On June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 18-year IPL trophy drought by lifting their first-ever title at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The historic win came after bold auction moves in IPL 2025, where the team released several players to create space for a stronger, more balanced squad.
For IPL 2026, RCB has retained a core of 17 players, focusing on a mix of experienced stars and promising young talent.
With strategic plans to strengthen the Indian pace attack and a mostly settled squad, the team enters the new season ready to defend their crown and continue their journey as IPL champions.
Latest IPL 2026 Updates Related to RCB
- RCB has retained a strong core of 17 players for IPL 2026, including key names like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Suyash Sharma.
- To create additional purse value for the mini-auction, several players have been released, such as Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara, Mayank Agarwal, Tim Seifert, Rasikh Dar Salam, and other domestic backups.
- The team’s biggest focus for the 2026 season is improving their Indian pace depth, as the bowling unit relied heavily on Josh Hazlewood during their title-winning run.
- Young Indian fast bowlers like Gurnoor Brar and Aakash Madhwal are high on RCB’s radar for targeted additions in the upcoming auction.
- While many other franchises are highly active in the trade window, RCB is sticking to a quieter and more calculated approach, aiming for small but high-impact signings without breaking the balance of their winning combination.
Confirmed Players Retained by RCB for IPL 2026
Here is the list of players RCB management is likely to retain to defend their squad for the IPL 2026.
| Player Name | Role | IPL 2025 Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Rajat Patidar | Batter / Captain | First successful RCB captain; led the team to the title; 312 runs with calm, composed leadership. |
| Virat Kohli | Batter | Highest run-scorer for RCB (657 runs) with 8 fifties; provided explosive starts and stability as the batting backbone. |
| Phil Salt | WK-Batter (Overseas) | Explosive opener; scored 403 runs at a strike rate of 175.98, setting the pace in the powerplay. |
| Jitesh Sharma | WK-Batter | Provided stability in the middle order; scored 261 runs at an average of 37.28; reliable keeper. |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Batter | Solid top-order innings before injury; contributed 247 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 150.60. |
| Tim David | All-rounder (Overseas) | Powerful lower-order finisher; scored 187 runs with a huge strike rate of 185.14 and 14 sixes. |
| Krunal Pandya | All-rounder | Phenomenal dual threat; 17 wickets and 109 runs; Player of the Match in the 2025 Final. |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder (Overseas) | Lower-order impact hitter; recorded an eye-catching strike rate of 291.66; useful seam bowling option. |
| Swapnil Singh | All-rounder | Provided crucial depth with both left-arm spin and handy lower-order batting. |
| Jacob Bethell | All-rounder (Overseas) | Retained as a young, promising overseas talent for future development. |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler (Overseas) | Lead pacer; claimed 22 wickets in 12 matches; controlled powerplay and death overs with disciplined bowling. |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler | Experienced domestic pacer; took 17 wickets in 14 games; economical and consistent in powerplays. |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler | Reliable left-arm pacer; took 13 wickets in 15 games; delivered in pressure situations with variations. |
| Nuwan Thushara | Bowler (Overseas) | Retained for his unique slingshot action and pace variety. |
| Rasikh Salam Dar | Bowler | Domestic pace backup; retained for squad depth and potential. |
| Abhinandan Singh | Bowler | Domestic pacer; retained for future development and depth. |
| Suyash Sharma | Spinner | Handy middle-overs leg-spinner; took 8 wickets in 14 games, offering control in the middle overs. |
Rajat Patidar (Captain, Batter)
Patidar is RCB’s first-ever successful captain, and his calm leadership and spin-hitting.
Contributing 312 runs in 15 matches while hitting big shots on spinners consistently, Patidar showed composure and adaptability. RCB sees him as a long-term leader who can deliver to secure another IPL title.
Virat Kohli (Batter)
Kohli’s retention is non-negotiable as he is the poster boy of this most-loved franchise. He scored a stellar 657 runs in 15 matches, including eight fifties, and proved he is the RCB’s batting backbone. Virat has played only for RCB since 2008 and has scored 8661 runs, the most by any batter in this league.
His international experience, match-winning mentality, and ability to inspire teammates are unmatched in the world. His consistency and brand value ensure he remains a key figure for 2026.
Devdutt Paddikal (Batter)
Devdutt Padikkal played a crucial role for RCB with the bat before he got injured. He made 247 runs in 10 games at an average of 27.44 and a strike rate of 150.60.
Padikkal made his IPL debut with RCB in 2020 and scored over 400 runs in his first two seasons in the league. He played for Rajasthan Royals for two seasons and was traded to Lucknow Super Giants in 2024. Padikkal is likely to be retained by the franchise as he can play crucial role in the next few years.
Phil Salt (WK-Batter)
RCB will retain Phil Salt due to his explosive batting. He scored 403 runs in last season at a strike rate of 175.98.
He played key roles in power plays, providing explosive starts in multiple matches. His six-hitting ability and Virat’s composure in the inning made both of them a lethal opening duo.
Jitesh Sharma (WK-Batter)
Jitesh Sharma proved reliable behind the stumps and contributed 261 runs at an average of 37.28. He offers stability and consistency, which is vital for RCB’s batting plans.
His form throughout 2025, especially in the last group stage, where he helped RCB chase down its highest total against LSG to reach Qualifier 1, was impressive.
Tim David (All-rounder)
Tim David’s reputation as a powerful lower-order hitter was evident with 14 sixes and a strike rate of 185.14. He finished many matches for them and also scored quick runs.
RCB sees David as a game-changer in close encounters and trusts his overseas pedigree to provide impact when it matters most. His role is vital for managing death, acceleration, and balance.
Krunal Pandya (All-rounder)
Krunal Pandya was phenomenal, taking 17 wickets and scoring 109 runs, delivering match-winning performances, and notably winning the Player of the Match in the 2025 final.
His dual ability to control middle overs with spin and chip in with crucial runs suits the T20 format perfectly. RCB wants him for his experience and temperament in big matches, specialist spin skills, and the flexibility he brings as a batter.
Romario Shepherd (All-rounder)
Shepherd recorded an eye-catching strike rate of 291.66 with the bat and is known for providing impactful cameos lower down the order. He also scored the fastest half-century off 14 deliveries in IPL 2025.
RCB values his power-hitting ability at the death and his utility in seam bowling. Shepherd’s presence boosts squad depth and also provides a bowling option.
Josh Hazlewood (Bowler)
Hazlewood led RCB’s pace attack, claiming 22 wickets in 12 matches with disciplined bowling.
His ability to break partnerships, especially in the powerplay and death overs, is key to RCB’s bowling strategy. Along with Bhuvi, he broke multiple partnerships and was also very economical at the death overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Bowler)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing and economy made him a consistent wicket-taker, especially in powerplays, with 17 wickets in 14 games. Apart from this, he has taken 198 wickets in IPL and is the second-highest wicket-taker in the league.
RCB trusts his experience to anchor the domestic pace attack and deliver in high-pressure matches. His calmness, tactical awareness, and match management skills make him indispensable for future campaigns and squad mentoring.
Yash Dayal (Bowler)
Yash Dayal took 13 wickets in 15 matches, using reliable left-arm pace to handle pressure situations. His ability to bowl at different phases, especially during harrowing chases or crucial overs, showcases future star potential.
RCB is keen to retain him for further development and to secure left-arm variety in their pace arsenal, making him an integral part of the roadmap.
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Conclusion: RCB Enters IPL 2026 Ready to Defend Their Crown
After ending their 18-year wait and winning the IPL 2025 title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru enters IPL 2026 with confidence and stability. The team’s success was built on bold auction decisions, Rajat Patidar’s calm leadership, and match-winning performances from key players like Josh Hazlewood and Virat Kohli.
For the upcoming season, RCB plans to retain most of its title-winning squad, keeping the core of experienced and impactful players intact. The focus will be on strengthening the Indian pace attack through strategic signings in the mini-auction.
With a settled squad, clear plans, and renewed belief, RCB is well-positioned to defend their crown and continue their journey as IPL champions.
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