Royal Challengers Bengaluru could make several changes to their squad ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction, with Romario Shepherd, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Richard Gleeson and Mangesh Yadav among the players whose places could come under review. RCB will need to assess its bowling combination, overseas options and squad balance before finalising its retention list.
After winning the IPL 2025 title, RCB entered the 2026 season with a relatively settled squad. However, not every player has managed to secure a regular place in the playing XI. The franchise could now consider releasing a few players to create room for fresh additions ahead of IPL 2027.
The official RCB released players list for IPL 2027 has not been announced yet. Here is our expected list based on the available squad information, player roles and possible team requirements.
Has RCB Announced Its Released Players List for IPL 2027?
No, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have not officially announced their released players list for IPL 2027.
The franchise will first assess its existing squad before deciding which players to retain and which names to release. Since IPL 2027 is expected to have a mini auction, RCB can retain most of its existing core and make selective changes.
RCB Released Players 2027 List (Expected)
Here are the players who could be released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru before the IPL 2027 auction.
| Player | Role | Expected Release Possibility |
|---|---|---|
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder | Medium |
| Yash Dayal | Fast Bowler | Medium |
| Nuwan Thushara | Fast Bowler | Medium |
| Richard Gleeson | Fast Bowler | High |
| Mangesh Yadav | Fast Bowler | High |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Medium |
| Swapnil Singh | All-rounder | Medium |
| Satvik Deswal | Spinner | High |
| Kanishk Chouhan | All-rounder | High |
| Vihaan Malhotra | Batter | High |
| Suyash Sharma | Spinner | Low to Medium |
| Jacob Duffy | Fast Bowler | Low to Medium |
This is an editorial prediction, not an official release list. RCB could retain several of these players or make additional changes.
Why Could RCB Release These Players Before IPL 2027?
1. Romario Shepherd
Romario Shepherd could be one of the overseas players whose position RCB reassesses before IPL 2027.
The West Indies all-rounder offers power-hitting and medium-fast bowling, making him a useful option in T20 cricket. However, his role in the playing XI and overall contribution will be important factors in the franchise’s decision.
RCB may look for a more consistent overseas all-rounder if Shepherd does not fit into its preferred combination.
Our assessment: Shepherd is a medium-risk release candidate. His all-round abilities could still convince RCB to retain him.
2. Yash Dayal
Yash Dayal is another player whose future could attract attention ahead of IPL 2027.
The left-arm fast bowler was part of RCB’s IPL 2025 title-winning campaign and was retained for the 2026 season. However, his availability and participation during the 2026 campaign have been important factors in assessing his place in the squad.
RCB will need to consider his fitness, availability and bowling requirements before making a final decision.
Our assessment: His release is possible, but RCB may prefer to continue with him if he is available and ready to contribute.
3. Nuwan Thushara
Nuwan Thushara could also face uncertainty ahead of the next season.
The Sri Lankan fast bowler offers an unusual bowling action and can be useful in the powerplay and death overs. However, availability and opportunities in the playing XI could influence RCB’s decision.
With several overseas fast-bowling options available, the franchise may consider using the overseas slot on another player.
Our assessment: Thushara is a medium-risk release candidate, particularly if RCB decides to change its overseas bowling combination.
4. Richard Gleeson
Richard Gleeson could be one of the stronger release candidates.
The English fast bowler joined RCB as an injury replacement during the 2026 season. His position in the squad may depend on the availability of the original bowling options and the franchise’s plans for the next auction.
RCB could prefer a younger overseas fast bowler or a player who offers greater flexibility across different match situations.
5. Mangesh Yadav
Mangesh Yadav is another name to watch before the IPL 2027 auction.
RCB invested ₹5.20 crore in the Indian all-rounder at the 2026 auction. That makes his future an important squad decision, particularly if the franchise feels it needs a different type of bowling option.
However, his domestic potential could encourage RCB to give him another opportunity.
6. Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma could be one of the biggest decisions for RCB.
The wicketkeeper-batter was acquired for ₹11 crore and was expected to strengthen the team’s middle order. However, his returns during IPL 2026 could lead the management to reassess his role.
Releasing Jitesh would free up a significant amount of purse money, but RCB would also need to find a reliable wicketkeeper and middle-order batter.
7. Swapnil Singh
Swapnil Singh could face competition for a place in the squad as RCB reassesses its all-rounder and spin-bowling options.
The franchise may decide to use the available squad position on a player who offers a more specific role or greater opportunities in the playing XI.
Which Overseas Players Could RCB Release in IPL 2027?
RCB may review its overseas combination before the next mini auction. Romario Shepherd and Nuwan Thushara are two names worth monitoring, while Richard Gleeson’s place could also be uncertain.
| Player | Country | Role | Release Possibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romario Shepherd | West Indies | All-rounder | Medium |
| Nuwan Thushara | Sri Lanka | Fast Bowler | Medium |
| Richard Gleeson | England | Fast Bowler | High |
| Jacob Duffy | New Zealand | Fast Bowler | Low to Medium |
The final decision will depend on overseas player availability, squad balance and the team’s preferred playing XI.
How Much Money Could RCB Save by Releasing These Players?
The following table uses reported IPL 2026 contract prices. These figures are estimates of the potential salary value freed up, not an official IPL 2027 auction purse calculation.
| Player | IPL 2026 Price |
|---|---|
| Romario Shepherd | ₹1.50 crore |
| Yash Dayal | ₹5 crore |
| Nuwan Thushara | ₹1.60 crore |
| Richard Gleeson | ₹1.60 crore |
| Mangesh Yadav | ₹5.20 crore |
| Jitesh Sharma | ₹11 crore |
| Swapnil Singh | ₹50 lakh |
| Jacob Duffy | ₹2 crore |
If RCB release Shepherd, Dayal and Thushara together, they could free up approximately ₹8.10 crore based on their previous contract prices.
Releasing additional players such as Jitesh Sharma and Mangesh Yadav could increase the amount considerably. However, RCB will also need to consider the cost of replacing players and filling vacant squad positions.
Which Players Could RCB Retain for IPL 2027?
RCB are expected to continue with a strong core featuring Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, subject to the final retention decisions.
The franchise will also need to assess the availability of its fast bowlers and the performance of its younger players before deciding on the final squad.
FAQs: RCB Released Players 2027
1. Has RCB announced its official released players list for IPL 2027?
No. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have not officially announced their IPL 2027 released players list. All names in this article are predictions.
2. Will Romario Shepherd be released by RCB?
Romario Shepherd could face competition for an overseas spot, but his batting and bowling abilities may encourage RCB to retain him.
3. Will Yash Dayal play for RCB in IPL 2027?
His future will depend on his availability, fitness and the franchise’s bowling plans. A release is possible, but it has not been confirmed.
4. Is Nuwan Thushara likely to be released by RCB?
Thushara could be considered for release if RCB decides to change its overseas fast-bowling combination. However, no official decision has been announced.
5. Could RCB release Jitesh Sharma?
Jitesh Sharma could be considered because of his contract value and the need to strengthen the middle order. However, his wicketkeeping role also makes him an important player to assess carefully.
6. When will RCB announce its IPL 2027 released players?
The official list will be announced after the IPL retention deadline is confirmed. Until then, all release predictions remain provisional.
Final Thoughts
Royal Challengers Bengaluru could make a few important changes before the IPL 2027 mini auction. Romario Shepherd, Yash Dayal and Nuwan Thushara are among the names whose future could attract attention, while Richard Gleeson and Mangesh Yadav may also face uncertain positions.
Jitesh Sharma could be another major decision because of his contract value and role in the middle order. However, RCB will need to balance financial flexibility with the importance of maintaining a settled squad.
The final released players list will show whether the defending champions choose to make only minor adjustments or take bigger decisions ahead of IPL 2027.
