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Mayank Yadav, Deepak Chahar escape mini-auction; 5 most shocking retentions for IPL 2026



Mayank Yadav and Deepak Chahar - (Source: AFP)Mayank Yadav and Deepak Chahar - (Source: AFP)

On Sunday, November 15, all ten franchises made their plans public for IPL 2026 and released the final retention list for the upcoming season of the cash-studded league. The internet buzzed with excitement as several teams offloaded some shocking names, such as KKR releasing Andre Russell and SRH ending their association with Mohammed Shami.

Besides the massive releases, eyes were also set on the retained stars, as there were some shocking names there as well. Thus, the article will shed light on the five most shocking retentions for IPL 2026. 

1. T. Natarajan

Delhi Capitals' decision to retain T Natarajan has grabbed several eyeballs as the star left-arm seamer was bought for a whopping 10.75 crores in the 2025 mega auction. However, the star 4bowler, shockingly, featured in just a solitary game and went wicketless. Even in the three overs he bowled in IPL 2025, the 34-year-old gave away 49 runs against GT.

Another reason behind his absence was his recurring injuries, which also adds to the shock that the Capitals actually retained him for IPL 2026. 

With Nattu's release, DC could have gone to the mini-auction with a purse value of 32 crores.

Criteria
Data
Innings1
Wickets0
Economy16.33
Strike-rate-
IPL price10.75 crores

2. Mayank Yadav - LSG

Lucknow Super Giants decided to retain Mayank Yadav for IPL 2026, which is a surprise retention in its own. The right-arm seamer is one of the most injury-prone players in the cash-studdead league. Yadav has been retained for a whopping 11 crores, but his performance in IPL 2025 didn't justify his price tag.

Notably, Yadav played just two matches for the Supergiants in 2025 and picked up two wickets. Further, he went for runs and couldn't even clock his traditional 150+ kmph mark. Further, he was injured twice in the same season, piling up troubles for LSG.

Criteria
Data
Innings2
Wickets2
Economy12.50
Strike-rate24.00
IPL price11 crores


3. Deepak Chahar - MI

It is surprising to see teams going after injury-prone players, and Deepak Chahar is one of them. The right-arm seamer was roped in for a whopping 9.25 crores by the five-time winners.

In IPL 2024, Chahar played 14 games and picked up just 11 wickets and looked like a weak link in MI's top-class bowling line-up. Thus, MI, which are going into the auction with just 2.5 crores, could have roped in a younger and fitter bowler.

Criteria
Data
Innings14
Wickets11
Economy9.17
Strike-rate22.00
IPL price9.25 crores

4. Rasikh Salam - RCB

RCB have a near-perfect squad for IPL 2026 as the defending champions need not change something that is already fixed. However, retaining Rasikh Salam made little to no sense as the star all-rounder, who was bought for six crores, played just two games and picked up just a solitary wicket.

Salam started for RCB in the first two games, but his dismal performance saw him getting benched for rest of the season.

Criteria
Data
Innings2
Wickets1
Economy11.67
Strike-rate36.00
IPL price6 crores


5. Jamie Overton - 

Jamie Overton was roped in by CSK in IPL 2025 for just 1.50 crores, but having him again for CSK is quite questionable. Overton just played 15 runs in 2 innings, averaging 15. Even with the ball, he failed to pick up a solitary wicket.

Chennai Super Kings have already released Sam Curran and nearly offloaded almost every overseas talent. Thus, amid this to retain Overton has got everyone talking.

Jamie overton's performance with the ball

Criteria
Data
Innings3
Wickets0
Economy13.83
Strike-rate-
IPL price1.50 crores

Jamie overton's performance with the bat

Criteria
Data
Innings2
Runs15
Strike-rate
214.29
Average15
IPL price1.50 crores