Bengaluru Royal Challengers (RCB) finally clinched their initial Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025 after enduring numerous seasons of disappointment and narrow escapes. With Rajat Patidar at the helm, the Bengaluru-based squad showcased impressive steadiness and strength, integrating seasoned players with emerging talents.
As the IPL gets ready for its 2026 significant auction, each team will face difficult choices. For RCB, determining which Indian players to keep will present one of their most significant hurdles.
5 Indian players RCB can retain before the IPL 2026 auction
1. Virat Kohli – The symbol of RCB and the soul of Bengaluru
Despite relinquishing leadership responsibilities, Virat Kohli continues to be RCB’s central emotional anchor. The seasoned batter, who has been part of the team since the IPL’s commencement in 2008, remains their most consistent run-scorer. During the 2025 season, Kohli demonstrated his classic form, accumulating frequent half-centuries, guiding challenging run chases, and instructing younger teammates.
Kohli’s vast experience, exceptional physical condition, and relentless pursuit of runs make his retention a certainty. Beyond statistics, his influence both on and off the field ensures that RCB’s fan base remains highly enthusiastic. As the 2026 season is anticipated to be another crucial campaign, retaining Kohli represents both a strategic cricketing decision and a gesture of emotional allegiance for the team.
2. Rajat Patidar (Captain) – The composed leader of a fresh chapter
Patidar, who assumed the captaincy in 2025, steered RCB to their long-sought-after championship victory, securing his place in the team’s historical records. His strategic insight, composure during critical moments, and his ability to lead through his actions instantly made him a beloved figure among fans. Patidar demonstrated consistency in the middle order, often guiding RCB through vital stages of matches. His leadership revitalized the team and encouraged a sense of unity and responsibility. Considering his significant influence, RCB will undoubtedly want to keep him as their captain in the future. Patidar embodies the emerging group of Indian leaders, known for their calmness, self-assurance, and clarity of thought.
3. Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper) – The game-changing finisher
Within a squad brimming with renowned players, Jitesh Sharma surfaced as RCB’s unexpected star of the season. As a wicketkeeper-batter, he showcased remarkable finishing skills, consistently delivering impactful performances in the final overs. His dynamic hitting style and his capability to handle high-caliber fast bowling established him as one of the premier Indian finishers in IPL 2025.
Additionally, Jitesh’s adept wicketkeeping skills contributed to the team’s stability, especially when positioned behind the wickets as bowlers like Krunal Pandya or part-time bowlers were active. His bold strategy and versatility in challenging situations make him a valuable asset that RCB would be keen to secure for the long haul.
4. Krunal Pandya – The versatile all-rounder
Since joining RCB, Krunal Pandya has emerged as one of their most calculated acquisitions. His left-arm spin was essential in managing the game during the middle overs, and his proficiency in scoring valuable runs in the lower order enhanced the batting lineup’s depth.
Krunal’s seasoned experience as a national Indian player offered equilibrium and adaptability to RCB’s team arrangements. Often, he functioned as a bowling all-rounder, ready to assume responsibility when the top order faltered. His composed demeanor and game awareness make him a crucial retention for the 2026 season, especially given the high demand for all-rounders during major auctions.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – The seasoned spearhead
Experienced pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar significantly strengthened RCB’s bowling performance in 2025. His expertise in swinging the ball during the initial overs and executing yorkers in the final overs provided both control and consistency to their bowling lineup. In a season where fast bowlers were particularly influential, Bhuvneshwar’s extensive experience and adaptability were notably effective.
Despite his status as one of the league’s longest-serving players, he has maintained his fitness, focus, and effectiveness. His guidance to younger bowlers such as Zakary Foulkes was crucial in RCB’s journey to winning the championship. Retaining Bhuvneshwar ensures that RCB maintains both leadership and depth in their pace attack.
