Suresh Raina picks star all-rounder to be released from RCB squad ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina urged the 2025 IPL champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), to release star all-rounder Liam Livingstone ahead of the 2026 auction (via Star Sports Instagram handle). The 32-year-old was one of RCB's biggest buys in the 2025 auction at ₹8.75 crores.

However, despite the franchise clinching their maiden IPL title, the England star endured a dismal 2025 campaign. Livingstone scored only 112 runs at an average of 16 in 10 outings.

Yet, when it came to two other overseas stars, Josh Hazlewood and Phil Salt, Raina felt RCB should retain both players. The former led RCB's bowling attack manfully, finishing with 22 wickets at an average of under 18 in 12 matches.

While Hazlewood was priced at ₹12.50 crores, Salt came to RCB at a similar price of ₹11.50 crores. The England opener impressed in his maiden season with RCB, scoring 403 runs at an average of 33.58 and a strike rate of almost 176 in 13 games.

Meanwhile, the teams will submit their retention and release lists ahead of the IPL 2026 auction on Saturday, November 15.

Suresh Raina backs RCB to retain two of their star Indian players

Suresh Raina further called on RCB to retain the Indian duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jitesh Sharma ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The former impressed with the new ball and occasionally at the death in the 2025 season, finishing with 17 wickets at an average of 28.41 in 14 matches.

Meanwhile, Jitesh was RCB's unsung hero in their title run earlier this year, scoring vital runs in the middle and end overs. The wicketkeeper batter finished with 261 runs at an average of over 37 and a strike rate of 176.35 in 15 games.

Bhuvneshwar was also one of RCB's big buys in the IPL 2025 auction at ₹10.75 crores. On the other hand, the franchise acquired Jitesh for a similar price of ₹11 crores.