We are officially into silly season with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction approaching, with reports stating that this year’s mega auction will take place in mid-December. However, focus will for now be on the trade window and the players’ list of retention, which, as per a report by Cricbuzz, is 15th November.

For those unversed, unlike a mega auction year, teams can retain as many players as they want. Hence, teams will only release players who have underperformed, are overpaid, or are unhappy in the team but cannot find a trade deal.

Hence, teams will look to boost their budget at the auction by releasing players while all franchises will keep a close eye on what the others do to see which are the top players that will go under the hammer. Here is a look at what the 10 teams are likely to do –

IPL 2026 Retention Day Predictions

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): While Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a history of big releases, this will not be the case this time around as the defending champions are set to retain most players that helped them win their first-ever IPL title in 2025. No big-name releases are expected, and they are to have a quiet auction with a minimum budget. Mayank Agarwal could be let go after coming in as an injury replacement for Devdutt Padikkal.

Punjab Kings (PBKS): Punjab Kings have entered almost every auction in recent years with the biggest purse after a lengthy retention list in both mini and mega auction years. However, their dramatic turnaround in 2025 under Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting could ensure that is not the case this time around. The 2025 IPL runners-up are set to retain their core with no major names set to be released, which will mean they do not have much business to do at the auction.

Mumbai Indians (MI): While the Mumbai Indians finished third last year, they will be disappointed as they have not reached the final for six seasons. Aiming for a first title since 2020, the five-time champions will want to improve their squad around this. Deepak Chahar was purchased for a big amount, but his performances were not upto the mark and could be let go.

Gujarat Titans (GT): Gujarat Titans had a near-perfect campaign in the league stage before losing their last two league stage games, which denied them a top-two spot before they lost the eliminator to MI. While there is not much wrong with their squad, a few changes are expected. Glenn Philips missed the entire season due to an injury and could be released. Similarly, Gerald Coetzee was not trusted much, even in Kagiso Rabada’s absence. Shah Rukh Khan failed to have an impact after being retained for Rs. 4 crore and could be let go. Ishant Sharma’s future will also come under the scanner.

Delhi Capitals (DC): While KL Rahul had a successful season, he has been linked with a trade move, and that will be an interesting situation to keep an eye on. Mitchell Starc is another big name who, a report has suggested, could be released. T Natarajan was purchased for Rs. 10.75 crore, but played only one game, and it will be a big surprise if he is retained. Jake Fraser-McGurk is a top talent, but had a miserable season and did not return for the second half, which could also go against him after being purchased for a big price of Rs. 9 crore.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Sunrisers Hyderabad did not have a good season, but they are unlikely to rock the boat. However, Pat Cummins’ injury situation will be one to keep an eye. Mohammed Shami had a nightmare season and looked like a shadow to himself, and at a big price of Rs. 10 crore, it will be a risk for them to continue with him. Rahul Chahar played just one game and is unlikely to be retained, while Adam Zampa is another player whose future will be under the scanner.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Lucknow Super Giants might have to let go of Mayank Yadav, who is a player they scouted years ago and put a lot of investment in. The star pacer’s injury worries have not eased, and at Rs. 11 crore, it might be unsustainable for the Rishabh Pant-led side to keep him. A credible report has also suggested that Akash Deep, purchased for Rs. 8 crore, could be released after a poor season. While the right-arm quick is a key Test match bowler for India, he has yet to prove his worth in white-ball cricket. David Miller failed to impress in IPL 2025 after being signed for Rs. 7.50 crore. Ravi Bishnoi, retained for Rs. 14 crore, had a nightmare season and his future is also one that will be one to watch out for.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Kolkata Knight Riders’ title defence was a miserable one, and they are set for a host of changes. While the franchise has shown a lot of faith in Venkatesh Iyer for a number of years but it will be a big surprise if they do not release Venkatesh Iyer after signing him for Rs. 23.75 crore in the 2025 mega auction. Ajinkya Rahane led them last year, but his captaincy future, as well as his status as a player, will be an interesting situation. Umran Malik was signed at a base price, but has been injured for a long time and missed last year’s entire season. Pacers Spencer Johnson and Anrich Nortje failed to have an impact and could see themselves back in the auction.

Rajasthan Royals (RR): The biggest story of retention day could come from Rajasthan Royals, with Sanju Samson’s future under the cloud. Various reports have stated that Samson has informed the Royals about his desire to leave and end his 12-year relationship with the franchise. The RR captain has been rumoured with a trade, but nothing has been finalised yet, which could see him being released and coming in the auction. Elsewhere, the Sri Lankan spin bowling duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana failed to emulate Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal’s impact and could be released. Fazalhaq Farooqi ended the season without a wicket, and it will be a big surprise if he is not released.

Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni’s future will be at the centre of attention, but there is no suggestion that he is thinking about retirement, and it looks likely that he will stay. However, big changes are expected in the franchise after finishing last in the table for the first time. While the Super Kings did a lot of incomings through injury replacements last season, and secured some big signings like Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, and Urvil Patel. However, they will need to create space in their budget to retain those players as well as strengthen their squad in the auction. While Ravichandran Ashwin has retired and will be released, players like Sam Curran, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, and Devon Conway could be let go off.