"Would not have fit into the first 11" - Irfan Pathan’s blunt take on star all-rounder being released by RCB ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan made a blunt assessment on star all-rounder Liam Livingstone's release by RCB ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Livingstone was acquired for ₹8.75 crore for the previous season.

However, he had an underwhelming performance. The right-hander made 112 runs from eight innings at an average of 16 and a strike-rate of 133.33. Irfan Pathan reckoned that Livingstone would not have fit into RCB's playing 11.

Further, he believed that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) could have retained Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. However, with Ravindra Jadeja being traded in, it changed the dynamics.

"RCB's four overseas players have been settled. Livingstone would not have fit into the first 11, so his release makes sense. I feel RR could have persisted with Hasaranga but he is a big name and such a player who can bowl well. I think because of Jadeja's coming this change is seen," he said on his YouTube channel.

Talking about the releases made by the Punjab Kings (PBKS), Irfan Pathan opined that Glenn Maxwell's release was expected. He was surprised by the release of Josh Inglis, but clarified that the Australian was let go due to availability issues. However, he reckoned that Inglis would get a good bid if he entered the auction later on.

"Maxwell is a big name but we knew he would go out as the performance was not there. Inglis was a surprising release. But Ponting told that the issue is with his availability. There is no skill issue, so then it is understandable. But should he go into the auction then he could go for a good price. Teams will eye him as he does not let the bowlers settle."

Inglis scored 278 runs in 11 matches at an average of 30.88 and a strike-rate of 162.57. He played a key role in their run to the IPL 2025 final.

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Irfan Pathan on DC and LSG retaining pacers despite injury

Delhi Capitals (DC) retained pacer T Natarajan. He was acquired for a massive sum of ₹10.75 crore. However, he played just two matches last year and was out of action due to injury.

Irfan Pathan highlighted the thought process behind retaining Natarajan. He believed that DC held him back to try and test him.

"Delhi have retained Natarajan, a player who has hardly played any cricket last year. The coach said that he was injured last year. There is also some pressure on the management that if you have given him 10 crores, then you would not want to leave him without trying him on the field. His stock as gone down but he still bowls the yorker well. I think he has been retained with this thinking," he said.

Similarly, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) retained pacer Mayank Yadav. He played two matches and bagged as many wickets before being ruled out due to injury. Irfan Pathan highlighted the need for a pacer who could bowl over 150 kmph and create impact.

Mayank has not been playing any domestic cricket at the moment and is still recovering. He was retained by LSG before the IPL 2025 auction for a huge sum of ₹11 crore.