IPL 2026 Retention: Biggest Trades, Releases, and Team Strategies

The countdown to the IPL 2026 retention deadline has plunged the league into its annual whirl of speculation, leaks, and last-minute negotiations. With the cut-off set for 15 November 2025, franchises face crucial decisions about which players will form the backbone of their squad and who might be deemed surplus.

This year, the build-up feels particularly unpredictable as teams are allowed to retain unlimited players, a rare departure from previous “mega-auction” rules. With the mini-auction slated for December 2025, every move is critical in shaping the upcoming season.

Retention Rules for IPL 2026

• Unlimited Retentions: Franchises can retain as many players as they choose, unlike previous years with caps.
• Squad Size & Salary Cap: Each team must maintain a squad of 18–25 players under a ₹120 crore salary cap.
• Transfers and Trades: The trading window opened prior to the retention deadline, and deals may continue after the cut-off, with blockbuster trades expected.

Franchise Strategies and Key Moves

1. Mumbai Indians (MI)

Retention Approach: MI have strengthened their squad with confirmed trades including Shardul Thakur (from LSG) and Sherfane Rutherford (from GT), targeting finishing power, pace depth, and overseas batting reinforcement.
Possible Releases: Reece Topley, Will Jacks, and potentially Arjun Tendulkar could be moved to create balance.

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Strategy: CSK is reportedly eyeing a major shake-up, including a marquee swap involving Sanju Samson joining CSK, with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moving the other way.
Likely Releases: Players like Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, and Jamie Overton are expected to be released to free up auction funds.

3. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Strategy: RR may refocus on younger Indian talent and elite overseas players. The team could reinforce seamers or finishers in the mini-auction.
Buzzed Moves: Jadeja and Curran are central to trade discussions, with Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Lhuandré Pretorius also potentially released.

4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Strategy: KKR appears set for a bold overhaul, with Venkatesh Iyer, Anrich Nortje, and Quinton de Kock possibly released.
Trade Rumours: Interest in KL Rahul from DC could spark a high-profile bidding war if Rahul enters the auction.

5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Strategy: LSG may retain rising Indian pace stars while offloading older or high-cost overseas players.
Potential Releases: Ravi Bishnoi, Shamar Joseph, and David Miller might be in the auction pool.

6. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Strategy: PBKS may avoid aggressive overhauls, retaining a consistent core, while releasing high-cost players.
Expected Releases: Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie to free auction funds and strengthen squad depth.

7. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Strategy: DC could retain their spin and all-round core, releasing some overseas standbys.
Key Decisions: KL Rahul’s retention will significantly influence their auction strategy.

8. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Strategy: GT aim for squad stability by retaining key Indian domestic and overseas players.
Recent Moves: Sherfane Rutherford traded to MI; trade offer for Washington Sundar reportedly rejected.

9. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Strategy: SRH may selectively refresh their squad, focusing on young pace and all-round talent.
Potential Moves: Mohammed Shami to LSG, and Heinrich Klaasen possibly released to free up ₹23 crore.

10. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Strategy: RCB, as defending champions, aim to optimize overseas slots and inject fresh talent.
Likely Releases: Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Mayank Agarwal, and Blessing Muzarabani.

Trade Buzz and Deadline Highlights

Confirmed Trades:

• Shardul Thakur → MI (from LSG)
• Sherfane Rutherford → MI (from GT)

Rumoured Swaps:

• Sanju Samson → CSK, with Jadeja + Curran → RR
• KKR pursuing KL Rahul (DC) – speculative

The retention day, broadcast by JioStar at 5 PM IST, promises prime-time spectacle as franchises submit final lists. With the countdown ticking, IPL chatter is expected to eclipse even major international fixtures like the Kolkata Test between India and South Africa.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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