RCB IPL 2026 Retentions: Top 3 Players to Keep for a Strong Bowling Core ft. Bhuvi

The IPL 2026 season is still a few months away, but trade rumours have already started. All ten teams are trying to improve their squads in the current trade window, and they will also get a chance to add more players in the mini auction happening soon.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru Founded: 2008

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is a major franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but they have yet to win the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the title-holders, will attempt to address the concerns with their team. At the same time, they will want to retain some of their core players. Whilst their batting showed strength last season, it was their bowlers who ultimately carried the team. Below are three bowlers that RCB should definitely consider holding onto before the mini auction.

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Bhuvneshwar Kumar Bowler

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an Indian international cricketer, who is primarily a right-arm fast-medium bowler known for his ability to swing the ball both ways.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the only Indian bowler apart from Harshal Patel to win two Purple Caps, and he continues to be a huge asset for his team. He’s an IPL legend, and for RCB he was especially valuable at the death.

His spell against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur, where he kept firing yorkers one after another, is still unforgettable. Taking 17 wickets in 14 matches while bowling mostly in the toughest phase, the death overs, Bhuvneshwar fully justified his ₹10.75 crore price tag. RCB had been searching for a reliable Indian fast bowler for years, and in the UP pacer, they finally found one. He still has at least a couple of strong seasons left in him.

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Yash Dayal Bowler

Yash Dayal is an Indian left-arm fast-medium bowler born on December 13, 1997, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.

RCB faced criticism for acquiring Yash Dayal from GT before IPL 2024, but he proved all doubters wrong. He became a very important piece of the puzzle. Because RCB doesn't have a strong left-arm pacer, Dayal is a different look and could be someone the franchise can trust for the long haul. His stats may not look particularly good and Dayal is not a bowler who will take a lot of wickets, but his true value comes under pressure or in a high-pressure situation. His latest death-over spell against CSK showed he could win a match when it counts the most.

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Josh Hazlewood Bowler

It won't be wrong to define Josh Hazlewood as the modern day adaptation of the legendary Glenn McGrath.

Josh Hazlewood was probably RCB's most effective match-winner last season. He was a catalyst for success in every facet of the game, and his departure invariably left the bowling line-up flat. He was the pulse of the unit, and his experience was invaluable to the RCB team in crucial moments during matches. With 22 wickets from 12 matches, it shows just how dangerous he is. His average of 17.55 was very good, and his economy at the Chinnaswamy of 8.77 is very noteworthy on one of the most difficult grounds in the world to bowl at. Of course, among the squad with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he is the most experienced bowler. RCB should absolutely retain him.

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MLS-W vs ADS-W 4th T20I: Where to Watch Melbourne Stars vs Adelaide Strikers Women's, H2H, Playing 11 & Full Match Details The Adelaide Strikers Women will face the Melbourne Stars Women on Monday, 10 November, at 9:40 AM.

by Dwijesh November 8, 2025