IPL: 3 Players Royal Challengers Bengaluru regretted releasing

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been one of the top sides in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, having several big stars at their disposal. However, despite having a star-studded squad, they often failed to cross the finish line and remained without a trophy for a whopping 18 years.

RCB finally ended their drought with back-to-back triumphs in 2025 and 2026. One of the reasons behind RCB’s late success was their handling of proper talent. Over the years, the franchise has let go of several valuable players, who have gone on to represent other franchises and become true match-winners. Here are the top three players RCB must’ve regretted releasing:

1. Cameron Green

Cameron Green was earmarked as a potential long-term investment for RCB when he was traded into the side ahead of the 2024 season. He played a key role as a pace bowling all-rounder, taking ten wickets and scoring 255 runs in the edition.

However, he was unfortunately released ahead of the mega auction and remained unavailable for 2025. However, he could’ve easily filled the shoes of a struggling Romario Shepherd, who currently holds the role as a foreign pace all-rounder for RCB. Despite the team’s successive triumphs, Green’s addition would’ve made the team even more dangerous.

2. Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal made a name for himself as a consistent performer for RCB for eight seasons after joining the franchise in 2014. However, he was let go by the team ahead of the 2022 mega auction and was signed by Rajasthan Royals (RR), where he flourished like never before. Even after switching to Punjab Kings (PBKS), Chahal has remained a genuine wicket-taker and has become the highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL. 

Considering Suyash Sharma's severe dip in form throughout the 2026 season, RCB might regret not having the services of Chahal at their disposal.

3. KL Rahul

KL Rahul first became a part of RCB in 2013, before again joining the franchise ahead of the 2016 season for INR 1 crore. He had a brilliant season for the team in 2016, scoring 397 runs from 12 innings but missed the 2017 season due to a shoulder injury. He was let go ahead of 2018 and became one of the most prolific batters in the history of the tournament.

Rahul's versatility in the batting order, coupled with remarkable consistency, would’ve added value to RCB's already dangerous batting order.