Aakash Chopra names 5 players RCB must retain and 1 star they should release ahead of IPL 2027 Auction

Aakash Chopra names 5 players RCB must retain and 1 star they should release ahead of IPL 2027 Auction

Aakash Chopra Names RCB’s Retention Picks Ahead of IPL 2027 Auction

With the IPL 2027 auction approaching, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face an important decision: which players should remain part of their title-winning squad, and who might be released to create room for new signings? Former India batter and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has offered his prediction, backing a group of performers and promising young players while advising the franchise to consider moving on from West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd.

The auction is scheduled for December 16, 2026, with all ten franchises required to submit their retention lists by November 15. That deadline gives RCB a limited window to assess the balance of their squad, weigh each player’s contribution against their cost, and decide how much of their championship-winning combination to preserve.

Chopra’s suggested retention group includes Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Venkatesh Iyer, Rasikh Salam Dar and Suyash Sharma. His recommendations reflect several priorities: maintaining a productive batting core, holding on to players with long-term potential, and protecting a bowling attack that delivered under pressure during the 2026 campaign.

Devdutt Padikkal and Jacob Bethell Lead Chopra’s RCB Retention Prediction

Chopra views Devdutt Padikkal as one of RCB’s clearest retention choices. The left-handed batter delivered a strong IPL 2026 season, scoring 464 runs across 15 innings at an average of 33.14 and a strike rate of 168.72. Those figures point to a player capable of combining consistency with the attacking tempo required in modern T20 cricket.

Padikkal’s value is not limited to his run total. A top-order batter who can make an aggressive start gives the rest of the lineup greater flexibility. When he finds form early, RCB can build pressure on opposition bowlers and allow their middle order to play according to the match situation. His contribution to the team’s back-to-back title triumphs also strengthens the case for keeping a batter who is already familiar with the franchise’s setup.

Chopra has also backed England’s Jacob Bethell, whose potential may make him particularly valuable as RCB plan beyond the next season. Bethell has shown his ability with the bat, and retaining him would give the franchise an opportunity to continue developing a young international player within a settled environment.

In an auction, promising players can attract interest from several teams, making it difficult to bring them back later. Retention would allow RCB to preserve continuity and give Bethell a clearer path to a larger role. For a side looking to defend its crown while refreshing its squad, that balance between proven output and future upside could be important.

Venkatesh Iyer’s Impact Makes Him a Valuable Option

Venkatesh Iyer is another player Chopra believes RCB should retain. Although Iyer had limited opportunities in IPL 2026, he made them count, scoring 209 runs in six innings at an average of 52.25 and a strike rate of 186.60.

Those numbers highlight his ability to score quickly without sacrificing reliability. Iyer’s left-handed batting also gives RCB another option in the lineup, while his ability to bowl adds useful flexibility when the team is managing match-ups or looking to cover for an unavailable specialist. Retaining him could therefore provide value across more than one department, particularly if the franchise plans to use him more regularly in 2027.

His limited number of innings may also make his role an important point for RCB to consider. The team will need to decide whether it can offer him a consistent place in the batting order. If it can, Chopra’s prediction that Iyer should stay appears well supported by his efficiency in the opportunities he received.

Chopra Advises RCB to Consider Releasing Romario Shepherd

The most notable name on Chopra’s proposed release list is Romario Shepherd. The West Indies all-rounder brings power-hitting and a bowling option, but Chopra believes inconsistent performances could make him a candidate to be released ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction.

For RCB, that decision would involve more than judging Shepherd’s ability in isolation. All-rounders can offer valuable squad balance, but franchises must assess whether their overall contribution justifies the space and investment they occupy. Releasing Shepherd could give RCB additional funds or a roster spot to target a more consistent finisher, a specialist bowler or another player who fits a specific tactical need.

However, the move would carry some risk. Shepherd’s power can change a match quickly, and his all-round skill set may be useful in certain conditions. RCB’s management will need to consider his role, recent form and likely auction value before deciding whether Chopra’s recommendation should shape their final call.

Rasikh Salam Dar’s Wickets Strengthen His Case

Chopra has strongly supported retaining uncapped Indian fast bowler Rasikh Salam Dar. The pacer took 19 wickets in 12 matches during IPL 2026, averaging 21.31, with an economy rate of 9.45. Those returns made him one of RCB’s most productive bowlers in the season.

Rasikh’s performance in the final was especially significant: he claimed three wickets against Gujarat Titans. Delivering in a high-pressure match can strengthen a young player’s value to a franchise, particularly when he has already demonstrated an ability to take wickets throughout the campaign.

Retaining an Indian fast bowler with proven IPL impact could also help RCB avoid entering the auction with a major gap in their bowling attack. Quality domestic pace options are often in demand, and letting one go may mean competing with rival teams to secure a replacement. Chopra’s warning against releasing Rasikh reflects the importance of continuity in a title-winning bowling unit.

Suyash Sharma Offers Spin and Room to Develop

Young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma completes Chopra’s list of recommended retentions. He took nine wickets in 12 matches in IPL 2026, providing RCB with a spin option capable of breaking partnerships and changing the pace of an innings.

While his wicket tally was lower than Rasikh’s, a spinner’s contribution is not always captured by wickets alone. Leg-spin can challenge batters through variation, create pressure in the middle overs and give captains another way to respond to different match-ups. At this stage of his career, Suyash may also benefit from further experience within a familiar team environment.

RCB’s IPL 2027 Auction Challenge

Chopra’s retention prediction presents RCB with a practical framework rather than a final verdict. Padikkal’s runs, Bethell’s potential, Iyer’s efficient scoring, Rasikh’s wicket-taking and Suyash’s spin give the defending champions reasons to preserve a strong core. Shepherd’s place, meanwhile, may depend on whether the franchise believes his impact can become more consistent.

RCB must also consider how each retention affects its auction budget and the squad’s overall balance. Holding on to too many players can limit flexibility, while releasing key contributors may create expensive gaps to fill. The challenge will be to protect the strengths that powered the 2026 title run without standing still.

As the November 15 retention deadline approaches, Chopra’s recommendations are likely to fuel discussion among RCB supporters. His central message is clear: back the players who delivered, invest in those with room to grow, and be willing to reassess roles where consistency has been a concern. Whether the champions follow that prediction will become one of the main talking points ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.

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