2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) This season was one to remember Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) After many years of suffering and failures, they finally lifted the coveted IPL trophy. Their first title win has now put the management in a pleasant dilemma – deciding which players to keep forward ipl 2026 auction.
RCB campaign in IPL 2025
under the dynamic leadership of Rajat PatidarRCB displayed remarkable consistency and unity throughout the campaign, blending experience with fearless young talent. Throughout the tournament, RCB looked like a well-rounded unit – winning important games, handling pressure with maturity and succeeding in big match situations. Their campaign was based on teamwork rather than individual talent, with each player contributing at different stages.
3 foreign retentions for RCB before IPL 2026
With only a limited number of overseas players allowed to be retained, franchises will have to choose carefully. Among the many standout performers, three international stars are the top contenders to remain in the RCB camp for the next season. Each played a key role in RCB’s championship-winning run, putting in key performances at different stages of the tournament.
Josh Hazlewood – the leader of RCB’s bowling attack
- Role: fast bowler
- price in ipl 2025: Rs 12.50 crore
- Performance in IPL 2025: 22 wickets in 12 matches
When RCB needed a breakthrough in pressure moments, Josh Hazlewood He was her favorite man. The Australian fast bowler’s ability to strike early in the powerplay and maintain his composure during the death overs made him an invaluable asset to the team. Hazlewood’s consistency and accuracy were on full display in IPL 2025, as he scalped 22 wickets in just 12 matches at an average of 17.55 and an economy rate around 8.77.
What set Hazlewood apart was his control and adaptability. On flat batting tracks, he used his height and bounce to extract uncomfortable movement, while on slower surfaces, he relied on variations and cutters. His experience also proved important in guiding the young bowlers. Yash Dayal And Nuwan ThusharaWhich flourished under his patronage.
Given his stellar record and leadership qualities in the bowling unit, Hazlewood is almost a certainty for RCB. With Rajat Patidar likely to remain the captain, the Australian’s calm nature and match awareness could once again underpin the team’s bowling plans for IPL 2026.
Also read: Delhi Capitals: DC may retain 3 foreign players before IPL 2026 auction
Phil Salt – RCB’s explosive opener and tone-setter
- Role:Opening Batter
- price in ipl 2025: Rs 11.50 crore
- performance in ipl 2025: 403 runs at a strike rate of 175.98 (48 fours, 22 sixes)
of England Phil Salt RCB got fireworks at the top of the order in IPL 2025. His fearless batting at the top provided the perfect start that the team had been craving for a long time. Salt’s innings of 403 runs at a strike rate of 175.98 speaks volumes about his aggression and impact. He often attacked the opposition bowlers in the powerplay, allowing the middle order to play with freedom.
Salt’s innings were not just about scoring quick runs – they were often match-defining. His ability to adapt to situations with smart shot selection and fearless intent made him one of the most valuable overseas batsmen in the league. For a franchise that has historically struggled to find stability at the top, Salt’s form and temperament could keep him a top priority. His coordination with Patidar and Virat Kohli Created a balance at the top order which was instrumental in RCB’s championship run.
Tim David – The power finisher that turns games around
- Role: middle order batsman
- Price in IPL 2025: Rs 3 crore
- performance in ipl 2025: 187 runs at a strike rate of 185.15 (16 fours, 14 sixes)
When it came time to end the game, tim david The lower middle order proved to be RCB’s X-factor. The Singapore-born Australian power-hitter may not have scored big runs in every game, but his cameos were worth their weight in gold. David scored 187 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 185.15, producing explosive finishes that often swung the momentum in RCB’s favour.
His ability to hit boundaries with ease made him a perfect fit for the batting-friendly conditions at Chinnaswamy. Furthermore, his calm approach in difficult situations complemented the aggressive style of his teammates. Given his modest price and ability to single-handedly win matches, retaining David will give RCB both balance and flexibility in their team structure.
Now having secured their maiden IPL title, RCB will look to create a legacy. Retaining the overseas trio of Hazlewood, Salt and David makes perfect strategic sense – the combination of pace, power and explosiveness that defined their 2025 success.
Also read: Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR may retain 3 foreign players before IPL 2026 auction
