As the IPL 2026 player retention deadline arrives on Saturday (November 15), franchises appear to be gearing up for strategic overhauls ahead of the mini-auction scheduled for December 16.
While official
retainment lists are expected imminently, strong reports and expert analyses indicate that several big names might be released to usher in youth, enhance squad flexibility, and optimize budgets within the prescribed squad size and salary caps.
As per a Cricbuzz report, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are likely to let go of prominent players such as Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, and Anrich Nortje as part of an anticipated youth-centric rebuild with attention on pace bowling options.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) may release Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller, Akash Deep, and Shamar Joseph to rethink their bowling combinations and middle-order strategies. Despite his huge price tag but very limited playing time, Mayank Yadav may be retained by them.
Delhi Capitals (DC) are expected to move on from T Natarajan and Jake Fraser-McGurk, making room for emerging talent.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could part ways with Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Blessing Muzarabani, and Rasikh Dar while focusing on a mix of Indian batting strength and overseas pace depth. For the Punjab Kings, the list is small as they may just let go of Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie.
Mumbai Indians (MI) seem set to release Will Jacks, reflecting ongoing decisions regarding foreign players. MI have already brought in Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford via trade and are likely to bring Mayank Markande as well.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) appear to be revamping their bowling forte by potentially releasing Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Kwena Maphaka. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could release players like Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, who failed to make an impact in IPL 2025.
These moves are currently speculated and form part of strong reports circulating among cricket analysts and insiders. The final retention and release list will be officially confirmed by BCCI and franchises soon after the deadline, shaping the player pool landscape for the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Reported Players Likely to be Released before IPL 2026 Auction
KKR: Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje
LSG: Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller, Akash Deep, Shamar Joseph
DC: T Natarajan, Jake Fraser-McGurk
RCB: Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Blessing Muzarabani, Rasikh Dar
PBKS: Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie
MI: Will Jacks
RR: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka
CSK: Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Jamie Overton
