Suryavanshi locked in: Predicting IPL retention future of IND players in Asia Cup Rising Stars

Suryavanshi likely to be retained [Source: AFP]

This evening, India-A will kickstart their Asia Cup Rising Stars campaign with a cracking encounter against the United Arab Emirates. Led by Jitesh Sharma, India recently announced a formidable squad to compete with several robust sides, including Pakistan Shaheens. 

India's prominent players in the Asia Cup Rising Stars await their IPL retention future, as the deadline approaches. As the promising talents gear up for the tournament, here we analyse to predict whether they will be retained or released ahead of IPL 2026. 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

Will RR retain Vaibhav Suryavanshi for IPL 2026?

• Swashbuckling left-handed batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi formed a dynamic opening pair with Yashasvi Jaiswal for Rajasthan Royals. 
• Amid Sanju Samson's unavailability due to injury, Suryavanshi ensured RR didn't miss their mainstay, scoring 252 runs in just seven innings at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 206.56. Considering his impact at the top-order, RR will likely retain Suryavanshi for IPL 2026. 

Nehal Wadhera (Punjab Kings)

Will PBKS retain Nehal Wadhera for IPL 2026?

• As evidenced by the above stats, Nehal Wadhera was one of the most impressive performers for Punjab Kings last season, scoring 369 runs at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of 145.85. 
• His price is only 4.2 Crores and given that Wadhera formed the backbone of Punjab's middle order, we expect the 2025 season finalists to retain him for the 2026 season. 

Ramandeep Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Will KKR retain Ramandeep Singh for IPL 2026?

• Ramandeep Singh had a torrid run for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, managing only 47 runs across seven outings at an average of 9.40 and a strike rate of 134.29. 
• Although Ramandeep provides KKR a valuable all-round option, his non-performance could prompt the three-time winners to release him to the auction pool. 

Priyansh Arya (Punjab Kings)

Priyansh Arya in action [Source: AFP]

Will PBKS retain Priyansh Arya for IPL 2026?

• Priyansh Arya was one of the major shining lights for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, playing a pivotal role in their qualification for the final. 
• He hammered 475 runs at an average of 27.94 and a magnificent strike rate of 179.25, forming a formidable opening combination with Prabhsimran Singh. So, his excellent returns in his very first IPL season could result in Priyansh Arya's retention for the 2026 season. 

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Naman Dhir (Mumbai Indians)

Will MI retain Naman Dhir for IPL 2026?

(Naman Dhir in IPL 2025)

• Promising Punjab allrounder Naman Dhir shone brightly for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025. Amid Hardik Pandya's topsy-turvy run, Dhir showcased extraordinary 360-degree stroke play, scoring 252 runs at a blistering strike rate of 182.61. 
• So, he is expected to play a crucial role for MI's finishing department, as the five-time champions will likely retain him for INR 5.25 crores. 

Suryansh Shedge (Punjab Kings)

Will PBKS retain Suryansh Shedge for IPL 2026?

• Suryansh Shedge couldn't live up to the hype in IPL 2025 for Punjab Kings. While he managed just seven runs across three innings at a horrendous average of 2.33, Shedge failed to bag a single wicket with his medium pace, conceding runs at an economy of 13.33. 
• So, given that he failed to thrive for them, PBKS might release Shedge to the auction pool. 

Jitesh Sharma (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Will RCB retain Jitesh Sharma for IPL 2026?

• Jitesh Sharma emerged as RCB's go-to finisher in the IPL 2025, slamming 261 runs across 11 innings at an average of 37.29 and a strike rate of 176.35. 
• He smashed a blistering 33-ball 85 against LSG before playing a crucial quick-fire cameo in the final. So, the defending IPL champions will likely retain him and assign him the wicketkeeping duties. 

Ashutosh Sharma (Delhi Capitals)

Will DC retain Ashutosh Sharma for IPL 2026?

(Ashutosh Sharma's IPL 2025 stats)

• Just like Jitesh, Ashutosh oozed his class for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025. The middle order batter smashed 204 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 160.63. 
• Given that DC depended on his powerhitting to finish their innings on a high note, Ashutosh Sharma will likely be retained by the Capitals. 

Gurjapneet Singh (Chennai Super Kings)

Will CSK retain Gurjapneet Singh for IPL 2026?

• Gurjapneet Singh grabbed the headlines for all wrong reasons, as CSK replaced him with Dewald Brevis mid-season during IPL 2025. 
• While the left-arm pacer didn't play a single game for CSK, he found it tough to get going in the TNPL 2025, scalping only five wickets in seven matches. So, considering his injury woes and recent struggles, CSK might release Gurjapneet to the auction pool. 

Vyshak Vijaykumar (Punjab Kings)

Will PBKS retain Vyshak Vijaykumar for IPL 2026?

• Former RCB pacer Vyshak Vijaykumar could bag only four wickets in five innings for PBKS in IPL 2025. 
• Although Vijaykumar's economy read 10.65, the right-arm pacer showed glimpses of his class, putting up some impressive efforts in the death overs. So, as he is a promising asset, PBKS might retain him despite his middling numbers in the previous season. 

Yudhvir Singh (Rajasthan Royals)

Will RR retain Yudhvir Singh for IPL 2026?

• Yudhvir Singh was expensive with the ball for Rajasthan Royals, as he conceded runs at an economy of 11.91 in IPL 2025. 
• That said, he grabbed a million eyeballs with his nippy bowling and searing pace, even grabbing a three-fer in his last outing against CSK. So, as he has a price of only 35 lakhs, the Royals might keep him as a reserve pacer. 

Abhishek Porel (Delhi Capitals)

Will DC retain Abhishek Porel for IPL 2026?

(Abhishek Porel in IPL 2025)

• As evidenced by the above stats, Abhishek Porel struck at a rapid rate of 146.83, ensuring brisk starts for Delhi Capitals. 
• Although he was a bit inconsistent in the latter stage in the IPL 2025, Porel could find himself in DC's retention list, with the franchise aiming to boost its top-order for the 2026 season. 

Suyash Sharma (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Will RCB retain Suyash Sharma for IPL 2026?

• Suyash Sharma blew hot and cold for RCB in the IPL 2025, managing eight wickets across fourteen innings. However, his ability to keep the run rate under check and the fact that he formed a wily spin duo with Krunal Pandya might lead to his retention. 

Yash Thakur (Punjab Kings)

Will PBKS retain Yash Thakur for IPL 2026?

• Yash Thakur played only two matches for PBKS in IPL 2025, bagging a solitary wicket at an economy of 12.15. 
• However, Thakur has done decently in the IPL, having scalped 25 wickets in 21 innings. So, his reputation as a useful seam option might influence PBKS to retain him for the next season. 

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