RCB Players Whose Release Could Prove To Be Biggest Blunder Before IPL 2027

Players RCB must not release in IPL 2027 [Source: AFP]

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended IPL 2026 by successfully defending the title with a comfortable 5-wicket win over the Gujarat Titans. With this, they became the first team to win back-to-back titles in a 10-team IPL.

Contrary to the last season, this time they were among the overriding favourites to win the competition and almost cruised through the season, barring a couple of defeats.

While it was a remarkable campaign for the Royal Challengers, they were left with a few concerns by the end. 

This could tempt them to release some players to the auction, which could also turn into a bad decision, given the value those players add to the team.

In this article, we take a brief look at the players that RCB would regret releasing in the IPL 2027 auction.

Players RCB would regret releasing in IPL 2027 auction

1. Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma, who made a name for himself during his time with the Punjab Kings, was RCB’s big-money investment in IPL 2025. 

They spent INR 11 crore on him in the mega auction and made him central to their plans in the rebuild. After winning their maiden title, he was subsequently retained in IPL 2026 as well.

Jitesh played all 16 matches in the season but could only score at a strike rate of 122.10 in 12 innings, and RCB could think of using the 11 crore and fill other holes in the team. 

But it could prove a bad decision because there are not many proven Indian finishers who play with the intent like him.

He has an IPL strike rate of 152.47 after 59 innings and could still prove to be effective in the coming years, considering he is just 32. 

Also Read: Virat Kohli's Fastest Fifty In IPL: RCB Great Shines Bright Vs GT In IPL 2026 Final

Additionally, he is a fantastic wicketkeeper, who caught 15 times this season and stumped the batter twice, and he is also used as the stand-in captain whenever the team needs him.

Jitesh was also instrumental in their first title win with 261 runs at a strike rate of 176.35, which makes him a prime candidate to retain.

2. Josh Hazlewood

The tall new-ball bowler, Josh Hazlewood, was another player bought by RCB for a big amount of INR 12.50 crore in the mega auction and was made the leader of the attack in IPL 2025. 

Like Jitesh, he was a crucial member of their trophy-winning team last season, having picked 22 wickets in 12 matches.

The IPL 2026 did not go as planned for Hazlewood, as he did not look as effective as he was last season. 

In 2025, he bowled exceptionally with both new and old ball, but this season, he leaked runs at a rate of 9.59 runs per over and picked 15 scalps.

The major concerns about him boil down to his fitness. Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, he missed the whole Ashes series down under and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. 

At 35, recovery already gets tougher, and Australia will also be looking at his availability for the Ashes 2027 after the IPL and the World Cup 2027 and could become a roadblock for RCB.

However, after proving his worth time and again, unless he opts out of the season or is denied NOC by CA, considering their schedule. RCB should retain him if they want to complete an iconic three-peat of IPL titles with his impeccable record under pressure.

3. Phil Salt

In IPL 2026, Phil Salt won his third consecutive IPL trophy after winning two with KKR and RCB in the last two years. But unlike the previous two years, Salt wasn’t involved with the team this season due to a major injury setback after playing the first six matches.

While he looked out of touch in a couple of matches, he ended up scoring two fifties in the six appearances and finished with 202 runs. He went back home to England in the middle of the season for scans, when Jacob Bethell and Venkatesh Iyer filled in for him.

Upon returning, he did not feature in the last few matches of the season due to Venkatesh Iyer, who did well as the opener. 

England players have also built a reputation for being difficult to deal with in the IPL. With the County season clashing, some of them also pull out at the last minute, putting the team’s plans in danger.

Nonetheless, as a prominent member of the squad and having scored 1258 runs in 40 IPL innings, at a strike rate of 174.47, he has established himself as a top overseas star in the league. Hence, it is highly unlikely that he would withdraw from the competition.

When he is fit and in his element, he complements Virat Kohli well, and it is really difficult to stop him. At 29, he is a long-term option that RCB must persist with.

Also Read: Key Changes In Middle-Order; Players Gujarat Titans Should Release Before IPL 2027