RCB clinched their maiden IPL title in 2025.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 18-year Indian Premier League (IPL) drought, beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in the final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RCB had a nearly perfect IPL 2025 season, with almost every player standing up when required. While Bengaluru initially struggled to win at home, the franchise emerged triumphant in every away game. This made RCB the first team in the last 18 seasons to win all of their away games in a season.
However, the upcoming IPL 2026 auction might see a few RCB players moving out to explore better game time and potentially richer contracts. Three players might opt for a better prospect, considering they were not included in the first playing XI. Here are three RCB players who could consider asking for a release ahead of IPL 2026.
Romario Shepherd provided the balance to RCB that the franchise had been seeking for a long time. Shepherd offered power-hitting ability down the order and control with the ball in the middle overs. The right-hand batter amassed 70 runs in three innings, averaging 35, and striking at a whopping 291.66. During the match against Chennai Super Kings, Shepherd recorded the fastest IPL fifty by an RCB batter, smashing a half-century off just 14 balls. His brisk knock proved to be the difference as the hosts won by just two runs. He also bowled crucial overs for RCB, taking six wickets in seven innings, averaging 25.16.
MAL
–
HKG
–
WI
–
AUS
–
RWA
–
ML
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
ROM
178/6
LUX
11/0
HUN
–
AUST
–
AUST
–
LUX
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
ALZ
21/3
JIHCC
163/4
RPH
–
MAR
–
JIHCC
–
ALZ
–
RPH
–
JIHCC
–
ALZ
–
RPH
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
BOT-W
16/3
MWW-W
–
EWW-W
–
LSN-W
13/2
RWA-W
–
SLO-W
–
CW-W
–
MZW-W
–
GUJCC
–
SUL
–
CHK
–
TCC
–
FRC
122/4
KLG
108/6
Fatemi Resources Cricket Club beat KL Gladiators by 14 runs
JBK
80/4
SWCL
106/5
Sky Warriors Cricket Club beat JB Kings by 26 runs
UTC
78/4
MXC
80/2
Maxx Cricket Club beat Utkal Cricket Club by 8 wickets
MKP
–
MBMS
5/1
FRC
–
MXC
–
JBK
–
MBMS
–
UTC
–
KLG
–
MKP
–
SWCL
–
UAE
121/3
NIG
–
KNY
–
NBA
–
KNY
–
NIG
–
UAE
–
UGA
–
VMK
–
MMS
–
MAK
154/9
BDS
155/4
Boost Defenders beat Mis Ainak Knights by 6 wickets
ASS
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SGT
–
WIU19-W
–
USAU19-W
–
WIU19-W
–
USAU19-W
–
TBLZ-W
–
BRB-W
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
Match Cancelled
SUR-W
–
TBC
–
IAC
–
AAC
–
PNC
–
WIC
–
SAC
–
AAC
–
IAC
–
EDC
–
NZ
–
SA
–
IRE-W
–
ZIM-W
–
However, Shepherd wasn’t part of the first playing XI. The Windies all-rounder replaced out-of-form Liam Livingstone, who had a miserable IPL 2025 season. Additionally, the 30-year-old was roped in by the Royal Challengers on his base price of INR 1.5 crore. But with a growing reputation in franchise leagues across the globe, including Major League Cricket (MLC), Shepherd could spark a bidding war among teams in need of a lower-order power-hitter who can chip in with the ball too.
Another promising all-rounder for England made his debut in all formats within just two months last year. He grabbed the attention of franchises following an exceptional outing during his debut Test series against New Zealand. He earned his maiden IPL contract when RCB roped in the all-rounder for INR 2.60 crores. However, the 21-year-old was underutilised in the RCB setup. He warmed the bench for almost the entire season, getting only two opportunities to feature in the playing XI. While he made an impact with the bat, he didn’t bowl. Bethell scored 67 runs in two innings, including a quick-fire fifty, striking at an impressive 171.79.
But his limited appearances came at the expense of his compatriot Phil Salt’s injury. Since RCB will aim to retain nearly the same core ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, the southpaw might seek better opportunities to play more matches. His ability to contribute in all three aspects – batting, bowling, and fielding – may make him a hot pick in the upcoming auction. His performances at the international level, where he averages 40 with the bat and 27 with the ball, push his case.
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A domestic stalwart with vast experience, Swapnil Singh was ignored, with the RCB management preferring Krunal Pandya ahead of him. After appearing in seven matches in 2024, the southpaw bowling all-rounder didn’t feature in a single game in the IPL 2025 season.
With RCB further preferring the likes of Suyash Sharma and looking to invest in youngsters, the 34-year-old found himself completely sidelined. Swapnil, with his skillset of left-arm orthodox and batting ability, could find a place in other IPL teams. He might not fetch crores, but a base-price bid from other franchises who are exploring spin bowling options could give him the chance to reboot his IPL career.
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