New Delhi, Nov 15 (NationPress) The reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have completed their player retention strategy ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, choosing to hold onto 17 players while parting ways with eight.

Rajat Patidar, who guided the team to its first-ever title in 18 years, will remain as captain, and Virat Kohli, the franchise's former captain, is set to embark on his record-breaking 19th season with the club.

The franchise has retained its key players, including match-winners like Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, and Josh Hazlewood.

Notably, Liam Livingstone, the English all-rounder, was one of the most significant releases, attributed to his disappointing performance last season. Additionally, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi was also let go, making the total number of players released by RCB reach eight.

RCB had acquired Livingstone for Rs 8.75 crore during the last mega auction, yet he managed to score only 112 runs across 10 matches.

The Bengaluru franchise celebrated its first title in 2025, lifting the coveted trophy after an 18-year wait. They finished second in the points table and secured back-to-back victories against Punjab Kings in both Qualifier 1 and the final, which took place on May 29 and June 3. Virat Kohli emerged as the leading scorer for the Rajat Patidar-led team during IPL 2025, while Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood recorded the highest number of dismissals.

Retained: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma

Released: Liam Livingstone, Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Tim Seifert, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Blessing Muzarabani, Mohit Rathee