3 reasons why RCB must buy back Liam Livingstone at IPL 2026 Auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) released England all-rounder Liam Livingstone ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The defending champions will head into the auction with a purse of ₹16.40 crore with eight slots remaining.

Liam Livingstone was acquired by RCB for ₹8.75 crore last season. While a lot was expected out of the star all-rounder, he failed to deliver consistently and justify the price tag. In 10 matches and eight innings, he managed just 112 runs at an average of 16 and a strike-rate of 133.33 with a half-century. With the ball, he claimed two wickets in five innings.

With his price being high and his performances not as great, he was released ahead of the auction. However, it would not be a bad choice should RCB look to get him back into their squad. With two overseas slots to fill, the defending champions will be on the hunt for quality players to fine-tune the side, having retained the majority of their core.

That said, here are three reasons why RCB must buy Liam Livingstone back at the IPL 2026 auction.

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#3 Experience and ability to deliver under pressure

Liam Livingstone showed glimpses of his ability to deliver under pressure despite a largely poor season last year. In the final, he made a vital contribution with the bat, scoring a quickfire 15-ball 25 with two sixes at a strike-rate of 166.66.

His only half-century in the season was also another example of his ability to score runs under pressure and how experience counts in tough situations. Against the Gujarat Titans (GT), he made a valuable 40-ball 54 after they were reduced to 42/4 at the top. He held the innings together as Tim David and Jitesh Sharma played cameos to take the total to 169/8 in the end.

Therefore, when the team is under pressure, they would require an experienced and reliable batter in the middle order, who can also play the big shots and take the bowlers on. The all-rounder has played 325 T20s in his career so far and brings immense experience to the table.

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#2 Impressive strike-rate in the IPL and solid recent form

Liam Livingstone put up an underwhelming show as per his standards last season, but has a decent overall record in the IPL with an impressive strike-rate in the middle. He has featured in 49 games so far, scoring 1051 runs at a strike-rate of 158.76 with seven half-centuries.

While at his best, he made 437 runs from 14 matches for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2022 at an average of 36.41 and a strike-rate of 182.08 with four half-centuries. He also bagged six wickets at an economy of 8.78.

Moreover, he has been in solid form post the IPL 2025. In The Hundred and the Vitality Blast, he scored 501 runs in 15 innings combined. He also picked up 13 wickets in 12 innings with the ball. Therefore, Liam Livingstone is far from finished and has the firepower in him.

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#1 Liam Livingstone is a complete utility player who will give RCB balance

RCB will need a solid option in the middle order who can score at a quick pace and also hold the innings together under pressure when needed. While Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma were exceptional for them last season, they still need to strengthen their spin department.

Liam Livingstone can give them those overs in between with his off-spin. He has also added to his skill by bowling leggies, which makes him a part-time spinner with variations. Additionally, he is a utility player as he is a brilliant fielder and can also add to the leadership group with his experience.

As players like Andre Russell, Cameron Green, and maybe even Glenn Maxwell may not fit RCB's budget, Liam Livingstone could be the perfect buy-back for them at the auction.