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RCB Players Who Have Boosted IPL Retention Chances With Sublime Form Before 2026 Season

Debashis Sarangi

Liam Livingstone has regained his mojo before IPL 2026 [Source: AFP]Liam Livingstone has regained his mojo before IPL 2026 [Source: AFP]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had a memorable IPL 2025 season, as they defeated Punjab Kings in a thrilling final to clinch their maiden title. Led by Rajat Patidar, the defending champions would be keen to retain the coveted trophy when they enter the IPL 2026 season. 

With the IPL retentions approaching, several RCB players have proved their mettle, presenting a strong case for their retention ahead of the next season. As the Red Brigade strategise for the mini auction, here are three overseas players who have boosted their retention chases based on current form. 

Liam Livingstone

Criterion
IPL
The Hundred
T20 Blast
Innings
886
Runs112241231
Average1640.1757.75
Strike Rate133.33155.48180.47

(Liam Livingstone's improved numbers in The Hundred and T20 Blast)

  • Experienced English all-rounder Liam Livingstone was purchased by RCB at a whopping price of INR 8.75 Crores in the mega auction last year. However, he failed miserably in the competition, scoring 112 runs at a modest average of 16 and a strike rate of 133.33. 
  • So, considering his budget and abysmal returns, it was expected that RCB could release Livingstone to the mini auction pool. But the English cricketer managed to turn things around in The Hundred and T20 Blast, regaining his mojo right before the retentions. 
  • As things currently stand, Livingstone is in sublime form, having amassed 472 runs across fourteen innings in these two competitions. So, his recent exploits might prompt RCB to give him another chance and retain him for the next season. 

Jacob Bethell

  • Swashbuckling English batter Jacob Bethell mostly warmed the bench during the IPL 2025, as the RCB think tank used him as Phil Salt's backup in the tournament. Given that Salt has established himself as Virat Kohli's long-term opening partner and Devdutt Padikkal has cemented his place at number three, many fans expected Bethell to be among the potential releases from the defending champions' squad. 
  • But the franchise must be aware of Bethell's recent heroics against South Africa, as the left-handed batter played a couple of blazing knocks in the ODI series. He was also impressive in the T20I series against West Indies, slamming 85 runs in three outings at a magnificent strike rate of 173.47. 
  • Therefore, given that he's in red-hot form, RCB might be keen to retain him and use his expertise as a potent weapon against pace and spin in the IPL 2026. 

Lungi Ngidi

  • South Africa's veteran fast bowler Lungi Ngidi replaced Josh Hazlewood in the RCB XI when the Australian missed a few IPL 2025 matches due to injury. Although he scalped four wickets in two matches, his economy rate of 10.13 highlighted his inability to control the flow of runs. 
  • However, Ngidi fine-tuned his bowling skills and emerged as one of South Africa's strike bowlers in the WTC final. He troubled the Aussies once again in the ODI series, leading them to a historic series win Down Under. His variations, particularly the slower ball, have been a major topic of discussion in recent times. So, with Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar spearheading their new-ball attack, RCB might retain Ngidi as their death-overs specialist.