Recently, the IPL 2026 retentions were announced, and there was a small debate over, whether RCB should have gotten rid of Liam Livingstone. Despite some average numbers, the Englishman does bring some value into the side, with his all-round capabilities.
Liam Livingstone Not Great for RCB
But then former RCB skipper Anil Kumble has analyzed, why Livingstone was not saved before the IPL 2026 auction. The veteran spinner felt that it could have been his price tag, that led to his ouster from the franchise. He was bought for a massive 8.75 cr. All that for scoring 112 runs in eight innings, and picking up two wickets.
“Releases are always tough calls. Liam Livingstone is someone I enjoyed working with closely, and he was extremely good for Punjab in IPL 2022, probably his best IPL season. He can change the game single-handedly in just a few overs with his powerful batting,” Kumble said on JioStar.
Hefty Price Tag Reason for Release
“What makes him special is his bowling flexibility; he bowls leg spin to right-handers and off spin to left-handers, plus he’s a good fielder, making him a complete package. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a great IPL season for RCB last year and also missed out on selection for England.”
But then Kumble sounded confident, that Liam Livingstone would be able to generate interest among other teams. “Otherwise, I’m sure other franchises would be interested in him. His high price tag was likely a factor in the release. RCB also needs to find backup options, both an overseas fast bowler and an Indian fast bowler to support their main bowling attack of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. This need for bowling depth might be another reason behind this tough call,” said Kumble.
