The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 retention list is out, and it's shaking up the cricket world! With the auction approaching, teams have made some surprising decisions, leaving fans and experts alike intrigued. But who's staying, and who's on their way out?
Punjab Kings have taken the lead in retaining players, securing a whopping 21 members of their squad, while Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opted for a more conservative approach, keeping only 12. KKR's decision to release Andre Russell, a long-standing team member, and Venkatesh Iyer, their most costly acquisition in IPL history, has raised eyebrows. But here's where it gets controversial: Was it a strategic move or a sign of a team in flux?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) find themselves in a rebuilding phase, having parted ways with 13 players, including the iconic Ravichandran Ashwin, who has hung up his boots. However, MS Dhoni remains a constant in the team.
The release of star players like Glenn Maxwell, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, and Ravi Bishnoi by their respective franchises has left many wondering about the future of these fan favorites.
Interestingly, the IPL rules allow franchises to retain most of their players before mini auctions, as long as they adhere to the INR 120 crore budget and the 18-25 player limit. This is in stark contrast to mega auctions, where teams often have to part ways with many players.
And this is the part most fans are talking about: The reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have kept 17 players from their victorious 2025 squad, including the legendary Virat Kohli.
Player trades are already making headlines, with CSK trading Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to RR for Sanju Samson, and Donovan Ferreira returning to RR from DC in exchange for Nitish Rana. MI has been busy, acquiring Shardul Thakur from LSG for Arjun Tendulkar and Sherfane Rutherford from GT, while also welcoming back Mayank Markande from KKR. LSG has strengthened their pace attack by trading for Mohammed Shami from SRH.
As the trade window remains open, the IPL 2026 season promises even more surprises. What do you think of the retention and release decisions so far? Are there any moves you'd like to see before the auction? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the future of these IPL franchises!
