All Teams’ Player Retention Rumours for IPL 2026
The deadline for IPL franchises to submit their retention lists for IPL 2026 is Saturday, November 15 by 3 PM IST. Teams need to also ensure their squad size does not exceed 25 players.
Franchises will first share their lists with the IPL Governing Council before announcing them on their official social media handles and websites. The live broadcast of the retentions will air on Star Sports Network and stream on JioHotstar from 5 PM IST onwards.
A number of player trades have successfully taken place, you can check our coverage here.
With the mini auction scheduled for next month, most teams are expected to retain a large chunk of their core squads. However, several high-profile players could be released to increase auction budgets or rebuild key departments.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG are likely to retain their core batting unit of Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and Ayush Badoni. They are set to retain young pacer Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan, along with Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh and Shahbaz Ahmed.
However, the team is reportedly releasing Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller and Akash Deep. Bishnoi, who was retained for ₹11 crore in the 2025 mega auction, is among one of the most shocking exits.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Glenn Maxwell is set to be released by Punjab Kings, despite being bought for ₹4.2 crore last season. Mitchell Owen, who was his replacement last season, is expected to be retained.
Other releases could include Aaron Hardie, Kyle Jamieson, Kuldeep Sen, Praveen Dube and Vishnu Vinod.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB are reportedly releasing Liam Livingstone, who was bought for ₹8.75 crore at the 2025 auction. The England allrounder scored 112 runs in 8 innings at a strike rate of 133.33 and took 2 wickets in 5 games.
The presence of Tim David and Romario Shepherd gives them depth in the finisher’s role and Livingstone’s release will only strengthen their purse at the auction. The team may also part ways with Mayank Agarwal and Rasikh Dar, with plans to strengthen their lower order.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
After adding Sanju Samson to their top order, CSK are expected to release several big names to expand their auction purse.
The five-time champions are set to part ways with Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Jamie Overton. Conway was bought for ₹6.25 crore, while Ravindra was brought back through a Right-to-Match (RTM) card for ₹4 crore.
CSK management plans to focus on developing youngsters like Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel, who could feature regularly in IPL 2026.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI are facing a selection dilemma between Jonny Bairstow and Will Jacks, both English top-order wicketkeeper-batters. Reports suggest Bairstow is likely to be retained following his strong partnership with Rohit Sharma last season, while Jacks could be released.
Former cricketers and experts believe they will also retain Deepak Chahar, who was believed to be released after they traded in Shardul Thakur. It will be interesting to see Trent Boult’s future at MI. He was picked at ₹12.5 crore at the last auction. But the team already has Bumrah, Chahar and now Thakur among Indian pacers.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Harry Brook, and Mohit Sharma are likely to be released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the auction. DC’s most glaring issue last season was its unstable opening partnership so expect major changes there.
The team is expected to retain Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Tristan Stubbs, who were their most consistent players in 2025. T. Natarajan could also be let go as part of their squad overhaul. Natarajan, Harry Brook and Afghan batter Sediqullah Atal could free up nearly 17 Cr for the auction, if DC chooses to release them.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Ajinkya Rahane is expected to continue as KKR captain. However, Venkatesh Iyer, who cost ₹23.75 crore, may be released after scoring just 142 runs in 11 games last season.
KKR could also part ways with Quinton de Kock (₹3.6 crore) and Anrich Nortje (₹6.5 crore), though they might attempt to buy Iyer back at the IPL 2026 auction.
SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Heinrich Klaasen, retained for ₹23 crore last year, will continue with SRH despite a modest season of 487 runs in 13 games. The franchise reportedly still trusts the 34-year-old who can give his all after retirement from international cricket.
In a confirmed deal, SRH have completed an all-cash trade with Lucknow Super Giants for Mohammed Shami.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR have likely brought in Ravindra Jadeja, who is set to take over the captaincy. The Royals are expected to release Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Kwena Maphaka. They have traded Nitish Rana to DC and brought in Donovan Ferreira.
Despite poor form last season Shimron Hetmyer might be retained and he will take on wicket-keeping duties after Samson’s trade. With Jadeja coming as a spinner, only one between Wanindu Hasranga and Maheesh Theekshana might be retained and it could be the former for his all-round skills. Archer is the biggest question mark bought at 12.5 crore at the last auction but will be retained.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
GT are expected to retain their core group of Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler.
With Sherfane Rutherford traded out, Washington Sundar might move up to No. 4 in the lineup. The franchise will also retain Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Mohmmad Siraj and Sai Kishore.
No major surprises are expected, but Glenn Phillips, Mahipal Lomror, Kulwant Khejroliya and Jayant Yadav could be released.
With most teams set to retain their cores, the IPL 2026 mini auction will see fewer marquee players up for grabs. The full list of retained and released players for IPL 2026 will be revealed live on November 15 at 5 PM IST.