After celebrating a memorable IPL 2026 title triumph, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will now turn their attention towards building a squad capable of defending their championship in the upcoming season. With the IPL 2027 mini-auction approaching, the franchise will have to make some important decisions regarding player retention and releases.
Maintaining the right balance between experienced international stars and promising domestic players will be crucial for the defending champions. RCB could also look to free up some of their auction purse by releasing overseas players who might struggle to secure regular opportunities in the playing XI.
While some decisions could be straightforward, others will depend on the team’s preferred combinations and requirements for the next season.
3 overseas players RCB can release ahead of IPL 2027 auction
1. Richard Gleeson (England)
Reason: Overlapping role and age factor
Richard Gleeson was brought into the RCB setup to provide additional depth to their fast-bowling department. However, his chances of securing a regular place in the playing XI appear limited, considering the options already available to the franchise.
Josh Hazlewood remains a key overseas fast-bowling option, while RCB also have a strong group of Indian pacers, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal and Rasikh Salam.
Why RCB could release him?
With several established fast bowlers already competing for places, retaining Gleeson might not be a priority for the management. The English pacer, who is 37 years old, could find it difficult to break into the team’s preferred combination.
Releasing him would allow RCB to free up an overseas position that could be utilised to strengthen another department. Considering the competition within their pace attack, this could be a relatively straightforward decision for the franchise.
2. Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)
Reason: Limited opportunities in the preferred Playing XI
Jacob Duffy offers considerable experience as an international fast bowler and provides a reliable backup option in the pace department. However, his role at RCB could remain restricted if the franchise continues with its existing overseas combination.
The presence of Hazlewood, alongside several established Indian pacers, makes it difficult for Duffy to secure regular opportunities. RCB might also prefer to use their overseas slots on specialist batters and all-rounders rather than carrying multiple international fast bowlers.
Why RCB could release him?
Duffy’s retention could become difficult to justify if he continues to remain on the sidelines. With a price tag of ₹2 crore, RCB might prefer to utilise that portion of their budget on a player who addresses a more pressing squad requirement. The franchise could explore overseas spin-bowling options or look for an aggressive top-order batter who can add another dimension to their batting lineup.
Although Duffy is a capable international bowler, his limited chances of featuring regularly could make him a potential release ahead of the mini-auction.
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3. Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka)
Reason: Overseas combination and availability of alternatives
Nuwan Thushara possesses an unusual bowling action that makes him a challenging proposition for batters in T20 cricket. His ability to generate movement and deliver effective variations could make him a valuable addition to several franchises.
However, finding a place for the Sri Lankan pacer in RCB’s overseas combination might prove difficult. The defending champions have several established international players competing for limited overseas positions, including Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and Hazlewood.
Why RCB could release him?
RCB’s overseas combination could leave very little room for Thushara, particularly if the management decides to continue with its existing core of international players. Rather than retaining an overseas fast bowler who might struggle to get regular opportunities, the franchise could use that squad position to explore players with different skill sets.
Releasing Thushara would give RCB greater flexibility when approaching the December 16 mini-auction. The management could then focus on strengthening other departments and identifying overseas players who fit more naturally into their preferred playing XI.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on how RCB plan to defend their IPL title and whether they believe Thushara has a significant role to play in their campaign.
Also READ: 3 overseas players Mumbai Indians (MI) can release ahead of IPL 2027 mini-auction
