RCB retention list 2026: 4 players who don't fit the plans anymore

Anurag Dasgupta

RCB likely retentions [Source: @iplt20.com] RCB likely retentions [Source: @iplt20.com]

The tentative dates have been revealed for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 retention list, as November will be a crucial month for all ten franchises. The sides will aim to strengthen their squad, but for that, they need to release a few unwanted players from the squad. The mini auction will take place in December, and before that, teams will have to submit the final retention list.

One of the teams that would be at the centre of attraction will be the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The side has almost all the bases covered, but just like other teams, they, too, will be eager to offload some players. Ahead of the retention deadline day, we look at 4 players RCB might not retain.

1) Liam Livingstone

Bought for 8.75 crore, there was a lot of hope from Liam Livingstone, as the English all-rounder was expected to fire all guns blazing, but he failed to deliver the goods and was even dropped midway through the tournament.

Criterion
Data
Matches10
Runs112
Average16.00
Strike rate133.33

(Livingstone in IPL 2025)

  • Just 112 runs in 10 matches with a strike rate of 133 defined Livingstone’s IPL journey in 2025. He couldn’t quite hype the tournament and RCB would be tempted to release him and free up the 8.75 crore they spent on buying him. With that money, the team could invest in getting a better option.

2) Swapnil Singh

It came in as a surprise as Swapnil Singh, a key component in RCB’s 2024 campaign, didn’t play a single match in the 2025 season. He played seven matches in the 2024 season and scalped six wickets to help the team reach the playoffs.

Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Swapnil was released, but RCB bought him by using their Right to Match card (RTM). Surprisingly, though, he didn’t feature for them, and the franchise could once again let go of Swapnil and could buy an underrated talent from the domestic circuit.

3) Rasikh Dar

Another promising player who was bought after a lot of hype, but Rasikh Salam Dar turned out to be an expensive prospect for the RCB side. The franchise purchased him for a whopping 6 crore, and he played just two matches, failing to deliver the goods.

Criterion
Data
Matches2
Dismissals1
Economy rate11.67

(Rasikh Salam Dar in IPL 2025)

  • Just two matches played, and he only picked up a solitary wicket. However, for a player who was bought for a huge price, the former Delhi Capitals player leaked runs at an economy of nearly 12. RCB already have quality fast bowlers in their ranks, and by releasing a 6 crore underperformer, they could invest the same money to acquire someone better.

4) Yash Dayal

A reliable bowler for RCB during the 2024 season, Yash Dayal had an average campaign in 2025. In recent times, he has been involved in off-field controversies, and it could potentially hamper his IPL journey, as RCB might want to release him for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl. Moreover, the numbers were decent as his economy was considerably on the higher side.

Criterion
Data
Matches15
Dismissals13
Economy rate9.59

(Yash Dayal in IPL 2025)

  • 13 wickets in 15 matches with an economy of nearly 10 defined Dayal’s stats in IPL 2025. He had an underwhelming season, and the franchise could potentially release him to get a bowler with a lower economy rate.