The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have finally been rewarded for their patience and devotion by winning the IPL title in 2025 after the long-reigning season of sorrows and heartbreaks. Nevertheless, with the impending IPL 2026 auction, the management team is still dealing with the issue of RCB’s retention list, mainly with the Indian domestic players, who were the backbone of the team and contributed immensely to the success of RCB in the past year.
RCB’s commitment toward the home-ground players is not only impressive but also very wise as it contains a mix of bright-developing and experienced-per-formers. The chances of some players being kept by the team are high whereas others will be pushed out to create spaces for new signings.
Below is the account of the Indian domestic players who are expected to be retained and those who will be released.
RCB Retention List Before IPL 2026 – Which Indian Players Could Make The Cut?
The key Indian players from the previous season are almost guaranteed spots on the RCB retention list unless the franchise makes shocking decisions. These include Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Mayank Agarwal, Krunal Pandya, and Jitesh Sharma. Among other local players, some left a very good impression while others might get dropped. A glance at the possible local players on the RCB retention list.
Swastik Chikara – The young lad of 20 years has never played in the IPL although he has been part of two teams including the Delhi Capitals. Last year at the auction, more than one franchise exhibited a positive interest in his profile. His being taken on would not only bring freshness but also strength in numbers to the organization. The team will take him along as a back-up and will also train him for potential future roles.
Suyash Sharma – The breakout star of IPL 2025, Suyash Sharma was the key actor in RCB’s first title-winning campaign. The leg-spinner was very successful during the season by taking 8 wickets in 14 matches with 8.84 economy rate. He greatly helped Krunal Pandya in taking the pressure off by controlling the flow of runs during the middle overs.
Yash Dayal – The left-arm paceman kept on winning hearts during the whole IPL 2025 by taking 13 wickets in 15 games at 36.15 and 9.59 economy rates. Last year over INR 5 crore was spent to retain Yash Dayal instead of Mohammed Siraj but he proved the trust and delivered at both new and death bowling. Moreover, he was part of a good pace trio along with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Who Will Be In The RCB Released Players 2026 Among Indians?
With Royal Challengers Bengaluru, there were a few players who had very limited playing time last season. The team will likely let go of them in order to make room for the next season’s squad rebuild.
Rasikh Salam Dar – The Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler took part in two matches and gave away 70 runs in one wicket. With the RCB getting all the pacers they need, it is likely that Rasikh will be in the RCB released players 2026 list before the IPL mini auction.
Swapnil Singh – The player who last season did not make any showings despite his previous promise is Swapnil Singh. Given that Krunal Pandya already brings a comparable skillset, RCB might attempt to make the best use of their spin choices.
Abhinandan Singh – Abhinandan Singh, who has yet to make his IPL and State debut, could be cut because of the limited squad space.
Mohit Rathee – Like Abhinandan, Rathee may not be included in RCB’s plans based on the team’s focus on balance and flexibility.
Manoj Bhandage – Having been an Impact Player only for a single game and scoring just a single run off four balls, RCB is unlikely to keep Bhandage, as there are stronger alternatives.
