The IPL 2026 retention deadline is just around the corner, with teams set to announce their lists by 15 November. As franchises prepare for the upcoming mini auction next month, intense discussions are underway over who stays and who goes. Teams are weighing purse balance, player form, injury concerns, and overall value before finalising their lists. Since this is not a mega auction, franchises have the flexibility to retain or release as many players as they wish, provided they adhere to the rules: a maximum squad size of 25 players, up to 8 overseas, and a salary cap of ₹120 crore. The retention window has already been dominated by the sensational trade between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran. As reported by TimesofIndia.com, RR have traded Samson to CSK in exchange for Jadeja and Curran — a deal all but finalised and expected to be announced soon. Ahead of the retention deadline, here are the Top 10 players who might be released before IPL 2026:1. Sunrisers Hyderabad – Mohammed Shami Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami failed to justify his ₹10 crore price tag after SRH went all out for him last season. Having released Bhuvneshwar Kumar earlier, SRH banked on Shami as a reliable seamer, but he only managed 6 wickets in 9 games at an average of 56.17. SRH might now look to reinvest that money in a more consistent performer.2. Kolkata Knight Riders – Venkatesh Iyer KKR splurged a massive ₹23.75 crore on Venkatesh Iyer during last year’s mega auction, but the move hasn’t paid off. The all-rounder managed just 142 runs in 11 matches at an average of 20.29 and strike rate of 139.22. With such a hefty amount tied up, KKR are expected to release him and possibly buy him back at a much lower price to boost their purse. 3. Mumbai Indians – Deepak Chahar MI signed Deepak Chahar for ₹9.25 crore in 2025, but his returns were modest — 11 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 34.18 and economy rate of 9.17. His recurring injuries and struggles in the death overs have made him a liability. MI might consider releasing him to free up funds or re-sign him for cheaper. 4. Lucknow Super Giants – Mayank Yadav Injuries have derailed Mayank Yadav’s promising IPL career. Retained last year for ₹11 crore, he featured in only 2 games in IPL 2025. With uncertainty surrounding his fitness, LSG may release him to recover a sizeable chunk of funds for the mini auction. 5. Lucknow Super Giants – Ravi Bishnoi Retained for ₹11 crore, Ravi Bishnoi’s form dipped drastically in IPL 2025. He managed just 9 wickets in 11 matches with an economy rate of 10.84. LSG could release him to refresh their bowling department and potentially bring him back at a lower cost. 6. Kolkata Knight Riders – Anrich Nortje Bought for ₹6.5 crore, Anrich Nortje’s recurring injuries have limited his impact. The South African pacer played only 2 matches in IPL 2025, taking a solitary wicket at an economy of 11.86. KKR are likely to release him to make room for fitter overseas options. 7. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Liam Livingstone Defending champions RCB have a largely settled squad but could part ways with Liam Livingstone to strengthen their purse. Purchased for ₹8.75 crore, he scored just 112 runs in 10 games at an average of 16 and a strike rate of 133.33, while picking up only 2 wickets. 8. Delhi Capitals – Jake Fraser-McGurk DC spent ₹9 crore (using the RTM card) to bring in Jake Fraser-McGurk, but the Australian batter failed to impress. In 6 matches, he scored just 55 runs at an average of 9.17. With Delhi struggling to find a stable opening pair, Jake could be released as they look for a more consistent option. 9. Rajasthan Royals – Maheesh Theekshana With Wanindu Hasaranga already in the squad and Ravindra Jadeja reportedly joining, Theekshana may find himself surplus to requirements. Despite picking up 11 wickets in 11 matches at an economy of 9.76, RR are likely to prioritise Hasaranga’s all-round value. 10. Chennai Super Kings – Devon Conway Signed for ₹6.25 crore in 2025, Devon Conway couldn’t replicate his past success. He scored 156 runs in 6 games at an average of 26 and strike rate of 131. With concerns over his scoring rate in T20s, CSK might release him to explore younger, more aggressive top-order options.
