IPL 2026 auction: Released players who could return to former teams with lesser price

KKR might buy Andre Russell for lesser price in IPL mini-auction [Source: AFP]

As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, all 10 teams have reshaped their squads by releasing several players. These changes are meant to create space for new signings before the auction, which is scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. 

Although some releases were expected, a few names shocked fans and experts alike. Interestingly, there are three players who, despite being released, may still be bought back by the very teams that let them go, most likely at a lower or more suitable price.

Below, we look at these three players and why their teams might still want them back.

Andre Russell - Kolkata Knight Riders

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all was KKR releasing Andre Russell. For years, Russell has been one of the biggest stars of the franchise. Since joining KKR in 2014, he has played countless match-winning innings and become a fan favourite. Therefore, his release came as something nobody expected.

One likely reason behind the move is his price tag. Russell was earning ₹12 crore in IPL 2025, which KKR might have felt was too high considering his recent form. Although he had a decent season with the bat, scoring 167 runs at a strike rate of 163.72, his average dipped to 18.55. With the ball, he managed eight wickets but conceded runs at an economy rate of almost 12.

Even so, KKR might still want him back because of what he has delivered over the years. Russell has played more than 111 innings for the franchise and scored 2,593 runs. In addition, he has taken 122 wickets for KKR, proving his value as a true all-rounder.

[Andre Russell's KKR stats]

---

ALSO READ

IPL retentions: 5 most shocking releases ahead of 2026 mini auction

---

With such experience and past impact, KKR will not want to risk another team picking him up and getting the “vintage Russell” version back in form. Therefore, buying him back at a lower price remains a strong possibility.

Matheesha Pathirana - Chennai Super Kings

Another major release was young Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana from Chennai Super Kings. Notably, Pathirana joined CSK in 2022 as a replacement for Adam Milne and quickly made his mark. Across just 32 matches in four seasons, he picked up 47 wickets and played a key role in CSK’s 2023 title win.

[Matheesha Pathirana's CSK stats]

There were early rumours of a trade involving Pathirana, but reports now suggest CSK rejected a potential deal with KKR. This indicates that CSK may still want him, but at a lower price than the ₹13 crore he was previously valued at.

It is worth mentioning that Pathirana’s biggest strength is his death-over bowling. His yorkers have troubled even the best batters, making him a rare and valuable asset. The ex-CSK pacer has more than 30 wickets in the death overs alone, and since 2023, no bowler has taken more T20 wickets in overs 16–20. 

With such a specialised skill set, CSK might simply be trying to rebuy him at a better price, rather than losing him completely.

Ravi Bishnoi - Lucknow Super Giants

LSG’s release of Ravi Bishnoi also raised eyebrows. Bishnoi was retained for ₹11 crore last year, but his IPL 2025 performance fell below expectations. He took only nine wickets in 11 innings and had an expensive economy rate of 10.84, which likely influenced the decision to let him go.

However, Bishnoi’s overall record shows why LSG may still want him back. Across 77 IPL matches, he has taken 72 wickets at a respectable economy of 8.21. He also brings international experience and has been seen as one of India’s brightest spin prospects.

For LSG specifically, Bishnoi has played 53 innings and taken 48 wickets, proving he can be a reliable wicket-taker. Since the team currently lacks an experienced Indian spinner who can strike regularly, buying him back at a lower price would make practical sense.

---

ALSO READ

IPL 2026: Released players who could be on Sunrisers Hyderabad’s radar in mini-auction

---