As IPL 2026 concludes with Royal Challengers Bengaluru defending their title in a thrilling final against Gujarat Titans, franchises are already planning for the 2027 auction.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shone brightest, winning the Orange Cap, while the season blended youth and experience. With retention rules in place, teams must now trim high-salary bench options, overseas fillers, and underperforming domestic players to create purse space.
Although the majority of teams would be aiming to preserve their squad nucleus, there are a few names who may well be shown the door after underwhelming seasons. Here are the big-money names who may well be released ahead of IPL 2027 mini auction.
Lucknow Super Giants - Rishabh Pant
The Rs 27 crore acquisition and LSG skipper may well be released
ahead of the mini auction. Rishabh Pant stepped down from captaincy after a bottom-placed finish and may seek pastures new ahead of IPL 2027 season. Pant's two seasons at LSG yielded only group stage exits, and that looks enough for his departure.
Kolkata Knight Riders - Matheesha Pathirana
The Sri Lanka player was roped in for Rs 18 crore in the mini auction, but bowled only 8 balls for KKR in the IPL 2026. Injury issues have been a problem for Pathirana and KKR may release him and try to buy him back at a lesser price in the auction.
Mumbai Indians - Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya has had his last straw with Mumbai Indians and is set to be released. The MI captain has faced difficulties since returning in 2024 and will move on to a new franchise ahead of IPL 2027. It can be a trade deal, or Hardik may return to the auction table.
Delhi Capitals - Auqib Nabi
Delhi Capitals paid Rs 8.20 crore for Auqib Nabi, but the J&K pacer got only a handful of opportunities, which he failed to take. Auqib couldn't pick up a single wicket in the entire IPL 2026 season, and DC may look to free up the purse by releasing him ahead of the mini-auction.
Chennai Super Kings - Prashant Veer
Chennai Super Kings paid a premium for Uttar Pradesh's Prashant Veer, but the uncapped Indian failed to make a strong mark in the IPL 2026 season. The 20-year-old played six matches and scored 91 runs, while he failed to pick up a single wicket. As the auction arrives, CSK may look to release him.
Sunrisers Hyderabad - Pat Cummins
Australian captain Pat Cummins has hinted he may skip IPL 2027 to manage his workload. With a packed 2027 schedule featuring Tests in India, the Ashes, and the ODI World Cup, the SRH skipper is prioritising international cricket. And if that happens, SRH may release him ahead of the auction to free up their purse.
