3 RCB players who may not be retained ahead of IPL 2027 Auction

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into the IPL 2027 retention window as back-to-back champions, having lifted the trophy in both 2025 and 2026. Their settled squad and consecutive title wins mean large-scale changes are unlikely before the mini-auction scheduled in Goa on December 16, 2026.

All franchises must submit their retention and release lists to the BCCI by November 15, 2026. As of November 13, 2026, no official RCB list has been made public. However, a few players look vulnerable given the depth RCB have built across their bowling departments.

3. Swapnil Singh

Swapnil Singh, the 35-year-old slow left-arm orthodox bowler from Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, has been part of RCB's squad since 2024. He was retained via the RTM card at INR 50 lakh ahead of IPL 2025 and carried the same price tag into IPL 2026. However, RCB's spin department is well stocked, and Krunal Pandya leads that group.

Younger spinners such as Suyash Sharma, Vicky Ostwal, Kanish Chouhan, and Satvik Deswal are all in the squad, making Swapnil's position as a backup option harder to justify at the auction table. With so many left-arm and wrist-spin alternatives on hand, RCB may decide to free up his slot and use the funds elsewhere. Swapnil has played 96 T20 matches across his career, picking up 83 wickets at an average of 24.61, with a best of 6/19.