The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 retention window has slammed shut, sending shockwaves across the cricketing world. As the dust settles on the crucial team-building exercise, franchises have revealed their retained and released players, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. This year’s retention list features some truly monumental decisions, with several marquee players, once considered indispensable, now finding themselves back in the auction pool.

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Cricket fans and pundits alike are grappling with the implications of these strategic choices, especially the release of titans like Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, and Andre Russell. These moves signal a significant shift in team philosophies, perhaps prioritizing squad balance, future potential, or simply the need for a fresh start. The remaining purse values for each team offer a glimpse into their financial firepower and hint at their strategies for the upcoming auction, where a plethora of talent, including David Miller and Ravi Bishnoi, will be up for grabs.

\n\n

The Unthinkable: Big Names Released and Auction Implications

\n\n

The biggest headlines from the IPL 2026 retention list undoubtedly revolve around the release of several T20 stalwarts. Glenn Maxwell, a dynamic all-rounder capable of turning a match on its head, has been released by Punjab Kings. Similarly, Andre Russell, the ‘Muscle Russell’ who has been a KKR fan favourite for years, finds himself out of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. Faf du Plessis, a captain par excellence and a consistent run-scorer, has been released by Delhi Capitals, having previously led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (though his release by RCB is inferred by Patidar’s captaincy and his general mention in the intro). David Miller and Ravi Bishnoi also join this elite list of released players, adding immense quality to the auction pool.

\n\n

These decisions are never easy for franchises, particularly when dealing with players who have contributed significantly over the years. However, the cutthroat nature of the IPL often demands difficult choices, weighing age, current form, salary demands, and the need to inject fresh blood. The release of such high-profile players will undoubtedly spark intense bidding wars at the mini-auction. Teams with larger purses will eye these proven performers as potential game-changers, while the players themselves will be keen to prove their worth in new colours.

\n\n

Strategic Chess Moves: The Intrigue of Player Trades

\n\n

Beyond the retentions and releases, the IPL 2026 window has seen a flurry of significant player trades, reshaping team compositions even before the auction. Perhaps the most astonishing of these is the intricate swap involving Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). CSK has traded in their usual captain, Sanju Samson, from RR, while in return, RR has acquired two of CSK’s mainstays, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. This blockbuster exchange drastically alters the leadership and core balance of both franchises, hinting at bold, long-term visions.

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Other notable trades include:

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• Mohammed Shami moving from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), significantly bolstering LSG’s pace attack.

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• Arjun Tendulkar making the switch from Mumbai Indians (MI) to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), seeking new opportunities.

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• Shardul Thakur moving from LSG to Mumbai Indians (MI), providing a crucial all-round option.

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• Sherfane Rutherford traded from Gujarat Titans (GT) to Mumbai Indians (MI), adding power-hitting depth.

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• Mayank Markande joining Mumbai Indians (MI) from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), strengthening their spin department.

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• Nitish Rana moving from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to Delhi Capitals (DC), bringing valuable experience to the middle order.

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• Donovan Ferreira traded from Delhi Capitals (DC) to Rajasthan Royals (RR).

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These trades illustrate a growing trend in the IPL where franchises are not just waiting for the auction but are actively negotiating to secure desired players, demonstrating advanced strategic planning and an understanding of specific squad requirements.

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Team-by-Team Breakdown: Analyzing the Retention Landscape

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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – A Clean Slate with a Fat Purse

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Retained Players: Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Varun Chakravarthy, Ramandeep Singh, Ankul Roy, Rovman Powell, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik.
Released Players: Andre Russell, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje, Luvnith Sisodia, Chetan Sakariya, Spencer Johnson, Mayank Markande (traded to MI).
Purse Remaining: Rs 64.30 crore

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KKR has made the boldest moves, releasing multiple high-value players including Andre Russell, Quinton de Kock, and Venkatesh Iyer. This aggressive approach has left them with the largest purse by a significant margin. With Rs 64.30 crore, KKR is perfectly positioned to rebuild their core and make a massive splash at the auction, potentially targeting several of the big-name players now available. Their retentions suggest a focus on a mix of experienced Indian talent and emerging stars, with Narine and Rinku Singh providing stability.

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – The New Era Under Gaikwad

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, M.S. Dhoni, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis. Traded in: Sanju Samson (from RR).
Released Players: Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, C Andre Siddarth, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Sam Curran (traded to RR), Ravindra Jadeja (traded to RR), Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaik Rasheed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Matheesha Pathirana.
Purse Remaining: Rs 43.40 crore

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CSK has initiated a significant overhaul, making Ruturaj Gaikwad captain and bringing in Sanju Samson via trade. The departure of key players like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran (traded to RR) and Devon Conway marks a new chapter for the Yellow Army. With Rs 43.40 crore, CSK has ample funds to acquire the missing pieces needed to complement their new-look squad, potentially focusing on all-rounders and overseas pacers.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Cummins’ Vision Continues

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari.
Released Players: Mohammed Shami (traded to LSG), Adam Zampa, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder, Abhinav Manohar, Atharva Taide, Simarjeet Singh, and Sachin Baby.
Purse Remaining: Rs 25.50 crore

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Under Pat Cummins’ captaincy, SRH has largely retained its aggressive core, including Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen. The trade of Mohammed Shami to LSG is a notable departure, creating a gap in their pace attack. With Rs 25.50 crore, SRH will likely seek to reinforce their bowling unit and add depth to their batting lineup, maintaining their potent offensive strategy.

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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – Pant’s Return and Strategic Additions

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh. Traded in: Mohammed Shami (from SRH), Arjun Tendulkar (from MI).
Released Players: Aryan Juyal, David Miller, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Shardul Thakur (traded to MI), Akash Deep, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shamar Joseph.
Purse Remaining: Rs 22.95 crore

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The biggest news for LSG is the return of Rishabh Pant as captain, a move that will excite fans. They have bolstered their squad with significant trades, bringing in Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar, while releasing David Miller and Ravi Bishnoi. Their remaining purse of Rs 22.95 crore suggests they have a clear plan to fill specific gaps, likely focusing on all-rounders or specialist spinners.

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Delhi Capitals (DC) – Axar at the Helm

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Axar Patel (c), KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, Ajay Mandal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, T. Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera. Traded in: Nitish Rana (from RR).
Released Players: Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Donovan Ferreira (traded to RR), Sediqullah Atal, Manvanth Kumar, Mohit Sharma, and Darshan Nalkande.
Purse Remaining: Rs 21.80 crore

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DC sees Axar Patel taking the captaincy, with a strong core retained including KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and the formidable pace duo of Mitchell Starc and T. Natarajan. The release of Faf du Plessis is a major decision. With Rs 21.80 crore, DC will look to add depth and versatility, potentially eyeing an explosive overseas opener or a finishing batter to complement their strong bowling attack.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Patidar Takes Charge

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, and Suyash Sharma.
Released Players: Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, and Mohit Rathee.
Purse Remaining: Rs 16.40 crore

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RCB has named Rajat Patidar as their new captain, indicating a shift in leadership. The presence of Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Josh Hazlewood provides a strong foundation. With Rs 16.40 crore, RCB has a moderate purse, suggesting they will be targeted in their auction strategy, focusing on specific roles to bolster their squad depth, particularly in the all-rounder department.

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Rajasthan Royals (RR) – A Transformed Core

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger. Traded in: Ravindra Jadeja (from CSK), Sam Curran (from CSK).
Released Players: Sanju Samson (traded to CSK), Nitish Rana (traded to DC), Wanindu Hasaranga, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Akash Madhwal, Maheesh Theekshana, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Ashok Sharma, and Kunal Rathore.
Purse Remaining: Rs 16.05 crore

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RR has undergone a radical transformation, bidding farewell to long-time captain Sanju Samson (traded to CSK) and welcoming Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from CSK. Retaining key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, and the highly anticipated Jofra Archer, RR has a strong core. Their Rs 16.05 crore purse will be crucial in finding a new captain and filling the void left by their released overseas players, particularly in the spin department.

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Gujarat Titans (GT) – Gill’s Leadership and Stability

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Jos Buttler, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Arshad Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips.
Released Players: Sherfane Rutherford (traded to MI), Mahipal Lomror, Karim Janat, Dasun Shanaka, Gerald Coetzee, and Kulwant Khejroliya.
Purse Remaining: Rs 12.90 crore

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With Shubman Gill as captain, GT has maintained a strong blend of Indian and international talent, including Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan. The trade of Sherfane Rutherford to MI is a notable change. Their Rs 12.90 crore purse, though smaller, suggests they are confident in their retained core and will look for tactical additions to enhance squad depth and balance, possibly targeting specialist T20 bowlers.

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Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Maxwell Departs, Focus on Youth

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod.
Released Players: Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, and Pravin Dubey.
Purse Remaining: Rs 11.50 crore

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PBKS has made the significant decision to release Glenn Maxwell, indicating a strategic shift. They have retained a solid bowling unit with Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, alongside all-rounders like Marcus Stoinis. With a purse of Rs 11.50 crore, Punjab will need to be shrewd at the auction, focusing on finding a powerful middle-order batter and perhaps a reliable death bowler to complement their existing talent.

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Mumbai Indians (MI) – Banking on the Core

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ryan Rickleton, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, Naman Dhir, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Allah Ghafanzar, Ashwani Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Will Jacks, Raghu Sharma, Raj Angad Bawa. Traded in: Sherfane Rutherford (from GT), Mayank Markande (from KKR), Shardul Thakur (from LSG).
Released Players: Satyanarayana Raju, Reece Topley, KL Shrijith, Karn Sharma, Arjun Tendulkar (traded to LSG), Bevon Jacobs, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Lizaad Williams, and Vignesh Puthur.
Purse Remaining: Rs 2.75 crore

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Mumbai Indians have clearly prioritized their established core, retaining superstars like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult. Their active participation in trades, bringing in Sherfane Rutherford, Mayank Markande, and Shardul Thakur, further strengthens this strategy. With a minuscule purse of Rs 2.75 crore, MI will have very limited room for manoeuvre at the auction, indicating extreme confidence in their current squad and traded players. They will likely be looking to fill minimal squad spots with budget-friendly options.

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Anticipating the Abu Dhabi Mini-Auction

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The stage is now set for an electrifying mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. The varied purse values, ranging from KKR’s expansive Rs 64.30 crore to MI’s lean Rs 2.75 crore, will dictate fascinating and diverse strategies. Teams with larger purses will be the aggressors, potentially engaging in bidding wars for the likes of Maxwell, Russell, Faf, Miller, and Bishnoi, who offer proven T20 prowess.

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Conversely, franchises like Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings will need to operate with surgical precision, targeting specific role players and perhaps unearthing hidden gems. The auction dynamics will also be influenced by the presence of a strong contingent of overseas players who were either released or did not feature in the trades. This IPL 2026 retention window has laid the foundation for what promises to be one of the most unpredictable and strategically intriguing seasons yet, with every decision holding the potential to redefine a team’s destiny.

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---

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Disclaimer: Cricket Mantra aggregates breaking cricket news from multiple reputable sources, enriching them with in-depth analysis and expert commentary to provide comprehensive coverage for our readers.

”
}
{
“headline”: “IPL 2026 Retention Unveils Shocking Releases: Maxwell, Russell, Faf Out! Full Squads & Purse”,
“category”: “IPL”,
“article”: “

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 retention window has slammed shut, sending shockwaves across the cricketing world. As the dust settles on the crucial team-building exercise, franchises have revealed their retained and released players, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. This year’s retention list features some truly monumental decisions, with several marquee players, once considered indispensable, now finding themselves back in the auction pool.

\n\n

Cricket fans and pundits alike are grappling with the implications of these strategic choices, especially the release of titans like Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, and Andre Russell. These moves signal a significant shift in team philosophies, perhaps prioritizing squad balance, future potential, or simply the need for a fresh start. The remaining purse values for each team offer a glimpse into their financial firepower and hint at their strategies for the upcoming auction, where a plethora of talent, including David Miller and Ravi Bishnoi, will be up for grabs.

\n\n

The Unthinkable: Big Names Released and Auction Implications

\n\n

The biggest headlines from the IPL 2026 retention list undoubtedly revolve around the release of several T20 stalwarts. Glenn Maxwell, a dynamic all-rounder capable of turning a match on its head, has been released by Punjab Kings. Similarly, Andre Russell, the ‘Muscle Russell’ who has been a KKR fan favourite for years, finds himself out of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. Faf du Plessis, a captain par excellence and a consistent run-scorer, has been released by Delhi Capitals, having previously led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (though his release by RCB is inferred by Patidar’s captaincy and his general mention in the intro). David Miller and Ravi Bishnoi also join this elite list of released players, adding immense quality to the auction pool.

\n\n

These decisions are never easy for franchises, particularly when dealing with players who have contributed significantly over the years. However, the cutthroat nature of the IPL often demands difficult choices, weighing age, current form, salary demands, and the need to inject fresh blood. The release of such high-profile players will undoubtedly spark intense bidding wars at the mini-auction. Teams with larger purses will eye these proven performers as potential game-changers, while the players themselves will be keen to prove their worth in new colours.

\n\n

Strategic Chess Moves: The Intrigue of Player Trades

\n\n

Beyond the retentions and releases, the IPL 2026 window has seen a flurry of significant player trades, reshaping team compositions even before the auction. Perhaps the most astonishing of these is the intricate swap involving Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). CSK has traded in their usual captain, Sanju Samson, from RR, while in return, RR has acquired two of CSK’s mainstays, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. This blockbuster exchange drastically alters the leadership and core balance of both franchises, hinting at bold, long-term visions.

\n\n

Other notable trades include:

\n

\n
• Mohammed Shami moving from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), significantly bolstering LSG’s pace attack.

\n

• Arjun Tendulkar making the switch from Mumbai Indians (MI) to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), seeking new opportunities.

\n

• Shardul Thakur moving from LSG to Mumbai Indians (MI), providing a crucial all-round option.

\n

• Sherfane Rutherford traded from Gujarat Titans (GT) to Mumbai Indians (MI), adding power-hitting depth.

\n

• Mayank Markande joining Mumbai Indians (MI) from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), strengthening their spin department.

\n

• Nitish Rana moving from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to Delhi Capitals (DC), bringing valuable experience to the middle order.

\n

• Donovan Ferreira traded from Delhi Capitals (DC) to Rajasthan Royals (RR).

\n

\n\n

These trades illustrate a growing trend in the IPL where franchises are not just waiting for the auction but are actively negotiating to secure desired players, demonstrating advanced strategic planning and an understanding of specific squad requirements.

\n\n

Team-by-Team Breakdown: Analyzing the Retention Landscape

\n\n

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – A Clean Slate with a Fat Purse

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Retained Players: Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Varun Chakravarthy, Ramandeep Singh, Ankul Roy, Rovman Powell, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik.
Released Players: Andre Russell, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje, Luvnith Sisodia, Chetan Sakariya, Spencer Johnson, Mayank Markande (traded to MI).
Purse Remaining: Rs 64.30 crore

\n

KKR has made the boldest moves, releasing multiple high-value players including Andre Russell, Quinton de Kock, and Venkatesh Iyer. This aggressive approach has left them with the largest purse by a significant margin. With Rs 64.30 crore, KKR is perfectly positioned to rebuild their core and make a massive splash at the auction, potentially targeting several of the big-name players now available. Their retentions suggest a focus on a mix of experienced Indian talent and emerging stars, with Narine and Rinku Singh providing stability.

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – The New Era Under Gaikwad

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, M.S. Dhoni, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis. Traded in: Sanju Samson (from RR).
Released Players: Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, C Andre Siddarth, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Sam Curran (traded to RR), Ravindra Jadeja (traded to RR), Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaik Rasheed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Matheesha Pathirana.
Purse Remaining: Rs 43.40 crore

\n

CSK has initiated a significant overhaul, making Ruturaj Gaikwad captain and bringing in Sanju Samson via trade. The departure of key players like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran (traded to RR) and Devon Conway marks a new chapter for the Yellow Army. With Rs 43.40 crore, CSK has ample funds to acquire the missing pieces needed to complement their new-look squad, potentially focusing on all-rounders and overseas pacers.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Cummins’ Vision Continues

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari.
Released Players: Mohammed Shami (traded to LSG), Adam Zampa, Rahul Chahar, Wiaan Mulder, Abhinav Manohar, Atharva Taide, Simarjeet Singh, and Sachin Baby.
Purse Remaining: Rs 25.50 crore

\n

Under Pat Cummins’ captaincy, SRH has largely retained its aggressive core, including Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen. The trade of Mohammed Shami to LSG is a notable departure, creating a gap in their pace attack. With Rs 25.50 crore, SRH will likely seek to reinforce their bowling unit and add depth to their batting lineup, maintaining their potent offensive strategy.

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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – Pant’s Return and Strategic Additions

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh. Traded in: Mohammed Shami (from SRH), Arjun Tendulkar (from MI).
Released Players: Aryan Juyal, David Miller, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Shardul Thakur (traded to MI), Akash Deep, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shamar Joseph.
Purse Remaining: Rs 22.95 crore

\n

The biggest news for LSG is the return of Rishabh Pant as captain, a move that will excite fans. They have bolstered their squad with significant trades, bringing in Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar, while releasing David Miller and Ravi Bishnoi. Their remaining purse of Rs 22.95 crore suggests they have a clear plan to fill specific gaps, likely focusing on all-rounders or specialist spinners.

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Delhi Capitals (DC) – Axar at the Helm

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Axar Patel (c), KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, Ajay Mandal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, T. Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera. Traded in: Nitish Rana (from RR).
Released Players: Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Donovan Ferreira (traded to RR), Sediqullah Atal, Manvanth Kumar, Mohit Sharma, and Darshan Nalkande.
Purse Remaining: Rs 21.80 crore

\n

DC sees Axar Patel taking the captaincy, with a strong core retained including KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and the formidable pace duo of Mitchell Starc and T. Natarajan. The release of Faf du Plessis is a major decision. With Rs 21.80 crore, DC will look to add depth and versatility, potentially eyeing an explosive overseas opener or a finishing batter to complement their strong bowling attack.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Patidar Takes Charge

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, and Suyash Sharma.
Released Players: Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, and Mohit Rathee.
Purse Remaining: Rs 16.40 crore

\n

RCB has named Rajat Patidar as their new captain, indicating a shift in leadership. The presence of Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Josh Hazlewood provides a strong foundation. With Rs 16.40 crore, RCB has a moderate purse, suggesting they will be targeted in their auction strategy, focusing on specific roles to bolster their squad depth, particularly in the all-rounder department.

\n\n

Rajasthan Royals (RR) – A Transformed Core

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger. Traded in: Ravindra Jadeja (from CSK), Sam Curran (from CSK).
Released Players: Sanju Samson (traded to CSK), Nitish Rana (traded to DC), Wanindu Hasaranga, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Akash Madhwal, Maheesh Theekshana, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Ashok Sharma, and Kunal Rathore.
Purse Remaining: Rs 16.05 crore

\n

RR has undergone a radical transformation, bidding farewell to long-time captain Sanju Samson (traded to CSK) and welcoming Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from CSK. Retaining key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, and the highly anticipated Jofra Archer, RR has a strong core. Their Rs 16.05 crore purse will be crucial in finding a new captain and filling the void left by their released overseas players, particularly in the spin department.

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Gujarat Titans (GT) – Gill’s Leadership and Stability

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Jos Buttler, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Arshad Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Glenn Phillips.
Released Players: Sherfane Rutherford (traded to MI), Mahipal Lomror, Karim Janat, Dasun Shanaka, Gerald Coetzee, and Kulwant Khejroliya.
Purse Remaining: Rs 12.90 crore

\n

With Shubman Gill as captain, GT has maintained a strong blend of Indian and international talent, including Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan. The trade of Sherfane Rutherford to MI is a notable change. Their Rs 12.90 crore purse, though smaller, suggests they are confident in their retained core and will look for tactical additions to enhance squad depth and balance, possibly targeting specialist T20 bowlers.

\n\n

Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Maxwell Departs, Focus on Youth

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod.
Released Players: Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, and Pravin Dubey.
Purse Remaining: Rs 11.50 crore

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PBKS has made the significant decision to release Glenn Maxwell, indicating a strategic shift. They have retained a solid bowling unit with Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, alongside all-rounders like Marcus Stoinis. With a purse of Rs 11.50 crore, Punjab will need to be shrewd at the auction, focusing on finding a powerful middle-order batter and perhaps a reliable death bowler to complement their existing talent.

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Mumbai Indians (MI) – Banking on the Core

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Current Squad and Retained Players: Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ryan Rickleton, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, Naman Dhir, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Allah Ghafanzar, Ashwani Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Will Jacks, Raghu Sharma, Raj Angad Bawa. Traded in: Sherfane Rutherford (from GT), Mayank Markande (from KKR), Shardul Thakur (from LSG).
Released Players: Satyanarayana Raju, Reece Topley, KL Shrijith, Karn Sharma, Arjun Tendulkar (traded to LSG), Bevon Jacobs, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Lizaad Williams, and Vignesh Puthur.
Purse Remaining: Rs 2.75 crore

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Mumbai Indians have clearly prioritized their established core, retaining superstars like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult. Their active participation in trades, bringing in Sherfane Rutherford, Mayank Markande, and Shardul Thakur, further strengthens this strategy. With a minuscule purse of Rs 2.75 crore, MI will have very limited room for manoeuvre at the auction, indicating extreme confidence in their current squad and traded players. They will likely be looking to fill minimal squad spots with budget-friendly options.

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Anticipating the Abu Dhabi Mini-Auction

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The stage is now set for an electrifying mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. The varied purse values, ranging from KKR’s expansive Rs 64.30 crore to MI’s lean Rs 2.75 crore, will dictate fascinating and diverse strategies. Teams with larger purses will be the aggressors, potentially engaging in bidding wars for the likes of Maxwell, Russell, Faf, Miller, and Bishnoi, who offer proven T20 prowess.

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Conversely, franchises like Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings will need to operate with surgical precision, targeting specific role players and perhaps unearthing hidden gems. The auction dynamics will also be influenced by the presence of a strong contingent of overseas players who were either released or did not feature in the trades. This IPL 2026 retention window has laid the foundation for what promises to be one of the most unpredictable and strategically intriguing seasons yet, with every decision holding the potential to redefine a team’s destiny.

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