Team India batter Hanuma Vihari has named players whom the Royal Challengers Bengaluru can release after the conclusion of Indian Premier League 2026. Vihari reckons the two-time champions can release Mangesh Yadav, who was bought for INR 5.20 crore in the mini auction.
Yadav was picked as a replacement for Yash Dayal but did not play a solitary match. Vihari said RCB can look to buy back Mangesh Yadav at a lesser price if needed.
“I think Mangesh will definitely be released. He was taken for five crores and did not play a game. Even if they want him, they can get him back at a lower price,” Vihari said on his YouTube channel.
The 32-year-old said RCB can release Yash Dayal if he doesn’t make a comeback in the next season, but they can retain Suyash Sharma and Romario Shepherd as steal buys.
“Yash Dayal, will he comeback? If the case is resolved and he returns okay, else he can be released, which will give them five crores. Two more players can be released if they do not perform – Suyash at 2.6 crores and Shepherd at 1.5 crore. But they were cheap buys, and given their quality, they can be retained as steal buys,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Vihari reckons RCB could face Josh Hazlewood’s headache as the Australian might skip IPL 2027 to focus on the ODI World Cup and the Ashes.
“RCB has a headache for next year’s auction. It is Josh Hazlewood’s availability. That is a big question mark. Australians always take a rest before the World Cup or the Ashes. They also have an India Test series. In such a packed schedule, will he be available? Will they release him if he is not available or retain him for the mega auction?” he questioned.
Vihari feels RCB can not depend on Jacob Duffy as the New Zealand pacer was hot and cold in IPL 2026 and they would need to look for a quality overseas pacer if Hazlewood won’t be available.
“If they have to release Hazelwood, the pressure will increase on Duffy, and they will have to play him continuously. Duffy’s performance has been hot and cold. I don’t think Duffy can create the level of impact that Hazlewood did. So they will have to target a foreign pacer in that case.”
RCB bested GT in the final of IPL 2026.
