Just a few hours to go, and some clarity is certainly coming on which way the IPL 2026 retentions would go. A report in Cricbuzz has claimed that KKR might just get rid of their bug guns, while MI would just have one high-profile release. CSK is most likely to have the biggest release list, with all the non-performers being ousted. The shocker at the IPL retentions could come from LSG, who could part ways with two big Indian bowlers.
KKR set to release Venkatesh Iyer
There were enough reports already, that KKR might release Venkatesh Iyer, who was brought in the team for 23.75 Cr, but the report suggests that Kolkata has made up their mind. After all, he had scored only 142 runs 11 matches, and he doesn’t bowl too. Other than that, the looks like getting rid of Quinton De Kock and even Anrich Nortje. That means, they could push for Cameron Green, having a purse of about 35-40 Cr.
Ajinkya Rahane to stay KKR captain
What is even more surprising is, Ajinkya Rahane stays Kolkata captain for the next season as well. He may have been on his way out, had the KL Rahul deal with DC gone through, but that of course did not happen. He wasn’t impressive with the bat and scored 390 runs, but still their best batter.
CSK beyond Sanju Samson-Jadeja trade
Finally, CSK seems to be running out of patience with some of their players. With Jadeja gone, it could be curtains too for Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Jamie Overton. RR is expected to get rid of Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Kwena Maphaka.
List of Expected released players
| Team | Players to be released |
|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Jamie Overton |
| Mumbai Indians | Will Jacks (Uncertain), Karn Sharma |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje |
| Delhi Capitals | T Natarajan, Jake Fraser-McGurk |
| Rajasthan Royals | Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka |
| Punjab Kings | Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller, Akash Deep, Shamar Joseph |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Blessing Muzarabani, Rasikh Dar |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | — |
| Gujarat Titans | — |
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