RCB Lock in Kohli and Patidar to Lead Their IPL 2026 Charge

Defending Champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) unveiled their IPL 2026 squad retentions opting for a strategy of continuity to harness the momentum from their historic maiden title triumph in 2025, where they overcame a mid-season slump to clinch the final against Punjab Kings by seven wickets at Narendra Modi Stadium. Under Captain Rajat Patidar, who took over from Faf du Plessis in mid-2025 and orchestrated a remarkable turnaround with tactical acumen, RCB retained 17 players—prioritising the core that amassed over 2,200 runs and defended under 140 in key chases—while releasing eight to address bench depth and overseas slots amid venue uncertainties, as Chinnaswamy Stadium undergoes upgrades post a tragic stampede during victory celebrations.

This non-mega auction year permitted unlimited retentions within the INR 120 crore purse, allowing RCB to preserve their high-octane batting blueprint while freeing resources for reinforcements in spin backups and finishing prowess. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat praised the group's "unbreakable spirit", signalling ambitions for a rare back-to-back crown in a league reshaped by trades like Ravindra Jadeja's return to Rajasthan Royals.

The retained roster underscores RCB's faith in proven performers, blending Indian icons with global flair: Rajat Patidar (c, INR 15 crore) for leadership, Virat Kohli (INR 21 crore), whose 741 runs and emotional title-winning six epitomised resilience, and Devdutt Padikkal (INR 6 crore) as a silky opener with 452 runs at a strike rate of 145. Overseas anchors include Phil Salt (INR 11.5 crore), the explosive wicketkeeper-batter who smashed 389 runs, including a century; Tim David (INR 8 crore) for middle-order demolition; and Josh Hazlewood (INR 12.5 crore), whose 18 wickets at an economy of 7.8 anchored the pace attack.

All-round depth comes from Krunal Pandya (INR 5.25 crore), Jitesh Sharma (INR 11 crore), Romario Shepherd (INR 4.2 crore), and Jacob Bethell (INR 3 crore), while domestic talents like Swapnil Singh (INR 75 lakh), Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (INR 10.75 crore)—acquired via trade from Sunrisers Hyderabad—Nuwan Thushara (INR 1.6 crore), Rasikh Salam (INR 6 crore), Abhinandan Singh (INR 30 lakh), and leg-spinner Suyash Sharma (INR 2.4 crore) ensure versatility across phases. This lineup, which powered RCB's record 14 wins in 2025, maintains balance with four overseas players while nurturing youth like Padikkal for long-term sustainability.

Strategic releases targeted underutilised assets and high-cost peripherals, including opener Mayank Agarwal (INR 1 crore), whose injury-plagued 2025 yielded just 112 runs; all-rounder Liam Livingstone (INR 8.75 crore), despite flashes of power-hitting but inconsistent impact in 12 outings; and pacers Lungi Ngidi (INR 1 crore) and Blessing Muzarabani (INR 1.75 crore), whose combined economy exceeded 9 amid swing-friendly conditions. Uncapped prospects Swastik Chikara, Manoj Bhandage, and Mohit Rathee—alongside wicketkeeper Tim Seifert (INR 3.2 crore)—were let go to create vacancies, recouping approximately INR 16.4 crore without trades, as RCB eschewed the market frenzy seen in deals like Mohammed Shami's move to Lucknow Super Giants.

Head coach Andy Flower noted these decisions as "pruning for growth", emphasising the need to inject fresh legs after a gruelling title run that exposed fatigue in the death overs, where RCB conceded 200+ thrice. The releases, while bittersweet, align with a philosophy of rewarding match-winners like Kohli, whose post-title vow to "end the wait" galvanised fans.

Also Read: Lucknow Super Giants Confirm IPL 2026 Retentions With Clear Intent to Rebuild

With INR 16.4 crore remaining and eight slots to fill—including two overseas—RCB approaches the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi with measured optimism, eyeing a left-arm pacer and utility spinner to complement Suyash amid potential neutral-venue games in Pune. This purse, mid-table among franchises like KKR's INR 64.3 crore war chest post-Andre Russell's release, affords flexibility without desperation, unlike Mumbai Indians' scant INR 2.75 crore.

As IPL 2026 expands to 84 matches with two new teams, RCB's retained firepower—bolstered by Bhuvneshwar's swing mastery and Salt's pyrotechnics—positions them to defend their crown, evolving from perennial bridesmaids to dynasty builders in a post-title era brimming with validation for Patidar's bold vision.

Also Read: Sunrisers Hyderabad Confirm IPL 2026 Retentions with Clear Focus on Squad Stability