove consistent control at the IPL level. Thus, him being a part of the 2026 RCB retained players list came as a surprise to many.

5 Players RCB Should Target in the IPL 2026 Auction

After the announcement of 2026 RCB retained players list, the defending champions enters the mini-auction of the IPL with a purse of INR 16.40 crore to try to add more strength to their squad. RCB still has two overseas slots left and needs to utilise the funds judiciously while targeting specialised backups rather than starting XI regulars.

#1 Matheesha Pathirana (Fast Bowler)

With Lungi Ngidi released, RCB need an overseas quick who can complement Hazlewood and Thushara. Matheesha Pathirana, with his deadly yorkers and unorthodox sling action, fits perfectly into RCB’s death-overs plan. Pathirana may be pricey, but getting the game over with the ball makes him top-tier worthy to stretch the purse for.

#2 Glenn Maxwell (Spin All-Rounder)

After the announcement of 2026 RCB Retention List, there is a clear vacancy in the spin-all-rounder slot following the release of Liam Livingstone, and the most fitting option happens to be a familiar face: Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell’s batting impact at the Chinnaswamy, allied to his ability to bowl overs that are friendly for the matchup, now makes him near-ideal. RCB should strongly consider bringing Maxwell home if he enters the auction pool.

#3 Aaron Hardie (Pace All-Rounder)

A pace all-rounder remains one of RCB’s key requirements, and Aaron Hardie offers the right balance. The Australian brings clean ball-striking ability in the lower middle order and can provide useful overs with the ball. Hardie’s versatility makes him an excellent rotational option, fitting into both home and away conditions.

#4 Prithvi Shaw (Top-Order Batter)

RCB need a reliable backup for the top order, and Prithvi Shaw’s powerplay aggression aligns seamlessly with their attacking philosophy. Shaw’s natural flair at the top, along with his proven IPL track record, make him a very strong bench option who can slot in easily in case Padikkal or Patidar are ruled out.

#5 Rahul Chahar (Wrist-Spinner)

Among Indians, Rahul Chahar is arguably the most prized target. Without an Indian wrist-spin option in their first team, RCB need the middle-overs wicket-taking quality and vital variation that Chahar offers. He also comes within their budget and shores up the bowling depth.