5 Players RCB May Release Before IPL 2026 Mini Auction | RCB Player Releases 2026

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) 2025 campaign was a memorable one, as the franchise ended a 17-year wait by winning the IPL trophy. Despite this success, the team had areas that needed improvement, with some players struggling to consistently perform in crucial moments. With the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaching, RCB management is likely to reassess squad composition and make strategic changes for the next season. Here’s a look at 5 players RCB may release ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

RCB Players Release 2026: Top 5 Likely Drops

5. Yash Dayal

Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal delivered some impressive death overs, claiming 13 wickets in 15 matches. However, his overall bowling average remained high. He may be barred from IPL 2025 due to an alleged sexual exploitation case. With Bhuvneshwar Kumar and foreign pacers like Josh Hazlewood in the squad, Dayal could be released to make room for more consistent bowling options in RCB IPL squad changes.

Yash Dayal’s Performance in IPL 2025

4. Rasikh Salam

Right-arm pacer Rasikh Salam is another potential release. He featured in only two matches, taking a single wicket and struggling with a high economy rate. Having been part of four IPL teams but failing to make a significant impact, Salam may be replaced to strengthen RCB’s bowling attack for IPL 2026.

Rasikh Salam’s Performance in IPL 2025

3. Swapnil Singh

Left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh played seven matches and took six wickets after being picked through the RTM option. With Krunal Pandya already performing impressively as a left-arm spinner, RCB may prefer to explore other spin options in the IPL 2026 mini auction, making Singh a probable release. He did not play a single game in IPL 2025, and his performance in IPL 2024 was also not up to the mark.

Swapnil Singh’s Performance in IPL 2024

2. Liam Livingstone

Middle-order batter Liam Livingstone could be the first to be released. He played 10 matches in IPL 2025 but scored only 112 runs at an average of 16. With Tim David and Romario Shepherd delivering match-winning performances, RCB may find it difficult to justify retaining Livingstone. His inconsistent contributions in critical situations make him a likely candidate for the RCB player release 2026.

Liam Livingstone’s Performance in IPL 2025

1. Nuwan Thushara

Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara had a limited role in IPL 2025, featuring in only one match. Even his performances in the Asia Cup 2025 were below par, with opposition batters often scoring freely. Given this inconsistency, Thushara is likely among the players RCB could drop in 2026.

Other RCB Players Likely to Be Released in 2026

1. Tim Seifert- In 2 matches, scored 24 runs.
   
2. Romario Shepherd- In 8 matches, scored 70 runs and 6 wickets.

RCB Squad Changes 2026: What Fans Can Expect?

Fans can expect the RCB 2026 squad to combine experience with fresh talent. The probable releases — Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, and Swapnil Singh — reflect the franchise’s plan to improve squad balance and maintain competitiveness after IPL 2025. The rebuild focuses on making RCB a stronger contender for the upcoming season.

• Strategic releases could strengthen both batting and bowling departments.
• The franchise may prioritize consistent performers and diverse bowling options.
• Young players retained may form the core for long-term stability.
• Auction strategies will consider salary cap limits and retention rules.

FAQs

1. Which RCB players could be released before the IPL 2026 mini auction?
   Probable releases include Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, and Swapnil Singh.
2. What is the IPL 2026 RCB released players list?
   While the official list will be confirmed during the IPL 2026 mini auction, these five players are expected to be among those dropped.
3. Will RCB retain any young players?
   Yes, young players RCB may keep are likely to provide stability and form the core for future seasons.
4. How will RCB approach the IPL 2026 mini auction?
   The franchise’s auction strategy may focus on acquiring consistent performers, strengthening the bowling attack, and maintaining squad balance while adhering to salary cap and retention rules.
5. Are there any RCB transfer rumours affecting the squad?
   Fans should watch RCB transfer rumours and IPL mini auction predictions closely, as management decisions may impact squad composition for IPL 2026.

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