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Livingstone's IPL retention unlikely; RCB's prime replacement targets before auction

Debashis Sarangi

Liam Livingstone could be released; RCB might target CSK ace [Source: AFP]Liam Livingstone could be released; RCB might target CSK ace [Source: AFP]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enjoyed stellar success in the IPL 2025, ending their title drought and claiming their maiden trophy in the tournament. While the likes of Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Krunal Pandya shone brightly, Liam Livingstone let down the Royal Challengers with a string of middling outings. 

Why RCB are likely to release Liam Livingstone

Poor performance in IPL 2025

Criterion
Data
Matches10
Runs112
Average/SR16/133.33
Wickets2
Economy8.44

(Liam Livingstone's poor stats in IPL 2025)

  • As evidenced by the above stats, Liam Livingstone didn't have a great IPL season this year. Despite scoring a fifty, Livingstone managed just 112 runs at a terrible average of 16 and a strike rate of 133.33. 
  • The all-rounder was also mediocre with the ball, scalping two wickets in five innings at an economy of 8.44. 
  • So, considering he flopped with both bat and ball, RCB might release Livingstone and create room for a better middle-order batting option in their star-studded lineup. 

High budget

  • Liam Livingstone was purchased at a price of INR 8.75 Crores by RCB in the IPL 2025 mega auction. 
  • Given the fact that he failed to justify his price tag, the Royal Challengers might release him, as this move can add a decent amount to their purse ahead of the mini auction. 

As Liam Livingstone's retention seems highly unlikely, here are some prime targets for RCB, provided their respective franchises release them to the mini auction pool. 

Sam Curran 

  • Current team - Chennai Super Kings
  • Current price - INR 2.40 Crores

Why Sam Curran could be released and how he can be fit in RCB as Livingstone's replacement

  • Sam Curran was one of the biggest disappointments for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025. The left-handed batter managed only 114 runs at an average of 22.80, besides scalping a solitary wicket in the IPL 2025. It seemed like the Super Kings couldn't find a way to fit Curran in their setup, as he was shuffled throughout the order and rarely bowled in the tournament. So, considering Curran couldn't impress the CSK think tank, he could be one of their released players ahead of the mini auction. 
  • If CSK release Curran, the Englishman can be one of the best players to replace Livingstone in the RCB setup. He was prolific in The Hundred, amassing 238 runs and scalping 12 wickets. He is more of a batting all-rounder now and can be a like-for-like replacement for Livingstone. 

Mitchell Owen

  • Current team - Punjab Kings
  • Current price - INR 3 Crores

Why Mitchell Owen could be released and how he can be fit in RCB as Livingstone's replacement

  • Mitchell Owen joined Punjab Kings as a replacement for Glenn Maxwell. However, he could play only one match, and with Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Hardie present in the team, it won't be surprising if the Kings release Owen from their squad for the IPL 2026. 
  • If Mitchell Owen is released to the mini auction pool, RCB can certainly grab the opportunity and secure his services and rope him in as Livingstone's replacement. Owen has been phenomenal as an all-rounder in T20Is of late. After scoring 313 runs and scalping 14 wickets in the MLC 2025, Owen hammered 125 runs at a blistering strike rate of 192.31 against West Indies. He can be a handy option with the ball apart from scoring quick-fire cameos in the middle order. 

Abhinav Manohar

  • Current team - Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • Current price - INR 3.2 Crores

Why Abhinav Manohar could be released and how he can be fit in RCB as Livingstone's replacement

  • Abhinav Mahohar couldn't live up to the expectations in the IPL 2025, managing only 61 runs at a horrible average of 12.20 for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Given SRH suffered a group-stage exit and Manohar was one of their underperformers, the middle-order batter might not find his name in the retention list. 
  • If SRH release Abhinav Manohar, RCB could rope him in as a wildcard pick in the mini auction. Being a local player, Manohar can be a valuable asset for RCB in their home matches. He is one of the cleanest strikers of the ball and has performed admirably in the Maharaja Trophy. His experience and exceptional hitting abilities could make him a game-changer for the defending champions. 

Ramandeep Singh

  • Current team - Kolkata Knight Riders
  • Current price - INR 4 Crores

Why Ramandeep Singh could be released and how he can be fit in RCB as Livingstone's replacement

  • Ramandeep Singh was retained by KKR at 4 Crores, but didn't have a great season in IPL 2025. Overall, he could score only 47 runs, averaging just 9.47, which is why he might find himself in the IPL auction pool. 
  • If the Knight Riders don't retain Ramandeep, RCB can buy the swashbuckling batter to add depth to their lineup. Undoubtedly, Ramandeep was underutilised as a batter in KKR, and he has the ability to deliver if the Royal Challengers believe in his abilities. He can form a solid all-round core alongside Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya, further ensuring flexibility in the RCB lineup.