Top 3 players Royal Challengers Bengaluru can release ahead of IPL 2027 auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will head into the IPL 2027 mini-auction as back-to-back champions chasing a third straight title, but even a winning squad needs changes in the squad. With the retention and release deadline close and the auction set for Goa on 17 December, the RCB release list IPL 2027 could feature some players who struggled to find regular opportunities.

RCB have built a strong team under captain Rajat Patidar, but even a championship-winning team requires new strategies. The management will have to make decisions based on player performances and the overall strength of the bowling department. Releasing a few players could also help the franchise create more room in its auction purse.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru players to be released may include names from their pace attack and younger bowling group. This can help the defending champions build a stronger bench strength for the coming season. Here are three potential releases to watch ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, along with their salaries and the money RCB could save.

The three players RCB can release: Salaries, form, and the purse savings

3. Nuwan Thushara (INR 1.60 Crore)-

Nuwan Thushara could be one of the players RCB consider releasing ahead of IPL 2027. The Sri Lankan fast bowler missed the 2026 season due to injury and could not contribute to the team's title-winning campaign. His unusual bowling action and T20 experience make him a useful option, but his availability could become a concern for the management.

RCB already have several overseas players competing for limited places in the playing XI. Keeping another overseas fast bowler who missed the previous season could make team selection more difficult. Releasing Thushara would give the franchise an opportunity to explore other overseas options at the mini-auction.

His INR 1.60 crore salary is the smallest saving among the three potential releases. However, every amount will matter as RCB plan their auction strategy for the next season. The franchise could also consider buying him back if he becomes available at a lower price.

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2. Yash Dayal (INR 5 Crore)-

Yash Dayal's future at RCB could be a major talking point ahead of IPL 2027. The left-arm fast bowler was retained after a strong IPL 2025 campaign, when he picked up 13 wickets in 15 matches. However, his absence from the following season could influence the franchise's retention plans.

Dayal did not join the RCB squad for IPL 2026 because of a personal situation. The franchise confirmed his absence in March 2026 while stating that he remained under contract. With his reported INR 5 crore salary, RCB could consider whether retaining him is the right decision ahead of the next auction.

A possible Yash Dayal release IPL 2027 would free up INR 5 crore for the mini-auction. RCB could use that amount to strengthen their pace attack or bring in another reliable backup bowler. However, his previous performances make him a player the franchise may still consider retaining.

1. Mangesh Yadav (INR 5.20 Crore)-

Mangesh Yadav could be the biggest release out of all three players mentioned in the list. At the IPL 2026 auction, RCB paid INR 5.20 crore to sign the young fast bowler, making him a costly investment. RCB could reconsider his case and opt for another player to better utilize their budget before the next season.

A possible Mangesh Yadav RCB release would free up INR 5.20 crore for the mini-auction. Along with Dayal's salary, that would give RCB more than INR 10 crore to strengthen other areas of the squad. The management could use the additional funds to bring in a quality backup bowler or improve its bench strength.

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Releasing all three players would help RCB free up around INR 11.80 crore based on their reported salaries. This could give the defending champions more flexibility when they enter the IPL 2027 auction RCB plans. However, no release has been confirmed, and the final RCB retention 2027 list will decide which players remain with the franchise.