After the 2025 IPL triumph, RCB’s focus shifted to retaining their crown with crucial retentions and smart releases. (Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images) As the Indian Premier League 2026 approaches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter the new season with a long history of strong teams, high expectations and a fan base that has remained one of the most loyal in the tournament. Their journey through the seasons has veered between high-scoring spectacles, deep playoff pushes and repeated attempts to secure the league’s most elusive prize.
IPL retentions, releases and trades: burning questions ahead of deadline
That effort ultimately culminated in their title breakthrough last season. RCB produced one of their most complete campaigns, driven by consistent top-order runs, reliable control of the middle overs and a bowling group that performed in pressure situations. Several players stood out throughout the year, forming the backbone of the championship and forming the core that now carries the team into 2026.Virat Kohli led the charge with 657 runs, produced eight half-centuries, all in victory, and set the tone with his aggressive approach in the powerplay. Phil Salt complemented him with his quick starts, hitting 175.98 and consistently breaking the first six overs. Rajat Patidar’s return as captain added stability, with decisive half-centuries early in the season in important away wins that helped stabilize the team’s path to the finals. Their bowling unit also matched the impact of the batting group. Josh Hazlewood’s 22 wickets, including crucial powerplay bursts and control of the death-overs, turned tight games in RCB’s favour, while Krunal Pandya’s 17 wickets and the benefit of a late order added balance. Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd provided the final blow, delivering highly impressive cameos in must-win situations. A flurry of match-winners across the departments became a defining feature of RCB’s campaign and the backbone of their climb to the title. The win also marked a shift in the party’s approach. After years of heavy reliance on individual brilliance, RCB’s 2025 campaign has been built around a collective effort, with contributions split across departments. Their late-season surge that carried them through the playoffs and into the finals highlighted that shift and has now become the foundation for their upcoming plans.
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Can RCB defend their crown in IPL 2026?
The focus now shifts to building around a title-winning team. The retained core offers experience and consistency, while younger players who impressed last season add depth.
Complete list of players released by RCB for IPL 2026
Dough
- Chikara swastika
- Mayank Agarwal
GoalkeepersVersatile
- Liam Livingstone
- Manoj Bhandage
Pacers
- Good luck
- Blessings of Muzarabani
Spinning machines
Complete list of players retained by RCB ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Dough
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
GoalkeepersVersatile
- Krunal Pandya
- Swapnil Singh
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Jacob Bethell
Pacers
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Nuwan Thushara
- Rasikh Salam
- Abhinandan Singh
Spinning machinesPurse left for RCB : Rs.16.4 croresRemaining slots: 8 (2 overseas)
