IPL 2026 Retention Deadline: Major Trades, Big Releases & Shocking Rumours Ahead of Mini Auction

As the IPL 2026 retention deadline approaches, the league has entered its most dramatic phase — a whirlwind of speculation, late-night negotiations, and high-stakes decision-making. With the cut-off fixed for 15 November 2025, franchises now face the defining moment when they choose who remains the backbone of their squad and who risks being tossed into the mini-auction pool.

This year’s build-up carries heightened unpredictability. Teams are free to retain as many players as they wish, unlike mega-auction years, and with the December mini auction expected to offer limited top-tier options, every retention and release becomes a strategic battle.

Some teams — like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru — appear set to retain stability after long-term squad investments. Others, like Chennai Super Kings, are gearing up for a bold reset, with rumours of explosive swaps and high-profile exits dominating the cricketing chatter.

Midnight trade whispers, surprising leaks, and fan frenzy online have only intensified the stakes. Retention day is no longer administrative; it’s the unofficial launch of the IPL season.

IPL 2026 Retention Regulations

• Unlimited retentions allowed for this season.

• Squads must have 18 to 25 players.

• Salary cap remains ₹120 crore.

• Trades are open before and after the deadline and may continue until the auction.

Team-by-Team Breakdown: Who Stays, Who Goes, What’s Brewing

1. Mumbai Indians (MI)

MI have already made significant moves:

• Confirmed trades:

  • Shardul Thakur (from LSG)

  • Sherfane Rutherford (from GT)

They’re expected to strengthen finishing options and pace depth.

Possible releases:
Reece Topley, Will Jacks, and perhaps Arjun Tendulkar (rumoured LSG interest).

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK are reportedly lining up the biggest trade of the season:

• Sanju Samson to CSK

• Ravindra Jadeja + Sam Curran to RR

Likely releases include Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Jamie Overton as CSK eye a purse reset.

3. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

If the Samson–Jadeja blockbuster goes through, RR may rebuild their core around younger Indian talent and targeted overseas picks.

Rumoured exits: Theekshana, Farooqi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius.

4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Rumours suggest an aggressive purge:

• Possible releases: Venkatesh Iyer, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock.

• Strong buzz about KKR enquiring for KL Rahul from DC.

5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

LSG could undergo a restructuring, prioritising youth and Indian pacers.

Possible releases: Ravi Bishnoi (surprise rumour), Shamar Joseph, David Miller.

6. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

For once, PBKS may not overhaul their squad drastically but are expected to release:

• Glenn Maxwell

• Aaron Hardie

Their core that reached last year’s final is likely to stay intact.

7. Delhi Capitals (DC)

DC may retain their all-round and spin base but decisions hinge on:

• KL Rahul’s fate — whether he is retained, traded, or pushed into auction.

Potential releases include T Natarajan and Jake Fraser-McGurk.

8. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Under Shubman Gill, GT are aiming for continuity:

• Already traded Sherfane Rutherford.

• Rejected CSK’s attempt to trade Washington Sundar.

9. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

SRH are expected to tweak selectively.

Major rumour:

• Mohammed Shami might be headed to LSG.

There’s also speculation about SRH releasing Heinrich Klaasen to free ₹23 crore — with a plan to buy him back cheaper.

10. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

As defending champions, RCB may refresh their overseas pack.

Possible exits:
Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Mayank Agarwal, Blessing Muzarabani.

Confirmed Trades

• Shardul Thakur → MI

• Sherfane Rutherford → MI

Major Rumoured Deals

• Sanju Samson ↔ Ravindra Jadeja + Sam Curran

• KL Rahul interest from KKR

• Shami link to LSG

As JioStar prepares to unveil the official retention list at 5 PM IST — two hours after final submissions — all eyes will be glued to the screens. And with the IPL storm overshadowing ongoing cricket, deadline day is set to deliver fireworks before a single ball is bowled.