IPL Retention Live Updates: CSK announce future captain after shocking releases; KKR's purse bursting at the seams

Enough waiting. The moment of reckoning has arrived. As all IPL franchises prepare for the big leap ahead of the 2026 auction, a mix of expected calls and contentious decisions is set to unfold. With a month left before the hammer drops on each player, the retention window takes centre stage, ready to grip fans and players alike with bold, explosive choices. Some stars will earn a second chance; others may find themselves out of favour. The D-Day for retentions is here, and if history is any indication, it’s wise to expect the unexpected.

Retention Day for IPL 2026 arrives on Saturday, November 15, offering fans the first real insight into how the ten franchises are shaping their squads for next season. The auction will follow on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Unlike last year’s mega auction, teams can retain as many players as they wish, allowing them to preserve their core instead of rebuilding from scratch. Mini-auctions are rarely used for sweeping overhauls; they typically involve fine-tuning rather than major resets.

That’s why it’s unlikely that many big names or high-value signings from last season will be released, though Venkatesh Iyer may be an exception. Purchased for ₹23.75 crore as the third-most expensive player, he returned only 142 runs from 11 games, which could prompt Kolkata Knight Riders to release him and attempt a cheaper buyback in December. Other possible releases include Quinton de Kock ( ₹3.6 crore) and Anrich Nortje ( ₹6.5 crore).

Lucknow Super Giants may part ways with Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller, Akash Deep, and Shamar Joseph as they reshape their squad. CSK are also expected to make sweeping changes. After trading Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran for RR captain Sanju Samson, they are likely to release Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, and Jamie Overton.

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