The IPL 2026 auction witnessed moments of nostalgia, with several players returning to franchises where they had previously enjoyed success. These homecomings
show that while players may struggle in new setups, former franchises are willing to give them a second chance, believing that comfort, clarity of role, and past success can help revive careers in IPL 2026. These returns are strategic, with teams believing the players can replicate their past success.
Here are 3 Players who returned to their former teams
Rahul Tripathi - Kolkata Knight Riders
Rahul Tripathi has returned to Kolkata Knight Riders at his base price of INR 75 lakh, making a homecoming for the experienced top-order batter. Tripathi earlier joined KKR in 2020, where he showed moments of form but could not fully replicate his past success with other teams.
Tripathi revived his IPL career with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022, amassing over 400 runs while batting primarily at No. 3 and helping SRH reach the final. After subsequent stints with SRH and Chennai Super Kings, KKR have brought back a familiar face who understands the franchise well. Having spent two seasons with the team, he played a crucial role in their road to the finals in the 2021 season. Overall, he scored 627 run in 28 matches with the Kolkata-based team.
Quinton De Kock - Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians welcomed back South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, who returned to the five-time champions for his base price of INR 1 crore. The wicketkeeper-batter, released by Kolkata Knight Riders after the 2025 season, came back to a franchise where he enjoyed one of the most successful phases of his IPL career.
De Kock previously represented MI from 2019 to 2021, playing a crucial role at the top of the order and behind the stumps. He was important in MI’s title wins in 2019 and 2020, providing explosive starts and forming a reliable opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. The 32-year-old has played 43 games for MI, scoring 1329 runs, with a best of 81.
Prithvi Shaw - Delhi Capitals
India U19 World Cup-winning skipper, Prithvi Shaw, returned to the Delhi Capitals after being picked at the IPL 2026 auction. After being released ahead of the 2025 mega auction, Shaw had a tough phase as he went unsold last season despite setting a base price of INR 75 lakh. The same pattern followed at the start of the 2026 auction, where he again failed to attract bids in the main round and the accelerated set.
However, late in the auction, the Capitals decided to bring back their former opener for his base price. DC co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi described the decision as a second chance, backing Shaw’s ability to bounce back after a lean period. Having scored 1892 runs in 79 matches during his earlier stint, Shaw now returns to familiar surroundings, hoping to revive his IPL career.
