“These are the two they can release” - Aakash Chopra outlines RCB’s IPL 2026 auction plan

Former batter Aakash Chopra reflected on Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) retentions and releases ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. He named two players whom the franchise could look to release.

Aakash Chopra reckoned that there was no need to fix something not broken. RCB are the defending champions. They beat the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final to lift the trophy for the first time. He advised the team not to make many changes and to retain as many players as possible. The two potential releases he named were Liam Livingstone and Rasikh Salam Dar.

"These are the two they can release. Otherwise, they must not release anyone else. Why fix something that ain't broken? Leave broken, they are breaking records. So release Livingstone and maybe Rasikh. Don't change much, retain everyone else and do not let them go," he said on his YouTube channel.

RCB had previously played three finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016. However, they failed to cross the line on each occasion. In the 2025 season, they triumphed over PBKS by six runs in the final. They put up a consistent performance and finished second on the points table after the league stage.

---

Aakash Chopra explains why Liam Livingstone and Rasikh Salam Dar should be released by RCB

While Aakash Chopra named the two possible releases RCB can make ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, he also explained why the two players should be let go. Livingstone was acquired for a massive ₹8.75 crore, while Rasikh was purchased for ₹6 crore.

He reckoned that RCB would have to look for a better option in the middle-order alongside the likes of Virat Kohli, captain Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, and others.

"Liam Livingstone was expensive and he did not do so well. In the middle order, if they can find one solid batter with Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli and Jitesh Sharma as Tim David comes later, there is a possibility that they can release Livingstone and buy a better batter," he said.

Livingstone played eight matches and managed to score just 112 runs at an average of 16 and a strike-rate of 133.33 with a half-century.

Aakash Chopra also highlighted RCB's need for a backup Indian pacer and spinner in the squad.

"There is Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Romario Shepherd and Nuwan Thushara, so it will be good if they can get one backup Indian fast bowler. Would you want to leave Rasikh to get money for that? He has been good and there is no doubt about it he went for 6 crores so you can leave him. It will be good if they can also get an Indian spin option with Krunal and Suyash."

Rasikh Salam Dar played just two matches. He managed to pick up one wicket at an average of 70 and an economy of 11.66.