After 17 long seasons, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally broke their title drought and were crowned champions in IPL 2025. Skipper Rajat Patidar and coach Andy Flower got the combination right, with senior players like Virat Kohli chipping in when needed.
But even in a title-winning season, not every player delivered. RCB will be thinking hard about how to improve further in the mini auction for IPL 2026.
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Some players didn’t quite fit into the plans this year and may not be part of the squad moving forward. Let’s take a look at three names who might not return next season.
IPL 2026 auction: 3 players RCB should release ahead of the next Indian Premier League mini auction
Liam Livingstone:
The English all-rounder came with a big price tag of ₹8.75 crore but couldn’t back it up with performances.
In nine matches, Livingstone scored only 87 runs. With others like Tim David, Jitesh Sharma and Rajat Patidar doing well in the middle and lower order, RCB might not feel the need to hold on to him.
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Releasing Livingstone will free up a big chunk of the budget. That could help the team go after a more consistent overseas all-rounder like Michael Bracewell, Cameron Green or Sikandar Raza who offer more value.
Rasikh Salam Dar:
Bought for ₹6.5 crore, Rasikh Salam became the most expensive uncapped Indian player last season. But he didn’t perform well. The pacer played two matches and could only manage to take one wicket with an economy rate close to 12.
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With other Indian bowlers like Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar doing well, Rasikh slipped down the order. His release seems likely, especially if RCB wants to make room for other bowling options.
Nuwan Thushara:
Thushara was picked up after a solid showing with the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. But in IPL 2025, he only featured in a single game.
With Lungi Ngidi waiting in the wings and RCB’s bowling unit already settled, it is hard to see Thushara getting a role in the playing XI in the next season.
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Releasing him won’t bring a huge amount of money back into the purse, but it will open up a overseas spot.