IPL 2026: Retention and Trade Updates Ahead of the Auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2026 auction with teams finalizing their player retention and release lists as of November 15, 2025. This year, the auction is scheduled to take place from December 14 to December 17 in Abu Dhabi, creating a buzz among fans and franchises alike.

Franchise Retention Overview

Each of the ten franchises has made strategic decisions regarding their rosters. Here's a snapshot of the players retained and released by the teams:

• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): 13 players retained (6 overseas)
• Chennai Super Kings (CSK): 9 players retained (4 overseas)
• Punjab Kings (PBKS): 4 players retained (2 overseas)
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): 6 players retained (4 overseas)
• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): 10 players retained (2 overseas)
• Mumbai Indians (MI): 5 players retained (1 overseas)
• Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): 8 players retained (2 overseas)
• Rajasthan Royals (RR): 9 players retained (1 overseas)
• Gujarat Titans (GT): 5 players retained (4 overseas)

Key Player Movements

As the franchises finalize their strategies, several notable players are on the move. The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore, have confirmed their list of retained and released players. Notable trades have included:

• Sanju Samson moving from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings
• Ravindra Jadeja transferring from Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals
• Sam Curran joining Rajasthan Royals from Chennai Super Kings
• Nitish Rana traded from Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals
• Shardul Thakur joining Mumbai Indians from Lucknow Super Giants
• Mohammed Shami moving from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow Super Giants
• Mayank Markande traded from Kolkata Knight Riders to Mumbai Indians
• Sherfane Rutherford moving from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians

Franchise Retention and Release Lists

A detailed look at the players retained and released by key franchises is as follows:

• Kolkata Knight Riders: Retained players include Pat Cummins and Ishan Kishan. Released players feature Shardul Thakur (trade).
• Chennai Super Kings: Retained stars include M.S. Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja while releasing Faf du Plessis and others.
• Rajasthan Royals: Key retainers are Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer, with released players including Wanindu Hasaranga.
• Delhi Capitals: Retained players include Rishabh Pant, with notable releases like Shikhar Dhawan.

Impact of Trades on Team Composition

The trades and retentions are poised to significantly impact team dynamics. For instance, the acquisition of Ravindra Jadeja by Rajasthan Royals addresses a crucial need for a reliable all-rounder, enhancing their middle-order strength and bowling options.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians have strengthened their ranks by securing Shardul Thakur, aiming to bolster their bowling attack for the upcoming season. The strategic moves suggest that franchises are keen on balancing their squads ahead of the auction.

Looking Ahead to the Auction

With the mini-auction approaching, teams are preparing to make tactical acquisitions to enhance their rosters. The buzz around potential surprise releases continues to grow, as franchises look to optimize their purse and fill gaps in their squads.

As the IPL prepares for another exciting season, fans can expect thrilling developments and strategic plays leading up to the auction. The decisions made during this period will undoubtedly shape the upcoming tournament, as franchises strive for a competitive edge.