The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season was one to remember for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they finally lifted the coveted IPL trophy after years of heartbreaks and near misses. Their maiden title triumph has now placed the management in a pleasant dilemma — deciding which players to retain ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
RCB’s campaign in IPL 2025
Under the dynamic leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB displayed remarkable consistency and unity throughout the campaign, blending experience with fearless young talent. Throughout the tournament, RCB looked like a well-oiled unit — winning crucial away games, handling pressure with maturity, and thriving in big-match situations. Their campaign was built on teamwork rather than individual brilliance, with every player contributing at different stages.
3 overseas retentions for RCB ahead of IPL 2026
With only a limited number of overseas players allowed to be retained, the franchise must make careful choices. Among several standout performers, three international stars are top contenders to stay in the RCB camp for the next season. Each played a pivotal role in RCB’s championship-winning run, offering crucial performances across different phases of the tournament.
Josh Hazlewood – The spearhead of RCB’s bowling attack
- Role: Fast bowler
- Price in IPL 2025: INR 12.50 crore
- Performance in IPL 2025: 22 wickets in 12 matches
When RCB needed breakthroughs in pressure moments, Josh Hazlewood was their go-to man. The Australian pacer’s ability to strike early in the powerplay and maintain composure during the death overs made him an invaluable asset for the side. Hazlewood’s consistency and accuracy were on full display in IPL 2025, as he bagged 22 wickets in just 12 matches, averaging 17.55 with an economy rate hovering around the 8.77 mark.
What set Hazlewood apart was his control and adaptability. On flat batting tracks, he used his height and bounce to extract discomforting movement, while on slower surfaces, he relied on variations and cutters. His experience also proved instrumental in guiding younger bowlers like Yash Dayal and Nuwan Thushara, who thrived under his mentorship.
Given his stellar record and leadership qualities in the bowling unit, Hazlewood is a near-certain retention for RCB. With Rajat Patidar likely to continue as captain, the Australian’s calm temperament and match awareness can once again anchor the team’s bowling plans for IPL 2026.
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Phil Salt – RCB’s explosive opener and tone-setter
- Role: Opening batter
- Price in IPL 2025: INR 11.50 crore
- Performance in IPL 2025: 403 runs at a strike rate of 175.98 (48 fours, 22 sixes)
England’s Phil Salt brought fireworks to RCB’s top order in IPL 2025. His fearless batting at the top provided the perfect starts that the team had long desired. Salt’s tally of 403 runs at a blistering 175.98 strike rate speaks volumes about his aggression and impact. He often took the attack to opposition bowlers in the powerplay, allowing the middle order to play with freedom.
Salt’s innings were not just about quick runs — they were often match-defining. His ability to adapt to conditions, coupled with smart shot selection and fearless intent, made him one of the most valuable overseas batters in the league. For a franchise that has historically struggled to find stability at the top, Salt’s form and temperament could make him a top priority retention. His synergy with Patidar and Virat Kohli in the top order created a balance that was instrumental in RCB’s championship run.
Tim David – The power finisher who turns games around
- Role: Middle-order batter
- Price in IPL 2025: INR 3 crore
- Performance in IPL 2025: 187 runs at a strike rate of 185.15 (16 fours, 14 sixes)
When it came to finishing games, Tim David proved to be RCB’s X-factor in the lower middle order. The Singapore-born Australian power-hitter may not have scored big runs every game, but his cameos were worth their weight in gold. David amassed 187 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 185.15, providing explosive finishes that often swung the momentum in RCB’s favor.
His ability to clear boundaries with ease made him a perfect fit for the batting-friendly conditions at Chinnaswamy. Moreover, his calm approach in crunch situations complemented the aggressive style of his teammates. Given his modest price tag and ability to win matches single-handedly, retaining David would offer RCB both balance and flexibility in their squad composition.
With their maiden IPL title now secured, RCB will look to build a legacy. Retaining the overseas trio of Hazlewood, Salt, and David makes perfect sense strategically — a combination of pace, power, and explosiveness that defined their 2025 success.
Also READ: Kolkata Knight Riders: 3 overseas players KKR can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction
