IPL 2026 retention: 10 superstars who could be shown the exit door

Akshita Patel

IPL 2026 likely releases [Source: @sarcastic_us, @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]IPL 2026 likely releases [Source: @sarcastic_us, @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

As the IPL 2026 retention deadline approaches, franchises are once again faced with tough decisions. On November 15, all teams are instructed to finalise their retained players by 5:00 PM IST.

In 2025, a mega auction caused major reshuffles across all 10 franchises. However, the season went haywire for a lot of teams, meaning they will once again look to make some tweaks in the squad.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline, here’s a look at 10 big names that could shockingly be released into the mini-auction pool.

1. Venkatesh Iyer - KKR

1. Venkatesh Iyer - KKR [Source: @iamswapnilvats/X.com]1. Venkatesh Iyer - KKR [Source: @iamswapnilvats/X.com]

Kolkata Knight Riders’ massive investment in Venkatesh Iyer raised eyebrows when the all-rounder went for ₹23.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, after scoring just 142 runs in 11 games, KKR are losing faith in him. 

Moreover, the Knight Riders are looking to free up funds up to ₹40 crores and also look to buy Iyer back for a much cheaper price now that his market value has dropped.

2. Jofra Archer - RR

2. Jofra Archer - RR [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]2. Jofra Archer - RR [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Rajasthan Royals bought back Jofra Archer for a whopping price of ₹12.50 crore. While Archer picked 11 wickets in 12 games in IPL 2025, his injury history is becoming a pressing issue. 

With Sanju Samson also likely to be traded, RR need funds at the auction table to rebuild the squad. Given his fitness uncertainty, RR will likely release Archer into the auction pool and rather invest in a much younger talent.

3. Andre Russell - KKR

3. Andre Russell - KKR [Source: @IPL/X.com]3. Andre Russell - KKR [Source: @IPL/X.com]

One of KKR’s most celebrated all-rounders, Andre Russell’s time is almost up in the IPL. Though KKR retained him for ₹12.00 crore, Russell scored just one fifty in IPL 2025 and was not even used as a proper bowling option. 

Hence, with his role reducing, KKR might release Andre Russell and free up some useful funds, which can be later used to buy a captaincy material candidate.

4. Mitchell Starc - DC 

4. Mitchell Starc - DC [Source: @ians_india/X.com]4. Mitchell Starc - DC [Source: @ians_india/X.com]

Mitchell Starc was sold to the Delhi Capitals for ₹11.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction as his market value saw a sharp dip. Last season, he picked 14 wickets, but Starc’s priority is now shifting heavily towards Test cricket. 

His availability has always been a question, given his age and injury history, and hence, DC would like to release him to secure extra funds for the mini-auction.

5. Ravi Bishnoi - LSG

5. Ravi Bishnoi - LSG [Source: @AbhishekICT/X.com]5. Ravi Bishnoi - LSG [Source: @AbhishekICT/X.com]

Formerly crowned No.1 T20I bowler in ICC rankings, Ravi Bishnoi has lost his charm and fallen out of India's plans. After being retained for ₹11 crore during last year's mega auction, Bishnoi contributed with just 9 wickets in 11 games at 44.55 average. ₹11 crore is a huge amount that LSG can use to invest in other quality options.

6. T Natarajan - DC 

6. T Natarajan - DC [Source: @dasjy0tirmay/X.com]6. T Natarajan - DC [Source: @dasjy0tirmay/X.com]

T Natarajan, though not as big a name, went for ₹10.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, he played just two games before injury ruled him out. It’s not a secret that Natarajan’s career has been heavily marred by injuries. 

To continue investing such a big amount in an injury-prone player makes little sense, and the Delhi Capitals’ think tank will definitely keep a close eye on this.

7. Mohammed Shami - SRH 

7. Mohammed Shami - SRH [Source: @IS_Netwrk29/X.com]7. Mohammed Shami - SRH [Source: @IS_Netwrk29/X.com]

India’s celebrated fast bowler Mohammed Shami fetched ₹10.00 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. But he picked just 6 wickets and struggled due to injury concerns. His career has regressed since the heel injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup. 

Moreover, with Shami phasing out of international cricket, he is losing his market value. SRH, hence, would not like to bank on him, given how the last two years have panned out for him.

8. Jake Fraser McGurk - DC 

8. Jake Fraser McGurk - DC [Source: @RajTweett/X.com]8. Jake Fraser McGurk - DC [Source: @RajTweett/X.com]

Once renowned as the next big thing in Australian cricket, Jake Fraser McGurk earned big bucks (₹9 crore) from the Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2025 mega auction. 

However, his hype died down faster than it went up initially, as McGurk scored just 55 runs in 6 games. Moreover, Jake hasn’t done much to stand out so far this year. Hence, to pay him ₹9 crore would not be economically wise for DC.

9. Glenn Maxwell - PBKS 

9. Glenn Maxwell - PBKS [Source: @IPL/X.com]9. Glenn Maxwell - PBKS [Source: @IPL/X.com]

Punjab Kings again banked on Glenn Maxwell when they bought him for ₹4.20 crore last year. However, he was a letdown, scoring just 48 runs in 7 games in a season where Punjab reached the finals. 

Regardless of the money invested, a dip in form and increasing age will work against Maxwell, as he could very likely be released at the IPL 2026 retention deadline.

10. Rachin Ravindra - CSK 

10. Rachin Ravindra - CSK [Source: @IPL/X.com]10. Rachin Ravindra - CSK [Source: @IPL/X.com]

Chennai Super Kings bought Rachin Ravindra for a steal (₹4 crore) during the mega auction. He had a decent run, scoring 191 runs in a campaign where CSK finished last on the table. 

While Ravindra is a young talent with a lot of potential, CSK are reportedly aiming to rebuild the team and free up to ₹30 crore for the IPL 2026 auction. Hence, releasing Ravindra appears to be a viable option for the five-time IPL champions.