As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 retention deadline looms on November 15, teams are strategizing their squads. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), fresh off their championship win, are reportedly considering releasing several players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. While RCB boasts a strong core, some significant decisions are expected regarding player retainments and releases. The mini-auction is scheduled for December 2025, making this retention period crucial for shaping the team’s future.
Several players who haven’t consistently performed or fit into future plans could be let go. Here are five prominent names that might be released by RCB:
**Yash Dayal:** Acquired for Rs 5 crore, India pacer Yash Dayal has shown flashes of brilliance but recent off-field issues could prompt RCB to move on. Despite decent performances, these controversies might outweigh his contributions, leading to his release.
**Liam Livingstone:** The England all-rounder was a high-value signing at Rs 8.75 crore. However, Livingstone has struggled to consistently impact games, failing to justify his price tag. This underperformance could be a key factor in RCB’s decision to release him.
**Swapnil Singh:** Signed for Rs 30 lakh, Swapnil Singh didn’t get a game in the previous season. If he remains outside the team’s plans for the upcoming title defense, it’s highly probable he will be among the released players.
**Lungi Ngidi:** South African speedster Lungi Ngidi was brought in for Rs 1 crore. His participation was limited to just two matches, where he managed to pick up four wickets. Given his minimal impact, RCB might opt to release him to free up resources.
**Rasikh Dar:** The fifth player who could potentially be released is Rasikh Dar. With only two appearances for RCB and a single wicket, it appears unlikely that Dar features in the franchise’s long-term vision for the next season.