The countdown to the IPL 2026 retention deadline has plunged the league into its annual whirlwind of speculation, rumours, shock leaks and midnight negotiations. With the deadline set for November 15, 2025, this is the time for franchises to decide who forms the backbone of their team and who they feel is surplus to requirements.
This season’s upside is especially volatile because teams can keep as many players as they want a year after the mega auction. IPL 2026 will have a mini auction which is said to be held in December.
When and where to watch IPL retention show?
Some franchises such as Mumbai Indians and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to keep their entire core intact after a season of major tactical investment and value stability. Others, such as the Chennai Super Kings, are planning large-scale overhauls — offloading big names, freeing up the salary cap and chasing bold deals — and are preparing for a mini-auction that may lack depth but promises dramatic bidding wars for the few elite names available.
And as the trade window buzzes with whispers of blockbuster swaps, surprise exits and quiet late-night trades, every move is magnified. The picks made before the deadline will determine who enters the IPL 2026 mini-auction desperate, who enters dominant and who enters with plans that could change the season.
In a league where one decision can swing a title, retention day is no longer just an administrative move – it’s the first, loudest shot of the new IPL campaign.
IPL 2026 RETENTION RULES
- Franchises can retain as many players as they want; this year there is no upper limit on balance numbers as there was in previous “mega auction” years.
- Squad size must be between 18-25 players per team and the salary cap remains ? 120 million for each franchise.
- Transfers/Trades: Trade window opened ahead of deadline; some deals have already been confirmed or are heavily rumored. Trading can continue after the deadline, and in the past teams have traded into the auction.
HOW ARE IPL TEAMS FORMED?
Here’s a look at each of the ten franchises, what’s known, what’s rumored, and what their likely strategy might be for the retention term.
1. Mumbai Indians (MI)
A likely retention strategy: MI have already done a confirmed deal: Shardul Thakur moves from Lucknow Super Giants to MI. They also got Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans. MI appear to be strengthening their finishing and all-round depth, likely favoring pace options and strengthening overseas batting.
Buzzed releases: MI are rumored to release players like Reece Topley, Will Jacks and possibly trade Arjun Tendulkar for LSG.
2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Strategy: CSK are reportedly mulling a big marquee swap: Sanju Samson (currently with Rajasthan Royals) may move to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja (currently CSK) and Sam Curran may head to RR. CSK seem set to rebuild their core, perhaps moving away from some senior internationals.
Likely releases: Names like Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Jamie Overton are set to be released as CSK eye a hefty purse for the auction.
3. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Strategy: With the Samson-Jadeja swap that can breathe fresh air into RR, they can recalibrate their core around younger Indian talent and one or two strong overseas players. They can use the auction to power up a seamstress or finisher.
Buzzed releases/deals: Jadeja and Curran (depending on RR or from RR) figure in the business frenzy. Also players like Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius can be released.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Strategy: KKR’s narrative suggests a bold clean-up: names like Venkatesh Iyer, Anrich Nortje and Quinton de Kock are on the radar as KKR look to free up big space in the purse.
Business whispers: KKR have reportedly shown interest in DC’s KL Rahul – although not yet confirmed.
All eyes will be on whether Delhi retain KL Rahul on the day of the hold. If it enters the auction, there may be a bidding war.
5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Strategy: LSG will likely retain their young Indian pace and rising stars, but could offload some expensive overseas or older players to maintain flexibility. For example, they may release Ravi Bishnoi (albeit a rising star), Shamar Joseph and others as part of the restructuring.
There is talk that LSG could offload David Miller. The South African will return to the auction pool after playing just one season for the Super Giants.
6. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Strategy: PBKS, for the first time in years, may not be willing to overhaul aggressively. However, they are widely expected to release big names like Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie to create budget space for the auction and fill holes.
Keep in mind that they reached the final last year after consistently leading their core group led by Shreyas Iyer.
7. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Strategy: DC could keep their all-rounder and spin core and free up some overseas backup players. Names like T Natarajan and Jake Fraser-McGurk are on the radar.
A lot will depend on whether they release/trade KL Rahul. If so, they may have to find big Indian names in the auction pool, which won’t be easy.
8. Gujarat Titans (GT)
Strategy: GT can retain its main Indian domestic and overseas spinners/top order while swapping overseas finishers. They already traded Rutherford to MI.
After reportedly rejecting a trade offer for Washington Sundar from Chennai Super Kings, the Shubman Gill-led franchise is looking for continuity and consistency.
9. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Strategy: SRH may make selective changes, potentially moving senior overseas players or high-cost spots to invest in young Indians’ pace and all-round talent.
Buzzed deals/releases: Mohammed Shami is reportedly closing in on a move to LSG from SRH.
There is speculation that SRH will release Heinrich Klaasen to free up Rs 23 crore for the auction. They might try to buy it back at a lower price.
10. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Strategy: As recent champions, RCB are looking to optimize their overseas slots and may release underperforming big names to bring in fresh overseas match winners.
Likely releases: Players like Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Mayank Agarwal, Blessing Muzarabani are reported as release candidates.
WHAT ABOUT TRADE RUMORS?
Confirmed trades:
Shardul Thakur to Mumbai Indians (from LSG).
Sherfane Rutherford to Mumbai Indians (from GT).
Marquis swaps/trades are said to:
Sanju Samson (RR) to CSK in blockbuster swap, with Ravindra Jadeja + Sam Curran possibly heading to RR.
KKR’s inquiries on DC’s KL Rahul – still speculative.
Deadline Day is set to steal the spotlight. JioStar, the official broadcaster of the IPL, will release the full list of retention shows at 5:00 PM IST – a full two hours after the teams submit their final decisions, making the evening a prime-time movie.
And as the clock ticks, attention is expected to shift away from Day 2 of the Kolkata Test between India and South Africa, with the IPL storm inevitably taking over the cricketing conversation.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
November 15, 2025
