IPL Retention 2026 – Big Shockers, Bold Calls, and a Month of Chaos Ahead

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

• 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