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Retention Day for IPL 2026 has arrived — and franchises have already dropped several bombshells that are sending tremors through the cricketing world.
Major Releases (Confirmed Shockers)
- Chennai Super Kings release Matheesha Pathirana, one of their most exciting young pacers.
- Kolkata Knight Riders part ways with Venkatesh Iyer, last year’s ₹23.75 crore marquee buy.
- Punjab Kings let go of Glenn Maxwell.
- Delhi Capitals surprisingly release Faf du Plessis.
These unexpected exits have set up an electrifying build-up to the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi.
Context: Why This Retention Window Matters
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- Teams can retain unlimited players this season, unlike mega auctions.
- Mini-auctions usually focus on fine-tuning, not wholesale changes.
- That’s why such big releases are even more surprising.
Likely Releases (As per early indicators)
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Venkatesh Iyer likely gone due to poor form (142 runs in 11 games).
- Possible plan: release and buy back cheaper.
Possible exits from other teams
- Quinton de Kock – ₹3.6 crore
- Anrich Nortje – ₹6.5 crore
Lucknow Super Giants
May move on from:
- Ravi Bishnoi
- David Miller
- Akash Deep
- Shamar Joseph
Chennai Super Kings
After their mega trade (Jadeja + Curran for Sanju Samson), CSK may release:
- Devon Conway
- Rahul Tripathi
- Rachin Ravindra
- Deepak Hooda
- Vijay Shankar
- Jamie Overton