The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) achieved a long-awaited milestone in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025finally claiming their maiden title after an 18-year wait.

RCB’s historic IPL 2025 campaign

This victory was not just a result of individual brilliance but a collective effort from a well-balanced squad that peaked at the right time, finishing second in the league phase and dominating the playoffs. Virat Kohli was a cornerstone of the batting lineup, amassing 657 runs, the third-highest in the tournament. His performance was complemented by Phil Saltwho added firepower with a remarkable strike rate of 175.98. On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood‘s 22 wickets ensured RCB had a formidable attack, providing crucial breakthroughs when needed. Moreover, the leadership of Rajat Patidar was instrumental in the team’s triumph, as he contributed 312 runs, often at a high strike rate, to solidify RCB’s place in history.

The need for financial efficiency in IPL 2026

Despite the euphoric win, RCB’s squad, heavily shaped by auction signings, has some areas that need financial optimization. A key concern for the franchise lies in the all-rounder contingent, where an expensive power-hitting investment failed to deliver, particularly in terms of middle-order stability and bowling impact.

Additionally, funds are tied up in players who either spent the season injured or were merely temporary replacements, resulting in zero on-field contribution. Another area of concern is the underutilization of high-priced fast bowlers who offered limited value in bench roles. RCB must streamline their finances to ensure that they can make smarter investments at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, maximizing their available purse while securing the future of the squad.

5 players RCB might consider releasing before the IPL 2026 auction:

1. Liam Livingstone (Batting All-rounder)

• Contract Value: INR 8.75 Cr
• Reason for Release: Worst Return on Investment & Lack of Impact

Liam Livingstonepurchased for his destructive capabilities in the middle order, proved to be a massive disappointment in IPL 2025. Scoring only 112 runs across 10 matches at a poor average of 16.00, his batting failed to justify his high price. His bowling was also negligible, with just 2 wickets. This substantial investment tied up critical funds that could be better spent on a more consistent and reliable player. Releasing Livingstone will free up significant resources to target a player who can deliver in crucial moments, ensuring a better return on investment.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Pacer)

• Contract Value: INR 10.75 Cr
• Reason for Release: Age, Salary, and Squad Restructuring

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s performance in IPL 2025 was adequate, with 17 wickets in 14 matches. However, his substantial salary, coupled with his advancing age, makes his contract an inefficient use of resources. At this stage of his career, the franchise sees better value in investing that INR 10.75 Cr in a younger, high-pace domestic talent, who can contribute in the long term and strengthen the bowling unit. This move will also ensure that RCB’s squad is more future-proof, as they target sustainability beyond the immediate seasons.

3. Rasikh Salam Dar (Fast Bowler)

• Contract Value: INR 6.00 Cr
• Reason for Release: High-Cost, Low Utility for a Bench Player

Rasikh Salam Darbought at a surprisingly high price for INR 6.00 Cr, failed to live up to expectations. He played only 2 matches, taking 1 wicket and recording an expensive economy rate of 10.62. As a backup bowler, his performance did not justify his hefty contract value. Releasing Dar is a necessary step to reassess RCB’s investment in domestic pace depth, ensuring that funds are not wasted on high-cost bench players with limited utility.

4. Mayank Agarwal (Opening Batter)

• Contract Value: INR 1.00 Cr
• Reason for Release: Replacement Redundancy & Core Unavailability

Mayank Agarwal was brought in as a temporary injury replacement for Devdutt Padikkalbut with Padikkal’s return and the established opening partnership of Kohli and Phil SaltAgarwal’s spot has become redundant. Although Agarwal had a solid strike rate in the few matches he played, he only featured in 4 games, scoring 95 runs. Releasing him allows RCB to maintain a balanced squad and utilize the available cap space for areas in more need of reinforcement.

5. Tim Seifert (Wicket Keeper-Batter)

• Contract Value: INR 2.00 Cr
• Reason for Release: Temporary/mandatory contract expiry

Tim Seifert was signed late in the season as a temporary replacement for Jacob Bethell. However, he did not feature in any matches and thus contributed nothing to the team’s success. Given that RCB’s wicketkeeper slots are already well-covered by Jitesh Sharma and Phil SaltSeifert’s contract, which was always meant to be short-term, offers no long-term value. Releasing him is a routine decision to clear the roster and ensure that RCB’s squad is streamlined and focused on core players for the future.

These strategic releases are essential for RCB as they look ahead to IPL 2026. By clearing out inefficiencies, they will not only free up significant funds but also refocus their squad, ensuring that they can build on their historic victory and continue to challenge for the IPL title in the seasons to come.