The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 retention list delivered its share of surprises, with several established names unexpectedly released by their respective franchises. As teams head toward the mini-auction, there is a clear focus on strengthening weak areas, balancing overseas and Indian options, and securing experienced performers who can deliver under pressure.
While some releases stemmed from poor seasons, many of these players still possess strong credentials, vast experience, or unique skill
sets that make them attractive buys. Here let us take a look at 10 released players who could spark bidding wars.
Here are the ten released players who could go become top buys in IPL 2026 mini-auction
Ravi Bishnoi (Lucknow Super Giants)
Ravi Bishnoi’s release by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) turned heads, especially considering he was previously retained for INR 11 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Although he endured a disappointing campaign with only nine wickets in 11 games, Bishnoi remains one of India’s brightest young spin prospects. His ability to bowl tight middle-overs and experience of taking over 70 IPL wickets give him an established reputation.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in particular, may view Bishnoi as the ideal fit for their long-standing spin-bowling concerns. Their home venue, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, often tests bowlers, but wrist-spinners like Bishnoi have historically found success with variation. His age and potential for long-term investment further make him a premium auction target.
Wanindu Hasaranga (Rajasthan Royals)
Wanindu Hasaranga’s IPL 2025 campaign with Rajasthan Royals (RR) was far below expectations as he managed only 11 wickets in 11 matches, leading to his release. However, Hasaranga remains one of the top T20 leg-spinning all-rounders in world cricket. His success in IPL 2022, where he finished with 26 wickets for RCB, established his pedigree in Indian conditions.
Franchises looking for an impact T20 package, wickets, lower-order hitting, and experience, may aggressively pursue him. Franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) or Punjab Kings (PBKS), who prefer multi-dimensional overseas players, could see Hasaranga as a tactical asset.
Glenn Maxwell (Punjab Kings)
Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) decision to release Glenn Maxwell came after an underwhelming IPL 2025 campaign, where the Australian veteran scored only 48 runs and took four wickets. While his numbers did not justify the INR 4.2 crore investment, Maxwell’s proven match-winning ability cannot be dismissed. Over the years, he has delivered unforgettable innings and even chipped in with valuable overs of off-spin.
His experience in over 120 IPL matches remains a compelling factor. Teams like CSK or KKR, franchises known for maximising the value of experienced players, could target him to strengthen their middle order. Maxwell’s ability to dominate spin attacks and field dynamically makes him a complete T20 asset. Even though he is nearing the twilight of his career, the high-impact nature of his performances ensures he will command attention from multiple teams.
Wiaan Mulder (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder was brought in by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as an injury replacement but featured in just one match, offering little opportunity to showcase his skills. His release reflects more on SRH’s squad dynamics than his talent. Mulder’s utility lies in his adaptable batting order and dependable seam bowling.
For IPL teams seeking a seam-bowling all-rounder, an archetype often scarce in the league, Mulder becomes a valuable target. His ability to bat in the middle order provides tactical stability, while his medium pace can be effective on two-paced Indian wickets.
Faf du Plessis (Delhi Capitals)
Faf du Plessis may be approaching the latter stages of his career, but his experience and leadership remain unmatched. Despite scoring only around 200 runs in IPL 2025, the former Proteas captain has accumulated over 4500 runs in his IPL journey. His ability to open the innings and guide younger players makes him a highly attractive option for teams needing stability at the top.
Franchises like Gujarat Titans or Punjab Kings may pursue du Plessis for his leadership influence and capacity to mentor young batters. His fitness levels remain elite, and his fielding is still among the best for players in his age bracket. In a league where experience often wins crunch games, the South African remains a big name who could fetch significant bids.
Mahipal Lomror (Gujarat Titans)
Mahipal Lomror’s release by Gujarat Titans (GT) came as a surprise given he did not receive any opportunities in the previous season. His consistent domestic performances and handy bowling make him a valuable T20 all-rounder. Lomror has shown potential in earlier IPL seasons and remains a promising option among India’s young talents.
Teams seeking a dependable Indian middle-order player will likely target Lomror. Moreover, homegrown all-rounders bring immense value due to squad composition rules, making Lomror one of the most underrated prospects who could ignite a bidding battle.
Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Andre Russell’s release by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after 12 seasons shocked fans across the cricketing world. He is known as one of the most destructive T20 players ever, and remains a match-winner with the bat, ball, and in the field. Though his 2025 season was moderate, his reputation as a game-changer guarantees heavy bidding interest.
Teams with substantial purse balance, such as CSK or LSG, may seek to build their lower order around him. Russell’s ability to bowl short bursts, and change games in a handful of deliveries ensures he will remain one of the most sought-after names in the auction pool.
AM Ghazanfar (Mumbai Indians)
Afghanistan’s teenage sensation AM Ghazanfar was bought by Mumbai Indians (MI) for INR 4.8 crore but did not play a single game in IPL 2025. Despite this, his potential remains sky-high. As a rare spinner capable of bowling both off-spin and leg-spin, Ghazanfar offers a unique skill set unmatched among young bowlers.
With age on his side, franchises may see him as the next long-term spin project, much like Rashid Khan was in his early days. Indian pitches suit his style, and his variations could trouble even the best batters.
Devon Conway (Chennai Super Kings)
Devon Conway’s release by CSK after three seasons marks the end of a successful stint, but also opens a big opportunity for other franchises. Despite an average 2025 campaign, Conway has been a consistent performer in both international cricket and the IPL. His ability to anchor innings and bat deep into the innings makes him a valuable top-order pick.
Teams seeking a stable overseas opener, such as Delhi Capitals (DC) or Rajasthan Royals (RR) may aggressively pursue Conway. His wicketkeeping ability adds extra depth, making him a dual-utility player. With his calm temperament, Conway is expected to be one of the biggest overseas batting picks.
Liam Livingstone (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Liam Livingstone’s release came after a subdued 2025 season where he scored 112 runs and took just two wickets. However, his reputation as a fearsome power-hitter remains intact. Livingstone is known for clearing boundaries with ease and bowling useful off-spin and leg-spin, skills that make him a T20 specialist.
Franchises looking for a dynamic middle-order hitter will certainly target him. His experience across global T20 leagues adds to his value. Whether used as a floater or an impact sub, Livingstone remains one of the most dangerous six-hitters in world cricket and will attract serious interest.
