The stage is officially set for a blockbuster IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. After a frenetic trading window and a series of high-profile releases, the financial landscape of the league has been completely reshaped. KKR and CSK are sitting on war chests that will make them the headline acts of the auction, while a series of stunning trades—like Sanju Samson to CSK and Ravindra Jadeja to RR—have thrown the player pool into chaos. Let’s dive deep into the complete picture of the IPL 2026 retentions, who’s been released, and how much each team has left to spend.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the team to watch, armed with a staggering ₹63.4 crore—the largest purse in the league. This financial firepower is the result of some massive releases, including fan-favorite all-rounder Andre Russell and the talented but inconsistent Venkatesh Iyer . KKR is clearly signaling a major squad overhaul, and they have the means to buy a whole new core if they wish.
Not far behind is the five-time champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who have freed up a cool ₹40 crore. Their focus appears to be a complete rebuild of their bowling attack. With Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja gone, they are expected to be in the market for a premier pacer or all-rounder, with strong rumors linking them to Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana or England’s Ben Stokes .
The trading window was arguably more dramatic than the retentions themselves. The most shocking move was the transfer of Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson to CSK in a deal that has sent shockwaves through the league . This move instantly solves CSK’s long-standing wicketkeeper-batter conundrum.
Another massive switch was the departure of Ravindra Jadeja from CSK to Rajasthan Royals. This homecoming for Jadeja gives RR a world-class all-rounder and leader for their middle order. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants pulled off a masterstroke by trading for India’s premier fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, from Gujarat Titans, instantly upgrading their pace battery . These trades have significantly altered the list of available players for the auction, making it far more competitive.
Here’s a quick look at the financial state of all 10 franchises heading into the December 16 auction:
Every released player, from the biggest stars to the role players, will now enter the mini-auction pool, giving teams a chance to build new-look squads at the Wankhede’s international hub in Abu Dhabi.
With so many big names released, the auction pool is incredibly deep. Key names that franchises will battle for include:
KKR, with their massive purse, could potentially go all-in for a package deal, while CSK will be laser-focused on their bowling needs. For a deeper analysis of player values, check out our [INTERNAL_LINK:ipl-player-auction-guide].
Beyond the money, each team has a clear strategic hole to fill. CSK needs bowlers. KKR needs a new identity and a core group. RCB needs a reliable overseas pacer. Delhi needs a finisher. The beauty of this mini-auction is that it offers every franchise a rare chance for a fresh start. The IPL 2026 retentions have set the foundation, but the real story will be written on auction day in Abu Dhabi.
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