The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended a 17-year wait by winning the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2025. Their campaign was remarkable, especially with victories in all away matches, establishing them as one of the most successful teams in the cash-rich league. However, like every championship-winning team, there were areas that could be improved.
Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB had some inconsistencies across departments during their trophy-winning journey. Ahead of the IPL 2026
auction, the franchise may consider releasing certain players to strengthen their squad. Here, let us take a look at five players who could be dropped for the next auction.
5 players RCB can release ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Liam Livingstone
England middle-order batter Liam Livingstone could be the first to be released. He played 10 matches in IPL 2025 and scored just 112 runs at an average of 16. With middle-order batters Tim David and Romario Shepherd in sublime form and delivering match-winning knocks, RCB may find it difficult to justify retaining Livingstone, especially given his inability to consistently contribute in crucial moments.
Rasikh Salam
The right-arm pacer Rasikh Salam is another potential candidate for release. He played only two matches in IPL 2025, taking a single wicket, and his economy rate was far from ideal. Salam has been part of four IPL teams but has failed to make a significant impact. With other bowling options available, RCB may choose to free up a slot for a more consistent performer.
Yash Dayal
The left-arm pacer Yash Dayal could also be released. While he delivered some excellent spells during the death overs, picking 13 wickets in 15 matches, his overall bowling average remained high. With experienced bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and foreign pacers such as Josh Hazlewood in the squad, RCB might look to strengthen their attack with more reliable options, making Dayal a potential candidate for release.
Nuwan Thushara
Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara had a limited role in IPL 2025, featuring in just one match. Even his performances for the national team, including the Asia Cup 2025, were mostly below par. In his four-over spells, opposition batters often scored freely, making him an inconsistent option. Given this, RCB may decide not to retain him for the next auction.
Swapnil Singh
The left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh could be another player RCB might consider releasing. He was picked through the RTM option in IPL 2025, and played seven matches but could pick only six wickets. With Krunal Pandya already delivering impressive overs as a left-arm spinner, having another similar option may not be ideal. RCB might prefer to explore other spin options in the auction to add variety to their attack.
