There are just a few hours left and some clarity is certainly emerging on the direction the IPL 2026 retentions would take. A report from Cricbuzz claims that KKR could simply get rid of their bug guns, while MI would only have one high-profile release. CSK is most likely to have the largest release list, with all non-performers ousted. The shock of IPL retentions could come from LSG, who could part ways with two great Indian bowlers.
KKR set to release Venkatesh Iyer
There were already enough reports that KKR might release Venkatesh Iyer, who was brought into the team for 23.75 Cr, but the report suggests that Kolkata has made up its mind. After all, he has only scored 142 runs in 11 matches, and he isn’t bowling either. Other than that, it looks like getting rid of Quinton De Kock and even Anrich Nortje. This means they could push for Cameron Green, with a purse of around 35-40 Cr.
Ajinkya Rahane to remain KKR captain
What is even more surprising is that Ajinkya Rahane also remains Kolkata captain for the next season. He might have been on his way out, had the deal between KL Rahul and DC gone through, but that of course didn’t happen. He was not impressive with the bat and scored 390 runs, but remained their best hitter.
CSK beyond Sanju Samson-Jadeja trade
Finally, CSK seems to lack patience with some of its players. With Jadeja leaving, it could also be curtains for Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Jamie Overton. RR are expected to get rid of Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Kwena Maphaka.
List of expected released players
| Team | Players to release |
|---|---|
| Super Kings of Chennai | Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Jamie Overton |
| Mumbai Indians | Will Jacks (Uncertain), Karn Sharma |
| Horsemen Knights of Calcutta | Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje |
| Delhi Capitals | T Natarajan, Jake Fraser-McGurk |
| Rajasthan Royals | Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka |
| Kings of Punjab | Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller, Akash Deep, Shamar Joseph |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Blessing Muzarabani, Rasikh Dar |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | — |
| Gujarat Titans | — |
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