IPL 2026 Auction: As the IPL 2026 auction draws closer – expected to be held in mid-December – the buzz around team changes and player trades has well and truly begun. But before the big event, all eyes are on November 15, the reported deadline for franchises to submit their retained players list.
Unlike other years, there’s no restriction on how many players a team can retain in a mega auction cycle, which means franchises are likely to release only those who underperformed, didn’t fit into the setup, or came with a hefty price tag.
Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of what we can expect ahead of IPL 2026:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
As defending champions, RCB are expected to stick with the core that won them their first-ever IPL title in 2025. The team will likely go into the auction with a small budget and not much business to do. Mayank Agarwal, who came in as an injury replacement for Devdutt Padikkal, could be one of the few names let go.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS usually enter the auction with the biggest purse, but after their impressive 2025 campaign, where they finished runners-up under Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting, they’re expected to retain most of their squad. This could mean limited activity at the auction and a shift in approach from previous years.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
After finishing third last season, MI are still chasing their first IPL title since 2020. Some players could be on the chopping block. Deepak Chahar, who didn’t live up to his price tag, and Reece Topley, who played just one game, may be released. With Allah Ghazanfar set to return, his temporary replacement might also be let go.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
GT had a strong league stage but lost momentum at the end, bowing out in the eliminator. Some changes are likely. Glenn Phillips, who missed the season due to injury, might be released. Gerald Coetzee didn’t get many opportunities, and Shahrukh Khan, retained for Rs 4 crore, failed to deliver. Ishant Sharma’s future is uncertain as well.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Plenty of uncertainty surrounds Delhi. KL Rahul, who had a good season, is rumoured to be involved in a trade. Mitchell Starc could also be on the release list. T Natarajan, bought for Rs 10.75 crore but played only once, is unlikely to be retained. Jake Fraser-McGurk, a high-profile signing, failed to live up to expectations and might be let go.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH didn’t have a great 2025 season but aren’t expected to make drastic changes. Pat Cummins’ fitness could influence their decision. Mohammed Shami, at Rs 10 crore, had a poor season and may not be retained. Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa are also likely to be released after limited game time.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG may have some tough decisions to make. Mayank Yadav, a highly rated talent, has struggled with injuries, and at Rs 11 crore, retaining him may be risky. Akash Deep, signed for Rs 8 crore, and David Miller, who underperformed, could both be released. Ravi Bishnoi, who had a poor 2025 despite being retained for Rs 14 crore, is also under scrutiny.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR’s title defence fell flat in 2025, and major changes are expected. Venkatesh Iyer, signed for a whopping Rs 23.75 crore, may be released after another underwhelming season. Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy and place in the squad are uncertain. Injured players like Umran Malik and underperforming pacers Spencer Johnson and Anrich Nortje may also be released.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
The biggest retention-day drama could come from RR. Reports suggest Sanju Samson wants to leave the franchise after a 12-year association. If a trade doesn’t materialise, he may be released and enter the auction. Spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana struggled to match the impact of Ashwin and Chahal, and could be let go. Fazalhaq Farooqi, who went wicketless, is also likely to be released.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
While MS Dhoni’s future is always a topic of discussion, there’s no indication yet that he plans to retire. However, CSK finished last in 2025, and changes are expected. Injury replacements like Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, and Urvil Patel may stay, but CSK will need to free up funds. Sam Curran, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, and Devon Conway could all be released. Ravichandran Ashwin has already retired and will naturally exit the squad.
Final Word
With retention day just around the corner, all 10 franchises are deep in planning mode. Whether it’s building on momentum or hitting the reset button, expect some surprising releases and strategic retentions ahead of what promises to be a high-stakes IPL 2026 auction.
