Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained players list 2027: Predicted retentions ahead of IPL auction

RCB IPL 2027 Retention Prediction: Kohli and Patidar Set to Lead the Core

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to preserve much of the squad that delivered the franchise its first IPL title in 2025, while considering targeted changes ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction. Virat Kohli, captain Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal are among the players tipped to remain central to the team’s plans. Josh Hazlewood is also a strong candidate for retention, provided his availability and fitness align with RCB’s requirements.

While continuity is likely to be a priority, a successful title-winning group does not automatically guarantee every player a place in the next campaign. RCB’s management will need to review playing time, overseas-player balance, bowling depth and the value of its auction investments before confirming a retention list. The following is an early prediction, not an official announcement; the franchise’s final decisions will depend on its assessment of the squad and the rules in place for the auction.

Which Players Could RCB Retain for IPL 2027?

Batting core: Kohli, Patidar and Padikkal

Kohli remains the most prominent figure in RCB’s batting lineup. His experience, consistency and connection with the franchise make him a natural choice to continue as a cornerstone of the team. Patidar, meanwhile, offers leadership and attacking intent in the middle order. Padikkal adds a left-handed option and gives the side flexibility at the top or through the batting order.

RCB’s overseas batting resources could also remain largely intact. Tim David provides late-innings power, while Philip Salt can bring pace and aggression at the top. Jordan Cox offers another wicketkeeping and batting option, and Jacob Bethell gives the squad a left-handed overseas all-round option. Retaining several international players, however, would require RCB to carefully manage its overseas slots and ensure each player has a clear role.

All-rounders and wicketkeeping options

Krunal Pandya and Venkatesh Iyer could be valuable parts of the squad because they offer more than one route into the playing XI. Krunal contributes left-arm spin and lower-order batting, while Venkatesh can strengthen the batting and provide a seam-bowling option when conditions suit. Their versatility may be particularly useful across a long tournament, when injuries and changes in form can test squad depth.

Jitesh Sharma is also expected to remain in contention. A wicketkeeper who can attack in the middle and lower order gives RCB flexibility when setting a target or chasing one. The team’s decision will likely depend on how it wants to structure its finishing combination and whether it sees Jitesh as a regular starter or a specialist squad option.

Bowling resources and young domestic talent

Hazlewood could be among RCB’s most important retention candidates. His ability to deliver hard lengths and control the new ball gives the attack a reliable overseas pace option. Bhuvneshwar Kumar brings experience and skill with the new ball, while Rasikh Dar Salam offers another domestic pace resource. Together, they could help provide a blend of control, movement and pace.

In the spin department, Suyash Sharma and Swapnil Singh are among the players who may keep their places. Their roles would depend on the conditions RCB expects to encounter and the balance of its preferred XI. The franchise may also choose to retain young domestic players such as Vicky Ostwal, Satvik Deswal, Kanishk Chouhan and Vihaan Malhotra. Keeping developing players can preserve depth without forcing the team to rebuild its bench at the auction.

Jacob Duffy is another name in the wider retention picture, although RCB will need to weigh his role against the number of overseas players already in the squad. The final group may include a mix of established starters, specialist backups and younger prospects rather than simply retaining every member of the title-winning side.

Possible RCB Retentions: Early Prediction

Based on the squad’s apparent balance, likely retention candidates include 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 and Jacob Duffy.

This list is a projection rather than a confirmed roster. RCB may not retain every player named, particularly if the franchise wants to create room for new signings or rebalance its overseas and domestic options. A mini auction can reward teams that identify specific gaps, so even a settled champion may make several changes.

Which RCB Players Could Be Released?

Romario Shepherd’s position could come under review as the franchise considers its overseas all-rounder options. If RCB believes another player can offer a more consistent role or better suit its bowling plans, Shepherd could be released to create space for a different profile.

Nuwan Thushara and Richard Gleeson are also possible exits. Thushara was withdrawn, while Gleeson joined the squad as his replacement, making their longer-term places a question for the management. RCB may prefer to use an overseas slot on a bowler with a role that better complements Hazlewood and its domestic pace options.

Mangesh Yadav presents a more complicated decision. RCB invested ₹5.20 crore in the domestic player at the 2026 auction, and his potential could persuade the franchise to give him another opportunity. On the other hand, the team may decide that its budget is better used on a different kind of bowler or on strengthening another area of the squad.

Yash Dayal’s future will also depend on practical considerations, including fitness, availability and how well he fits the team’s plans. He was part of RCB’s 2025 title-winning campaign and was retained for the following season, but a franchise must assess current needs as well as past contributions. Abhinandan Singh could also be considered if RCB wants to reshape its domestic pace-bowling depth.

Potential release candidates include Romario Shepherd, Mangesh Yadav, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh, Yash Dayal and Richard Gleeson. The list is not definitive: a player’s contract, fitness and role can all influence the final call.

How RCB Could Approach the IPL 2027 Mini Auction

RCB’s main challenge will be balancing continuity with the need to keep its bowling attack adaptable. Releasing players can create auction funds and open squad positions, but letting go of useful depth may leave the team short if injuries or form issues arise. The management will therefore need to judge each player not only by past performances but by the role they are expected to fill in the next season.

If Shepherd, Dayal and Thushara were released together, their previous contract prices could free up approximately ₹8.10 crore, according to the figures cited in the squad assessment. A decision on Mangesh Yadav would have further financial implications, given his ₹5.20 crore price tag. The exact amount available would depend on the official retention rules, contract details and any changes announced for the auction.

The broad prediction is that RCB will protect its leadership and batting foundation while making selective adjustments to its bowling resources and overseas balance. That approach would allow the franchise to preserve the chemistry of a championship-winning group without ignoring areas that may need reinforcement. Until RCB publishes its official retention list, however, every name remains subject to change.