Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to retain most of their title-winning core ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction, with Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal and Josh Hazlewood among the likely names. However, the franchise could release Romario Shepherd, Mangesh Yadav and Nuwan Thushara.

RCB entered the 2026 season with a relatively settled squad after winning their maiden IPL title in 2025. Not every player secured a regular place in the playing XI. The franchise will now assess its bowling combination, overseas options and overall squad balance before finalising its retention list.

Which Players Are Likely to Be Retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2027?

Virat Kohli remains central to Royal Challengers Bengaluru's batting lineup. Captain Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal are also likely to stay, while overseas batters Tim David and Philip Salt offer valuable firepower.

The franchise could also retain its all-rounders, including Krunal Pandya and Venkatesh Iyer. Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox provide additional overseas options, while Jitesh Sharma is expected to remain part of the squad.

RCB are also likely to retain their pace-bowling resources, including Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Dar Salam. Suyash Sharma and Swapnil Singh are among the spinners who could retain their places.

The franchise could also back its young domestic players, including Vicky Ostwal, Satvik Deswal, Kanishk Chouhan and Vihaan Malhotra, as it looks to maintain depth ahead of the mini auction.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's predicted retained players list:

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Philip Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Jordan Cox, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Vicky Ostwal, Satvik Deswal, Kanishk Chouhan, Vihaan Malhotra, Jacob Duffy

Which RCB Players Could Be Released Before the Auction?

Romario Shepherd's place could come under review. Nuwan Thushara and Richard Gleeson are also potential exits. Thushara was withdrawn, while Gleeson joined the squad as his replacement.

RCB spent ₹5.20 crore on Mangesh Yadav at the 2026 auction. His domestic potential could convince the franchise to give him another opportunity. However, RCB could release him if they decide to invest in a different type of bowling option.

Yash Dayal was part of RCB's IPL 2025 title-winning campaign and was retained for the 2026 season. His fitness, availability and role in the bowling attack will be important factors in the franchise's decision.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's predicted released players list: Romario Shepherd, Mangesh Yadav, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh, Yash Dayal and Richard Gleeson.

How RCB Could Approach Their IPL 2027 Retention Strategy

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will need to balance squad continuity with the need to strengthen their bowling options. The management must assess players such as Yash Dayal based on their fitness, availability and suitability for the team's requirements before making its final decisions.

If RCB release Shepherd, Dayal and Thushara together, they could free up approximately ₹8.10 crore based on their previous contract prices. The ₹5.20 crore investment in Mangesh Yadav presents another decision for the management.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are likely to retain the core that helped them win the IPL 2026 title while making selective changes to address their squad requirements. The official retention and release announcement will confirm which players remain part of their plans for IPL 2027.