IPL TEAM · RELEASED & RETAINED PLAYERS
Royal Challengers Bengaluru — Released & Retained Players 2026
Last updated: January 27, 2026
This page details the retained and released players for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2026 season, reflecting confirmed squad decisions and auction outcomes.
RCB Retained Players
| Player | Role | Overseas |
| Virat Kohli | Batter | — |
| Rajat Patidar | Batter | — |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | 🌍 |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler | — |
Released Players
| Player | Role | Overseas |
| Glenn Maxwell | All-rounder | 🌍 |
| Faf du Plessis | Batter | 🌍 |
| Cameron Green | All-rounder | 🌍 |
| Mohammed Siraj | Bowler | — |
Notes
- Captain: Rajat Patidar
- Strategy: Major reset of the overseas core.
RCB Retention & Release Strategy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have historically balanced star retention with periodic structural resets. RCB tend to retain players who anchor the batting core or provide leadership continuity.
Releases are often used to recalibrate bowling balance or address depth concerns. This approach allows RCB to refresh tactical options while preserving their identity as a batting-centric franchise.