“I’m very fond of him as a player, but…”: RCB’s Director of Cricket on Liam Livingstone’s release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have launched an all-England game Liam Livingstone Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, marking the end of a short and challenging spell with the franchise. Livingstone was one of two foreign players let go as RCB prepares to recalibrate their squad after the 2025 season.

Signed for a whopping INR 8.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Livingstone was expected to play a key role with both the bat and the ball. However, his performance fell short of expectations as he managed only 112 runs and took two wickets, numbers that were far from his capabilities.

Livingstone appeared in 10 of RCB’s 16 matches, including the final, but has struggled to cement a consistent role. Despite his proven T20 pedigree, he was unable to find a rhythm with the bat or user-friendly spin options, resulting in spells on the bench during crucial stages of the season.

The franchise acknowledged that such high-profile decisions are never easy, especially when dealing with a player of Livingston’s stature.

Mo Popat pays tribute to the integrity and character of Liam Livingstone

Director of cricket at RCB Not pops He spoke candidly about the emotional challenge behind the England star’s release. In an episode of RCB Bold Diaries, Popat spoke about Livingstone’s professionalism and the respect he commanded within the dressing room.

“On a personal level, we released Levi with a very heavy heart. I’m a huge fan of Levi as a player, but also as a person. I really enjoyed my time with him.” “It’s a lot of fun,” Popat told RCB Bold Diaries.

It also highlighted Livingstone’s exceptional behavior during periods when he was not named in the starting line-up – a phase that can often test the senior international’s patience.

“A great deal of integrity in the way he handled himself during the period when he was left out of the team. Because that would have been difficult for a player like him, who is an experienced international player. So he contributed hugely and his attitude was great. But he has high standards for himself, and I know what he is capable of.”

The comments confirm the strong relationship Livingston has maintained with the coaching staff and his teammates despite the lack of returns on the field.

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RCB is looking to strengthen their squad for the IPL 2026 auction

The decision to release Livingstone reflects RCB’s broader goal of reshaping their overseas squad with a focus on balance, form and long-term planning. Heading into the IPL 2026 auction, RCB are expected to target powerhouses and all-rounders who can provide a consistent impact throughout the season.

Current lineup: Rajat Patidar (Team Captain), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, Josh HazlewoodTim David, Jitesh Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Nuwan Thachara, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Bethel, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Yash Dayal, Abhinandan Singh, Raseekh Dhar.

Also Read: From Andre Russell to Matheesha Pathirana – Here is the complete list of players released ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction