IPL 2026 retained players list News

The IPL 2026 retention window delivered major shocks as all 10 franchises released at least one big star ahead of the IPL 2025 mini-auction. CSK let go of Devon Conway, DC released Faf du Plessis, GT moved on from Gerald Coetzee, while KKR ended the Andre Russell era. LSG parted ways with David Miller, MI released Arjun Tendulkar, and PBKS cut ties with Glenn Maxwell. RR traded out Sanju Samson, RCB dropped Liam Livingstone, and SRH released Adam Zampa. These high-profile exits set up a blockbuster IPL auction with intense bidding wars and massive squad reshuffles expected.

As the IPL 2026 mega auction approaches, franchises are finalizing their retained and released players, shaping the tournament’s competitive landscape. Teams like CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, LSG, GT, DC, RR, PBKS, and SRH have strategically retained star performers while releasing key players to balance their remaining purse for auction buys. Highlights include MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Jofra Archer securing retention, while players like Ravindra Jadeja, Sanju Samson, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Shami may be released. This IPL 2026 retention list and player release analysis provide fans and analysts crucial insights ahead of the upcoming auction and team reshuffles.

IPL 2025 players from major franchises may face release ahead of IPL 2026 auctions. Expect major roster changes as teams strategize for the next season. Key players from CSK, RR, LSG, DC, and KKR are on the radar.

The IPL 2026 auction is likely to be held in the second or third week of December, with December 13–15 emerging as the probable window. Franchise officials in talks with BCCI have revealed these discussions to Cricbuzz, although the Governing Council of the league has yet to confirm the schedule.

Following their dismal finish at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings are eyeing a significant squad reshuffle. Kolkata Knight Riders, who acquired all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was purchased by CSK for ₹9.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, has since announced his retirement from the league.