Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has shown his surprise about the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) releasing Swastik Chikara ahead of the IPL 2026 auction as well. He added that the Uttar Pradesh batter was released without even getting a game. However, Chikara was among six players released by RCB before the IPL 2026 auction, with Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Mayank Agarwal and Mohit Rathee as well.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Saba said, “It’s such a splendid place to be in, isn’t it, defending champions finally. However, Liam Livingstone, can they buy him back if they have the purse, if he doesn’t go for that kind of value? I am also surprised not to see Swastik Chikara being retained because he was an excellent buy for them last season.”

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“He had a prolific T20 tournament also while playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali. I was actually expecting him to get a game. He didn’t get a single game and then he has not been retained. So, in case they want to bulk up that kind of an area or that kind of a player, there are some Indian uncapped batters also in the wings,” he further added.

In the same discussion, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Anil Kumble also stated that Liam Livingstone’s release would have been a tough call for the franchise, considering his game-changing
skills.

“It’s always a tough call. Liam Livingstone is again someone I worked with closely. I enjoyed working with him. He was extremely good with Punjab. That season was probably one of his best IPL seasons, and he can change the game single-handedly in a few overs,” he said. “He also has the ability to bowl off-spin and leg-spin. It doesn’t really matter who the batter is, and he is a good fielder. So he is a complete package in that sense. Unfortunately for him, he hasn’t had a great IPL season for RCB last season, and then also with England. He sort of missed out on that.”