On Saturday, all teams came out with the IPL 2026 retentions; most of them were on the expected lines, but a few did raise the eyebrows. Like, ever-injured Umran Malik by KKR, Mayank Yadav by LSG for 11 cr, and even Yuzvendra Chahal for 18 cr. IN short, there were a few poor calls.
RR retain Shimron Hetmyer after two mediocre season
In IPL 2025 he scored 239 in 14 matches at an average of 21, while in 2024 he managed 113 runs in 12. Maybe RR feel that the West Indian can deliver, but this time he should have been released — coming at a price of 11 Cr.
Umran Malik’s persistent injuries
KKR retained Umran for 75 lakh. Though the price isn’t steep at all, but he has missed a lot of matches in the last couple of years. He was out for entire 2025 year, and in 2024, he played only one. There are no guarantees on his form too.
Mayank Yadav from LSG
Looks like, Lucknow management has a lot of faith in the speedster. After having impressed in 2024, he just couldn’t play this year. Again, he isn’t fit for now, and there is no clarity if he would be, for IPL 2026. This could be a big punt.
Yuzvendra Chahal for PBKS
It is for everyone to see, that Yuzi’s form is on wane. He did pick up 16 wickets, but then, he had his worst economy in the IPL ever, of 9.55. For a strike-bowler that is quite high. And the retention price is also 18 cr.
Two questionable picks by GT
The first one has to be Jayant Yadav. He has been with the team since IPL 2023, and has only played one match in three seasons. But maybe the team has some plans for him.
The other one could be Rahul Tewatia. He ended up scoring 99 runs in 15 matches, and hasn’t bowled since the 2024 IPL. So, that put a big question mark on his role.
T Natarajan too expensive for DC
He only played two matches in the IPL 2025, and to retain him for 10.75 cr, that is a lot of money for a back up bowler. He is a good bowler and has shown that with SRH, but it all depends on, if he is played or not.
* No surprise retentions from MI, RCB, SRH & CSK.
