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“We’re defending that title, no more Livingstone to stop us” – Fans react to RCB releasing star England all-rounder at IPL 2026 retention deadline

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**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

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“When RCB won, I went crazy” – Bollywood actress’ stunning claim on love for Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2026 retention

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Bollywood actress Shehnaaz Gill expressed her admiration for veteran batter Virat Kohli, admitting that she went crazy when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the IPL 2025 title. In the final, RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad by six runs to claim their maiden championship.

During her appearance on the YouTube podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia, released on Monday, November 11, Shehnaaz revealed her conflicted emotions. She said she had wanted Punjab Kings to win, as she belongs to that state, but found herself being partial to Kohli.

The 31-year-old shared,
“When RCB won, I went crazy. I went completely crazy. I mean, I’m from Punjab, but a little bit because of my connection with Virat Kohli. Otherwise, there was nothing else. I wanted Punjab to win anyway, but because of Virat Kohli, I had to be a little partial.”

Shehnaaz also spoke about the special bond between Virat Kohli and his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. She noted that there’s something about the Delhi-born batter and his aura that makes so many people love him.

She said,
“I like his style and the bonding he has with Anushka, which we get to see in the stadium too. His focus is always there. I think the connection between them is a really sweet, pure bond. Also, the way he plays, his style, his attitude, and the way he gets into arguments in between—it looks good, the fight. I like him; there’s just something about him, the aura, everyone in the world likes him. Of course, everyone has their own preferences, but I like him.”

In addition to Kohli, Shehnaaz mentioned that she also admires the attitude of India batter and Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer. She said,
“I also like him from Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer. He’s good too. I like his attitude.”

In the 2025 IPL edition, Shreyas Iyer became only the second Punjab Kings captain to lead the franchise to the IPL final, after George Bailey achieved the feat in the 2014 season.

### “RCB belongs to him” – Shehnaaz on Supporting RCB Post-Kohli

During the same conversation, Shehnaaz was asked if she would continue supporting RCB after Virat Kohli retires. She replied,
“Why wouldn’t I? After all, RCB belongs to him. And they won after so many years, of course one feels proud.”

As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, it will be intriguing to see which players RCB retains ahead of the November 15 retention deadline.

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Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2025 including live scores, match schedules, points tables, and player news.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-when-rcb-won-i-went-crazy-bollywood-actress-stunning-claim-love-virat-kohli-ahead-ipl-2026-retention