RCB to finalise retention list ahead of IPL 2027 with November 17 deadline

Royal Challengers Bengaluru must decide which players to retain or release ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League, with the player retention list due on November 17. The move follows RCB’s successive title wins in 2025 and 2026, after a maiden triumph in 2025 under Rajat Patidar.

After 17 unsuccessful seasons, including three final appearances, RCB won their maiden IPL trophy in 2025 under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy and then lifted the trophy again in 2026. The franchise enters the 2027 edition as defending champions and will aim for a third straight title. RCB’s squad currently comprises 25 players, meaning some names must be released to create room for new additions at the auction. Winning consecutive IPL titles shows that RCB have a balanced squad, so the franchise might not make major changes to its 25-member squad.

Given recent success, Royal Challengers Bengaluru could retain most of their players ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. The club appears inclined toward continuity rather than wholesale overhaul.

Jitesh Sharma struggled last season, but the Challengers are likely to stick with him. By contrast, West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd had a below-average IPL 2026: in 15 games, he took 7 wickets at an economy rate of 11.92 and scored just 83 runs. Reportedly, RCB were in discussions with Rajasthan Royals to swap Romario for Sam Curran; however, nothing has been decided yet.

Nuwan Thushara and Richard Gleeson might be released from the squad. The franchise spent INR 5.20 crore on Mangesh Yadav, and he can also be released if they choose to explore other options at the auction. Yash Dayal, who missed the last season, may also get released.

Rajat Patidar will lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2027.

The immediate task for RCB is to submit their player retention list by November 17 to finalise any releases ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.