RCB have not announced their retained players for IPL 2027 yet, and the official list is expected by 15 November 2026 (reported). Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood are the names most likely to stay. RCB won the IPL in 2025 and 2026, so very few changes are expected.
Winning back to back titles changes how a franchise thinks about retention. Most teams ask who needs to be replaced. RCB are asking a different question, which is how to keep a winning group together for one more season. This guide covers the expected RCB retained players 2027 list, the key dates and the small gaps RCB may still want to fix.
Why Is RCB Expected to Make So Few Changes?
The squad did its job. RCB beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final, and their top performers are all expected to continue. Last year RCB kept 17 players from their title-winning squad, so this core has already stayed together once.
IPL 2027 is also a mini auction. Franchises can keep as many players as they want, and only released players and new registrations go into the pool. A team with no big weakness has no reason to break up its group.
Which RCB Players Look Safe for IPL 2027?
Almost every prediction lists these players:
- Virat Kohli, top-order batter
- Rajat Patidar, captain and middle-order batter
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar, fast bowler
- Phil Salt, wicketkeeper-batter
- Josh Hazlewood, fast bowler
Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer and Suyash Sharma also appear in most lists. Their roles are clear, so RCB have little reason to let them go.
Is Virat Kohli Staying at RCB?
Yes, this is the safest call on the list. Kohli was retained at Rs 21 crore before IPL 2026, and 2027 would be his 20th season with the franchise. Reports show he scored 675 runs last season at a strike rate close to 166. RCB are not likely to part with a player of this form and value.
Will Rajat Patidar Stay as Captain?
Very likely. Patidar has led RCB to two titles in a row, and he hit 42 sixes in IPL 2026, the most in the season. His retention price was Rs 11 crore. A captain with two trophies in two years is not a name any franchise changes.
Can Bhuvneshwar Kumar Still Do the Job at 36?
His numbers say yes. Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets in IPL 2026 at an economy of about 7.95, which is strong for a swing bowler in modern T20. RCB may manage his workload carefully, but the new ball is safe in his hands.
What Do Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood Add?
Salt gives RCB fast starts in the powerplay and keeps wickets. Hazlewood leads the pace attack when fit. Both are overseas players, and overseas slots are limited, so RCB must pick their foreign group with care.
Which Names Are Still Uncertain?
Not every spot is settled. Reports are split on Romario Shepherd, as some lists keep him and others mark him as a possible release. Swapnil Singh is another name linked with an exit. Players who played few matches are always the first to be reviewed.
A trade is also possible. Teams often use the trade window to fix a gap before the auction, so one surprise move would not be unusual.
What Is RCB Still Missing Before the Auction?
A champion team can still have small gaps. Based on the squad, RCB may look for:
- A quality spinner for the middle overs
- Backup for the death overs
- A spare batter who can fit anywhere in the order
- A young Indian fast bowler for the future
These are small fixes, not a rebuild. RCB should spend carefully and fill only what the squad needs.
When Will the RCB Retention List Come Out?
The reported timeline is simple:
- 15 November 2026: retention deadline (reported, not yet confirmed by the BCCI)
- 16 December 2026: IPL 2027 mini auction in Goa (reported)
- 2028: next mega auction
Salary also matters on deadline day. Every retained player’s price is cut from the purse, so Kohli at Rs 21 crore directly affects how much RCB can spend. Always check official IPL and BCCI announcements for the final rules.
RCB Retained Players 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the expected RCB retained players for IPL 2027?
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Phil Salt and Josh Hazlewood are the most talked about names. Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David and Jitesh Sharma are also likely.
When is the IPL 2027 retention deadline?
It is reported as 15 November 2026. The BCCI has not confirmed it yet.
Is the IPL 2027 auction a mega auction?
No. It is a mini auction in Goa, reported for 16 December 2026. The next mega auction is due in 2028.
Will Virat Kohli play IPL 2027 for RCB?
Yes, he is expected to continue and play his 20th season with the team.
Who will captain RCB in IPL 2027?
Rajat Patidar is the current captain and is strongly favoured to continue after two titles in a row.
What Should Fans Expect Next?
The RCB retained players 2027 list will probably look a lot like the title-winning squad. Kohli, Patidar, Bhuvneshwar, Salt and Hazlewood form the base, with only small changes around them. The final picture will be clear after the 15 November deadline.
Disclaimer: This list is based on media reports and expert predictions. Please check official IPL and RCB announcements for confirmed information.
