Cricholic
IPL 2026 Retentions have reshaped all ten franchises. As a result, every team enters the mini auction with clearer plans. Moreover, several sides made surprising decisions. Some franchises released senior stars, while others chose stability. Consequently, the retention window created strong discussions around tactics and strategy. Overall, the new squad shapes set the tone for IPL 2026.
🔵 IPL 2026 Retentions – Mumbai Indians, RCB & Gujarat Titans
Mumbai Indians backed their reliable core. They kept Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya (C). Additionally, they added Rutherford, Markande, and Shardul Thakur through trades.
Released: S Raju, Topley, Shrijith, Karn Sharma, B Jacob, Mustafizur Rahman, Luke Williams, V Puthur
Out: Arjun Tendulkar
As a result, MI now hold a stable yet flexible squad.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru trusted their experienced players. They continued with Kohli, Patidar (C), Padikkal, Salt, and Hazlewood. However, they removed several overseas options to free purse space.
Released: Livingstone, Chikara, Agarwal, Seifert, Bhandage, Ngidi, Muzarabani, Rathee
Therefore, RCB enter the auction with good financial control.
Gujarat Titans focused on balance. They retained Gill (C), Sudharsan, Buttler, Siraj, Rashid Khan, and Tewatia.
Released: Shanaka, Lomror, Janat, Coetzee, Khejroliya
Furthermore, GT now have room to target all-rounders.
🧡 IPL 2026 Retentions – SRH, PBKS & KKR
Sunrisers Hyderabad trusted their main performers. They kept Head, Abhishek, Kishan, Klaasen, and Cummins (C). Additionally, they cleared several bench players.
Released: Abhinav, Taide, Sachin Baby, Mulder, Simarjeet Singh, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa
Out: Mohammed Shami
As a result, SRH will focus on strengthening their bowling.
Punjab Kings followed a balanced approach. They retained Iyer (C), Stoinis, Jansen, Omarzai, Arshdeep, Ferguson, and Chahal.
Released: Inglis, Hardie, Maxwell, Sen, Dubey
Consequently, PBKS hold good variety and bank strength.
Kolkata Knight Riders made bold moves. They kept Rinku, Narine, Varun, Rahane (C), Powell, and Umran Malik. However, they released many big names.
Released: Russell, V Iyer, Moeen, de Kock, Gurbaz, Sisodia, Sakariya, Nortje, Spencer Johnson
Out: Markande
Therefore, KKR now own the biggest purse in the auction.
💛 IPL 2026 Retentions – CSK, LSG, RR & DC
🟡 IPL 2026 Retentions – Chennai Super Kings
CSK backed their leadership. They retained Gaikwad (C), Dhoni, Brevis, Dube, Overton, Noor Ahmad, Ellis, and Mukesh. Moreover, Samson joined through a major trade.
Released: Pathirana, Conway, Tripathi, Bedi, Siddarth, Ravindra, Hooda, Shankar, Rasheed, Nagarkoti
Out: Jadeja, Sam Curran
As a result, CSK will rebuild their bowling group.
🔵 IPL 2026 Retentions – Lucknow Super Giants
LSG trusted key performers like Pant (C), Pooran, Badoni, Samad, Marsh, Mayank Yadav, Avesh, and Mohsin. Additionally, Shami and Arjun Tendulkar joined the side.
Released: Juyal, Miller, Yuvraj, Hangargekar, Akash Deep, Bishnoi
Therefore, LSG now possess strong pace options.
💗 IPL 2026 Retentions – Rajasthan Royals
RR kept faith in their young core. They retained Jaiswal, Hetmyer, Jurel, Parag, Archer, Deshpande, and Burger. Furthermore, they added Jadeja, Curran, and Ferreira.
Released: Rathore, Hasaranga, Theekshana, Farooqi, Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya
As a result, RR look well-balanced for IPL 2026.
🔵 IPL 2026 Retentions – Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals continued with Rahul, Stubbs, Rizvi, Axar (C), Kuldeep, Starc, and Mukesh. Additionally, Rana strengthened the middle order.
Released: Faf, Fraser-McGurk, Atal, Manvanth Kumar, Mohit Sharma, Nalkande
Therefore, DC appear more settled than last season.
💰 IPL 2026 Retentions – Auction Purses
KKR ₹64.3 Cr • CSK ₹43.4 Cr • SRH ₹25.5 Cr • LSG ₹22.9 Cr • DC ₹21.8 Cr
RCB ₹16.4 Cr • RR ₹16.05 Cr • GT ₹12.9 Cr • PBKS ₹11.5 Cr • MI ₹2.75 Cr
📊 IPL 2026 Retentions – Remaining Slots
KKR 13 • SRH 10 • DC 8 • RCB 8 • RR 9 • CSK 9
LSG 6 • GT 5 • MI 5 • PBKS 4
