3 mega players who might be released ahead of IPL 2026 ft Liam Livingstone

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have put an end to their 18-year run by winning their first-ever IPL title last season. Now that they have crossed that barrier, the franchise will target the title once again in IPL 2026. With a title-winning attitude behind them, RCB will be looking to build an even stronger and balanced squad for the new season.

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In order to do that, the team management will be assessing the squad and will likely make key decisions during the IPL 2026 mini auction in December. But before that, they have to release some players before the retention deadline of November 15. On that note, here are three well-known players who may be a part of RCB’s Released Player List for IPL 2026;

Mayank Agrawal

The seasoned right-handed batsman, who remained unsold in the previous auction, was subsequently signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as a replacement for the injured Devdutt Padikkal during IPL 2025 for INR 1 crore. He participated in 4 matches, scoring 92 runs at an average of 31.66 and a high score of 41. While he provided stability when required, his contributions were not substantial enough for him to be considered for a long-term role in the squad. 

With Padikkal announcing he has recovered and is ready to return to the team, RCB now have the opportunity to release Mayank Agarwal and create freed-up space in the one available squad slot, as well as budgetwise. At 34, Agarwal is nearing the end of his professional career and the franchise may consider investing in younger players that will fit better into their long-term plans for the future.

Lungi Ngidi

The South African pacer was signed by RCB mainly to serve as a backup option for their pace attack and played just two matches in the IPL 2025 season - as a cover for Australia's Josh Hazlewood. In those matches, he made a good impression with four wickets, despite an elevated economy rate of 10.12 which suggested levels of inconsistency in his ability to control the run rate against opposition top-order batters.

RCB may consider releasing him in advance of the mini-auction given the limited scope for him in the team and their apparent desire to bring in an overseas pace option with a more extensive skill set. This would provide RCB with an additional overseas slot and increase the purse by INR 1 crore. This would allow RCB the flexibility to go for a higher impact fast bowler, or an all-rounder who strengthen both components of their bowling unit, as they look to gain competitive balance and depth going into IPL 2026.

Liam Livingstone

RCB signed England's explosive all-rounder for a whopping INR 8.75 crore, but his on-field performance did not back up this signing. In 10 matches during IPL 2025, he only scored 112 runs at 16 average and 133 strike rate, and picked up just two wickets. His inconsistent batting and bowling often had the franchise looking for more reliable middle-order players.

While Liam Livingstone regained his form in The Hundred later in the year, his better effort in a shorter format may not be enough to earn him a spot on the roster.Ultimately, he comes with a large price tag and did not contribute much last season and might be the best option for RCB to release him before the IPL 2026 auction. In doing so, it frees up a considerable amount of their budget, so they can pursue more stable players who can contribute with both bat and ball.