IPL 2026 RCB Bowlers Retention List: 3 Best Candidates To Stay For Next Season

Bowlers RCB must retain [Source: AFP Photo]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is still a few months away, but the buzz has already begun with trade rumours circulating. All ten teams are trying to strengthen their squad in the ongoing trade window, but apart from it, the franchises can also bolster their team in the mini auction, set to take place in the next few months.

The defending IPL champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will also aim to fill in the loopholes in their squad, but at the same time, they will be eager to retain some of their key players. While RCB's batting was outstanding last season, it was their bowlers who were the heart and soul of the team, and here are 3 bowlers the team must retain ahead of the mini auction.

1) Josh Hazlewood

Arguably RCB's biggest match-winner, last season, Josh Hazlewood was exceptional for the side across various phases of the game, and without him, the team lacked cutting-edge in the bowling department. He was the true heart and soul of the side, and his valuable experience came in handy at crucial junctures of the tournament.

(Hazlewood stats in IPL 2025)

22 wickets in 12 matches showcases Hazlewood's wicket-taking abilities. He averaged just 17.55, and considering that he bowled at Chinnaswamy Stadium, one of the flattest surface in India, his economy of 8.77 proved to be decisive for the franchise.

Apart from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he is the most experienced bowler of the side, and RCB must retain him at all cost.

2) Bhuvneshwar Kumar

The only Indian apart from Harshal Patel to have two Purple Caps in his bag, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, is a valuable asset for his side. An IPL legend, Bhuvneshwar, was invaluable for RCB, especially in death overs. Who could forget his slog overs spell against Punjab Kings at the Mullanpur Stadium, where he nailed yorkers for fun.

(Bhuvneshwar in IPL 2025)

17 wickets in 14 matches, and bowling at the most difficult phase of the game (death overs), Bhuvneswhar Kumar justified his price tag of 10.75 crore. For years, the franchise craved for a solid Indian pacer, and they found a gem in the UP pacer, who could at-least give RCB two more years.

3) Yash Dayal

RCB was slammed when they acquired Yash Dayal from GT ahead of IPL 2024, but the pacer proved everyone wrong, as he delivered the goods and became an integral member of the team. He brings a different dynamism to the team, as RCB do not have a quality left-arm seamer, and Dayal could be a long-term prospect for the side.

(Yash Dayal IPL 2025 stats)

The numbers may not be as promising as it was in 2014, but Dayal's ability to deliver in crunch situations is what RCB will need to hold on. His performance against CSK in death overs showcased Dayal's ability to win the game for RCB when the team needs him the most.

If RCB retain Dayal, they would have a brilliant pacer who could outfox batters with his skillset.

(NOTE: RCB will only look to retain Dayal if he gets acquitted in the sexual harassment case).

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