Last Updated:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru bid farewell to Liam Livingstone ahead of IPL 2026 auctions, with a post celebrating their 2025 title win.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru bid farewell to Liam Livingstone (PTI)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru shared a heartfelt farewell message for Liam Livingstone after releasing the English player from their squad ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 auctions. Ten teams will compete in a bidding war on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Livingstone’s release came as RCB announced their retentions on Saturday evening, with November 15 being the retention deadline. The all-rounder was one of eight players released by RCB, as the 2025 champions let go of members from their championship-winning squad.
The Bengaluru-based franchise posted a farewell note for Livingstone on their official X account, stating, “Stepped up when it mattered the most and left his mark on our most glorious chapter. You lived it, Liam, and we loved it! Thank you for everything. You’ll always be an RCBian at heart.”
Last year, RCB acquired Livingstone for Rs 8.75 crore during the mega auction, but he only managed to score 112 runs in 10 matches. With the franchise now sharing a farewell note, it is unlikely that they will repurchase the all-rounder.
“Joined us as a replacement, became an important part of our rich history. Thank you, Mayank, for the courage, the calm, and the game-changing cameos. You’ll forever be our very own,” RCB posted for Mayank Agarwal.
On Romario Shepherd, RCB posted: “Arrived, dropped a banger in a rivalry supreme, and decided to stay in our hearts for all eternity. 12th Man Army will miss you, Lungi. Thank you for all the memories.”
Alongside Livingstone, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi was also released by RCB due to underwhelming performances.
RCB celebrated their first IPL title in 18 years as they lifted the coveted trophy in 2025. They finished second in the points table after the league stage and achieved consecutive victories over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 and the final, held on May 29 and June 3, respectively, ending their 18-year wait for an inaugural IPL title.
Virat Kohli was the top scorer for the Rajat Patidar-led squad in IPL 2025, while Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood recorded the most dismissals.
RCB Retained: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma
RCB Released: Liam Livingstone, Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Tim Seifert, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Blessing Muzarabani, Mohit Rathee
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
November 16, 2025, 14:00 IST
Read More
