Table of Contents
- IPL 2026 Retention Rush Begins
- Blockbuster Trades Shake Up Squads
- The Top 10 Players on the Chopping Block
- Why Teams Are Cutting Ties
- Fantasy Cricket Implications
- What Happens Next
- Conclusion
- Sources
The countdown to IPL 2026 is on—and teams are already making tough calls. With the retention deadline set for **November 15**, franchises are scrambling to trim bloated squads, manage salary caps, and reset strategy after a turbulent 2025 season. And while stars like Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya are locks, several high-profile names could be shown the exit door.
Reports from Times of India suggest a wave of releases is imminent, with veterans and underperformers alike at risk. Even more dramatic: a rumored three-way trade involving **Sanju Samson**, **Ravindra Jadeja**, and **Sam Curran** could reshape multiple franchises before the mega auction.
IPL 2026 Retention Rush Begins
Each IPL team can retain up to **six players** (a mix of retained and RTM-eligible), but with base auction prices rising and the salary cap fixed at ₹120 crore, tough choices are unavoidable. Franchises are prioritizing youth, versatility, and long-term fit over past reputation.
“Retention isn’t about loyalty anymore—it’s about ROI,” says a senior IPL scout who spoke on condition of anonymity. “If a player hasn’t delivered in 18 months, they’re gone—even if they’re a household name.”
Blockbuster Trades Shake Up Squads
Before any release, trades take center stage. The rumored deal involving **Sanju Samson** (potentially moving from Rajasthan Royals), **Ravindra Jadeja** (CSK), and **Sam Curran** (Punjab Kings) is the talk of the town. While unconfirmed, such a move would free up massive cap space and allow teams to rebalance their core.
If Samson joins CSK, for instance, it could signal the end of MS Dhoni’s on-field role—and accelerate the release of players like **Deepak Chahar**, whose injury-prone profile no longer fits Chennai’s aggressive new blueprint. [INTERNAL_LINK:csk-2026-rebuild-strategy]
The Top 10 Players on the Chopping Block
Based on form, fitness, cost, and team dynamics, here are the 10 players most likely to be released ahead of IPL 2026:
- Mohammed Shami (CSK) – After missing most of 2024–25 with ankle issues, his ₹10.75 crore price tag may be too steep for a 34-year-old coming off injury.
- Venkatesh Iyer (KKR) – Once a finisher extraordinaire, his strike rate has dipped below 120. KKR’s young middle order may push him out.
- Deepak Chahar (CSK) – Chronic injuries and only 7 wickets in 12 matches over two seasons spell trouble.
- Shivam Dube (CSK) – Despite a strong 2023, his 2025 output was inconsistent; CSK may prefer younger power-hitters.
- Rahul Tripathi (SRH) – Failed to cement his spot; SRH is betting on Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
- Shahrukh Khan (PBKS) – The “finisher” tag hasn’t translated into runs; PBKS wants explosive openers instead.
- Mukesh Kumar (DC) – Decent but not standout; Delhi may opt for uncapped local talent to save cap space.
- Devon Conway (CSK) – Age (33) and fitness concerns make his ₹6 crore tag risky for a non-Indian slot.
- Riyan Parag (RR) – Despite flashes of brilliance, RR may look for a more consistent No. 4.
- Rajat Patidar (RCB) – With RCB investing in Jacob Bethell and Raj Angad Bawa, Patidar’s middle-order role is under threat.
Why Teams Are Cutting Ties
Three key factors are driving these decisions:
- Injury risk: Players like Shami and Chahar have missed significant game time.
- Performance drop-off: Venkatesh Iyer’s average fell from 38 to 22 in 2025.
- Salary cap pressure: Retaining a ₹8 crore player means missing out on two promising uncapped Indians.
Franchises are also shifting toward “role-specific” cricketers—death bowlers, powerplay openers, or spin-hitters—rather than all-rounders who don’t excel in one area.
Fantasy Cricket Implications
Fantasy managers, take note: if these players enter the auction, their prices could plummet, making them potential bargains. But tread carefully—form and team context matter more than ever.
For example, if Venkatesh lands at a franchise that bats him at No. 3 (like MI or GT), he could rebound. But if he’s slotted at No. 6 again, avoid.
What Happens Next
Between now and November 15, expect more trades and quiet releases. The official retention list will drop on November 16, followed by the mega auction in December.
According to ESPNCricinfo, over 400 players could enter the auction pool—making this one of the most unpredictable IPL builds in years.
Conclusion
As IPL 2026 approaches, sentiment is giving way to strategy. Big names aren’t safe if they don’t deliver. For fans, it’s a bittersweet reality—but for franchises, it’s survival. The next few weeks will define not just squads, but the future of T20 cricket in India.
Sources
Times of India: Top 10 Players Who Might Be Released Ahead of IPL 2026