Who are the three biggest stars of each IPL team?

IPL teams must submit their retention lists by 17 November 2026.
Predicted retentions include Kohli, Bumrah and Gaikwad for key teams.
The mini-auction is scheduled to take place on 16 December 2026.

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What is the story about?

With the IPL 2027 mini-auction approaching, franchises will be assessing their squads and identifying the players they want to build around.

With the retention

deadline being on November 17, the ten teams will submit their list of retained players ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, which is set to be held on December 16.

Several established stars are expected to remain central to their franchises' plans. Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar form the batting core at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav remain crucial to Mumbai Indians. Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, have a strong combination in captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, while their last season trade Sanju Samson also played a big part despite their woeful last season.

Gujarat Titans could continue with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, who have been among the most consistent Indian batters in the competition. Kagiso Rabada adds an experienced pace option. Sunrisers Hyderabad have a powerful batting foundation in Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan.

Rajasthan Royals could prioritise their young Indian batting core, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel offering significant long-term potential. Punjab Kings are certain to continue with Shreyas Iyer at the helm.

Kolkata Knight Riders have several options, but Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy could be important retention candidates. Delhi Capitals may build around Axar Patel, KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs.

Lucknow Super Giants face an interesting decision, particularly with uncertainty surrounding reported player movements. Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh remain possible retention choices, with Aiden Markram another option.

These selections are predictions based on squad composition and player value, not confirmed retention decisions. The franchises' final choices will depend on their assessment of the squad, available purse and auction strategy.