Shaik Rasheed in action [Source: AFP]
All IPL teams have revealed their respective retention lists ahead of the 2026 mini auction. While several high-profile trades, including a swap that saw Sanju Samson shift his base from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings, grabbed the limelight, some prominent players left their IPL 2025 team, entering the mini auction pool.
Apart from a number of IPL veterans, some exciting young talents, released by their respective teams, will be up for grabs in the auction. So, as the showpiece event approaches, here are four in-form released domestic players who might create bidding war between franchises.
Shaik Rasheed (Released by CSK)
- Young batter Shaik Rasheed was a part of the Chennai Super Kings squad for the IPL 2025. He was purchased for INR 30 lakhs; however, his torrid run in the tournament prompted CSK to release him to the mini auction pool.
- Although Rasheed's IPL 2025 run was marred by inconsistency, he had a blockbuster Andhra Premier League season, amassing 251 runs across five innings at an average of 62.75 and a blistering strike rate of 156.88.
- His purple patch extended to the Ranji Trophy as well, where he has already smashed 440 runs at an unbelievable average of 146.67. So, although Rasheed was released by the Super Kings, his red-hot recent form and remarkable consistency might prompt the IPL teams to raise the paddle for him in the upcoming mini auction.
Abhinav Manohar (Released by SRH)
| Criterion | Data |
| Innings | 11 |
| Runs | 284 |
| Average | 35.50 |
| Strike Rate | 165.12 |
(Abhinav Manohar's Maharaja T20 stats)
- Experienced Karnataka batter Abhinav Manohar had a miserable IPL 2025 season, scoring only 61 runs across five innings. The right-handed batter was purchased for INR 3.20 Crores, but his underwhelming returns forced the Sunrisers to release him ahead of the 2026 auction.
- However, the veteran cricketer was impressive in the Maharaja Trophy, amassing 284 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 165.12. He has also been phenomenal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. So, considering Manohar can be an excellent domestic addition to most batting lineups in the IPL, teams that need a genuine Indian finisher might go after him in the mini auction.
Yuvraj Chaudhary (Released by LSG)
- Promising batter Yuvraj Chaudhary has magnificent numbers in T20 cricket, having amassed 478 runs at an average of 47.80 and a sublime strike rate of 153.69.
- The left-handed batter was a part of the Lucknow Super Giants, a team that secured his services for 30 lakhs. Although he didn't get a game, Chaudhary found himself on the list of LSG's released players ahead of the auction.
- However, he enjoyed stellar success in the Uttarakhand Premier League 2025, scoring 180 runs in 7 innings at an average of 30 and a strike rate of 151.26 for Dehradun Warriors. Apart from playing brisk knocks, Chaudhary can chip in with a few overs as well. So, keeping his scintillating stroke play and multi-dimensional skills, teams might raise their paddle for Yuvraj Chaudhary in the mini auction.
KL Shrijith (Released by MI)
| Criterion | Data |
| Innings | 7 |
| Runs | 235 |
| Average | 39.17 |
| Strike Rate | 121.13 |
(KL Shrijith in Maharaja T20 2025)
- Wicketkeeper KL Shrijith is one of the most dependable batters in the Indian domestic circuit. The seasoned campaigner struck 235 runs at a solid average of 39.17 in the Maharaja Trophy 2025.
- Although his strike rate was slightly on the lower side, Shrijith showcased remarkable consistency, staking his claim for a turnaround in the IPL. So, teams who need a backup wicketkeeper might think to invest in the Karnataka player in the upcoming auction.
 (1).jpg)
.jpg)




