IPL 2026 Retention & Release Summary: Major Trades Shake Up the Teams

November 15, 2025 Kiran

As the IPL 2026 season looms, all ten franchises have finalised their retention and release lists ahead of the mini-auction. This year has seen significant roster overhauls, with surprise moves and big name exits shifting the balance of power.

IPL 2026 Key Highlights of Retentions & Purges

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) triggered the biggest reset: they released 11 players — the most among all teams — as they attempt to bounce back from a bottom-table finish.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also shook things up, notably releasing stalwart all-rounder Andre Russell and top-paid batter Venkatesh Iyer, indicating a strategic rebuild.
Other franchises like Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) made bold cuts — PBKS released prominent overseas players while keeping faith in their domestic core; RR retained 13 players and made key additions via trades.
Notable trades include:
- Sanju Samson moving to CSK for ~₹18 crore
- Ravindra Jadeja & Sam Curran moving to RR as part of the blockbuster swap
- Mohammad Shami heading to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

What This Means for Teams & Strategy

Teams that retained fewer players maintain larger purse balances, giving them more flexibility in the auction. For example, KKR is reported to have one of the highest remaining budgets.
Retaining a strong core helps continuity, while releasing big names signals bold changes. Franchises are aligning for the future — balancing youth, experience and flexibility.
The mass movement of players reflects the increased importance of strategic trading alongside the retention process.

Select Team Snapshots

CSK: With major exits and captaincy reaffirmed to Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK is poised for a fresh approach.
RR: Retained 13 players (8 Indian + 5 overseas) and added firepower via trade, aiming to reinforce all phases: batting, fast bowling and overseas depth.
LSG: Retained top names like Rishabh Pant and premium domestic youngsters, released players like Ravi Bishnoi and David Miller to build the purse and address squad balance.
PBKS: After a strong 2025 campaign, they retained a well-balanced squad and released overseas heavyweights such as Glenn Maxwell — signalling a shift in strategy.

Why This Retention Phase Matters

It finalises each team’s surviving core ahead of the auction.
It sets the tone for how aggressive each franchise will be — in the auction and in overall team strategy.
From a fan perspective, it triggers excitement and speculation — about who will stay, who goes, and where the big players land next.

What to Watch Ahead

Auction dynamics: With some teams carrying high purses, bidding wars are expected for top talent.
Player value shifts: Released players will go into the auction pool or trade market — their pricing and destinations offer clues to demand.
Team chemistry & fit: How retained squads evolve after the auction will reveal the success of each team’s strategy.

Final Thoughts

The retention and release window for IPL 2026 has delivered drama, strategy and major roster moves. Whether franchises are building for immediate success or long-term sustainability, the upcoming auction will shape the next chapter of the league. As fans gear up for the new season, this phase underscores the importance of both continuity and bold change.

Stay tuned as the 2026 season promises to be one of the most electrifying yet.