“We release Livingstone with a very heavy heart” - Mo Bobat

Liam Livingstone was one among the two overseas players released by RCB ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction, with the Englishman having scored 112 runs at a strike rate of 133.33 apart from taking two wickets with his spin bowling in IPL 2025 - returns that fell short of his lofty standards.

The all-rounder, who was signed for INR 8.75 Cr in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, failed to hit a thick vein of form, meaning that he had to watch a lot of the action from the sidelines.

However, RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, showered praise both on Livingstone’s talent on the field and his character as a person while offering a personal perspective on the tough decision to release him.

On an episode of RCB Bold Diaries, Bobat said, “On a personal level, I and we release Livi (Livingstone) with a very heavy heart. I'm very fond of Livi as a player, but also as a person. I really enjoyed my time with him.”

Head coach Andy Flower echoed Bobat’s thoughts and said, “I'm sad to let go of Liam Livingstone. He played a very important role for us last year. He was one of the all-rounders that represented RCB and played a pivotal role in the final, actually. I really enjoyed my interactions with Livi.”

Flower further added, “I've worked with him since he was a youngster in the England Academy. So I know him quite well. I trust him. And it was really nice to see him come back to somewhere near his full potential in the English season, in The Hundred. He played superbly and led very well. So it's sad to say goodbye to Livi for the moment. But we love him and we will be watching and hoping that he does outstandingly well, I'm sure.”

Livingstone featured in only 10 out of the 16 matches RCB played, including the final. Bobat praised the all-rounder’s integrity in that phase when he was benched and said, “A huge amount of integrity in how he went about the period where he was left out of the team. Because that would have been difficult for a player like him, who's a seasoned international. So he did contribute hugely and his attitude was great. But he has high standards for himself, I know what he's capable of.”