 "Royal Challengers Bengaluru won IPL for the first time in 2025. Reuters")
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s list of retained and released players: For the first time after 18 years, RCB are entering an Indian Premier League (IPL) season as the defending champions. After a long, long wait for the trophy, RCB finally lifted year in June 2025 after defeating Punjab Kings in the final.
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After finishing at the second spot in the points table, RCB defeated the Kings comprehensively in Qualifier 1 and then eked out a thrilling six-run victory in the title game to lift the trophy. Virat Kohli was their highest run getter while Josh Hazlewood picked up the most wickets last season for RCB.
The Bengaluru-based side had a fantastic season last time and they would be eager to repeat the same in 2026 with the team retaining almost all of their star players. Rajat Patidar will once again be leading the team after becoming the hero of millions of RCB fans. Virat Kohli too remains
RCB’s list of retained players: Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma
Royal Challengers Bengaluru released players: Liam Livingstone, Tim Siefert, Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Blessing Muzarabani, Mohit Rathee
Royal Challengers Bengaluru player trades: None
Royal Challengers Bengaluru remaining slots: 8 (2 overseas)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) purse remaining for IPL 2026 auction: Rs 16.4 crore