Liam Livingstone To Be Released? RCB's Best Targets For IPL 2026 Mini Auction

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Liam Livingstone and Sarfaraz Khan [Source: AFP Media]Liam Livingstone and Sarfaraz Khan [Source: AFP Media]

It was a historic moment in the IPL when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the tournament in 2025. This ended their 18-year wait for the maiden title. One of the most popular franchises, the RCB, will now be keen on establishing a dynasty like the Mumbai Indians or the Chennai Super Kings, where they sustain their brilliance or excellence for an extended period.

With the IPL 2026 season slowly drawing close, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru will address the issues from the last season and try to address them during the upcoming mini-season. So, what were the problems they faced in the previous edition of the tournament, and who could be their prime targets in the mini-auction? This is what we examine in this article. 

Areas Requiring Reinforcement

One of the biggest concerns for RCB in IPL 2025 was the stagnation in progress during the middle overs and a death bowling crisis. Even though RCB assimilated a better all-round batting line-up for IPL 2025, the failure of players like Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone made their middle-order look vulnerable. Also, there was a bit of over-dependence on Josh Hazlewood to deliver almost in all the stages of a match.

5 Key Targets For RCB In Mini-Auction

1. Sarfaraz Khan

The Indian middle-order batter could be a great presence for RCB in the middle-order. For starters, Sarfaraz Khan is a good player of spin bowling, a skill that could come in handy during the middle phase of a match.

Besides, the Mumbai batter has worked hard on his fitness and is having a good domestic season. Also, the fact that he has already been a part of RCB previously makes him a good option to go for during the mini-auction.

2. Gus Atkinson

The express pacer could be a great addition to the RCB bowling set-up. Josh Hazlewood was the prime bowler for the team in IPL 2025, and the team depended in almost all stages of the game. However, the management will be looking to find a good bowler who serves them during the death overs of a match.

Gus Atkinson for England [Source: AFP Media]Gus Atkinson for England [Source: AFP Media]

Gus Atkinson averages nearly 13 and has a strike rate of less than 8 in the death phases of T20 matches. This makes him a crucial part of the plans when death over expertise is concerned.

3. Michael Bracewell

The Kiwi all-rounder could solve a couple of problems for the RCB team. Liam Livingstone did not deliver as expected in the last edition of the tournament. So, there is a chance that they might release him ahead of the next auction.

To have a similar presence, Michael Bracewell could be a good option for RCB. In the latest edition of the MLC, Bracewell scored runs at a strike rate of 135.11 and delivered some important knocks under pressure.

Besides his batting, Bracewell could be a very effective bowler. He can bowl in both the powerplays and in the death overs. This adds depth, variety and dynamism to the RCB plans if Bracewell is picked up in the mini-auction.

4. Lance Morris

With Josh Hazlewood doing well in the IPL 2025, Nuwan Thushara did not get too many chances. He did impress in the only opportunity he got. However, RCB could look to release the Sri Lankan pacer.

If they do release him, RCB's target to fill the spot could be Lance Morris. Known as 'the wild thing' in Australian cricket, Morris could be a lethal presence in almost all the pashes of a T20 match. However, with his raw pace, the risk of his inaccuracy also comes into play.

5. Ramsingh Sonu Yadav

Ramsingh Sonu Yadav [Source: @IDCForum/x.com]Ramsingh Sonu Yadav [Source: @IDCForum/x.com]

The Indian all-rounder did a brilliant job in the recent edition of the TNPL. Sonu Yadav picked up 16 wickets in the tournament in seven matches while having an economy rate of less than 8. While he could be a strike force with the ball, Sonu Yadav can also be a handy batter lower down the order.

Given his overall utility, Sonu Yadav could be a good replacement for Manoj Bhandage. The Indian all-rounder has been a part of the RCB for the last few seasons; however, he has not had the opportunities. Hence, RCB can look to release him and acquire the services of Sonu Yadav.