**RCB Release Liam Livingstone Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction: Fans React**
The 2025 IPL champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have made a headline-grabbing decision ahead of the IPL 2026 auction by releasing star England all-rounder Liam Livingstone. The announcement came at the IPL retention deadline on Saturday, November 15.
### Livingstone’s Stint with RCB Comes to an End
Livingstone, 32, was one of RCB’s marquee signings at the IPL 2025 auction, joining for a hefty ₹8.75 crore. However, his season failed to meet expectations, with the Englishman accumulating just 112 runs in 10 games at an average of 16 and a strike rate of 133.33. He managed only a single half-century through the season.
Despite his underwhelming numbers, Livingstone delivered a vital 15-ball 25 in the grand finale, a cameo that helped RCB post a challenging total and ultimately secure their maiden IPL title. He also made a significant impact in the field with a sensational boundary catch to dismiss dangerman Josh Inglis for 39.
### Mixed Fan Reactions on Social Media
The release of Livingstone sparked a mix of opinions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). While some fans praised RCB for making a tough but necessary decision, others pointed to Livingstone’s crucial contributions in high-pressure moments.
Here are some of the top fan reactions:
– “Livingstone is the best player released by RCB. Yes we’re defending that title. No more Livingstone to stop us,” posted a fan.
– “Livingstone gave 2 god knocks. One 50+ early in the group stage and that cameo in the final,” added another.
### RCB Release Seven More Players
RCB didn’t stop at Livingstone. In total, eight players were released this year—four overseas and four Indian players. Along with Livingstone, the overseas players let go include Lungi Ngidi, Tim Seifert, and Blessing Muzarabani.
On the domestic front, Mayank Agarwal was the most notable Indian player released. Swastik Chikara, Mohit Rathee, and Manoj Bhandage also parted ways with the franchise.
### What’s Next for RCB?
With these releases, RCB heads into the IPL 2026 auction with a healthy purse of ₹16.40 crore. The franchise will be eyeing the rare feat of defending their IPL title—something only Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have achieved previously, in 2011 and 2020, respectively.
RCB enjoyed a stellar run in IPL 2025, finishing second in the league stage with nine wins from 14 matches and ultimately breaking their 17-year IPL title drought by triumphing over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in both Qualifier 1 and the final.
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*Stay tuned for more updates as RCB reshapes their squad ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2026 season!*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-we-re-defending-title-livingstone-stop-us-fans-react-rcb-releasing-star-england-all-rounder-ipl-2026-retention-deadline