The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction is anticipated to take place in January or February 2026, following the conclusion of the 2025 season. As teams gear up to fine-tune their squads, the trade window is already open (having begun in June 2025). Franchises will be looking to release underperforming or expensive players to free up purse space and target new talent.
While official lists are yet to be announced, here’s a look at some of the prominent players who could potentially be released by each of the ten teams before the IPL 2026 mini-auction, based on recent performances, price tags, and team dynamics:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK, having finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025, is likely to undergo a significant overhaul.
- Devon Conway (₹6.25 crore): An expensive overseas opener who struggled to deliver in IPL 2025.
- Sam Curran (₹2.40 crore): Despite decent performances, he might be released as part of a squad revamp.
- Rachin Ravindra (₹4 crore): Showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistent impact and was benched.
- Nathan Ellis (₹2 crore): With established pacers, Ellis might be redundant.
- Deepak Hooda (₹1.7 crore): The batting all-rounder appeared out of form and ineffective.
- Rahul Tripathi (₹3.40 crore): Failed to provide quick starts and significant contributions.
- Simarjeet Singh (₹1.50 crore): The Indian pacer struggled with both wickets and economy.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC will be aiming to strengthen their squad, especially their top order.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk (₹9 crore): The Australian opener, despite his talent, might be released due to the high investment and lack of consistent returns in IPL 2025.
- Anrich Nortje (₹6.50 crore): Injury concerns and inconsistent performances could lead to his release.
- T. Natarajan (₹11 crore): Despite his quality, if he doesn’t fit into DC’s bowling plans due to other options, he might be released.
- Faf du Plessis (₹2 crore): While he captained well in Axar’s absence, his age and declining returns as an opener might make him a release candidate.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
GT had a relatively consistent playing XI in IPL 2025, but some players might still face the axe.
- Karim Janat: His acquisition was a surprise, and with minimal contribution, he’s a likely release.
- Kagiso Rabada: If GT feels they overspent or want to strengthen their lower order, Rabada could be released, especially given his limited play in IPL 2025.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR might look to rectify tactical blunders made in their previous squad building.
- Venkatesh Iyer (₹24 crore): Despite the huge price tag, his inconsistent batting, lack of bowling, and non-captaincy role make him a prime release candidate.
- Quinton de Kock (₹3.60 crore): The South African opener failed to deliver impactful performances.
- Ajinkya Rahane (₹1.5 crore): Despite a respectable season, KKR might look for more dynamic options.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG will be looking to address areas of inconsistency and injury concerns.
- Mayank Yadav: While talented, his persistent injury issues over the last two years could lead to LSG releasing him to free up funds for quality Indian batters or all-rounders.
- David Miller (₹7.50 crore): An expensive overseas middle-order batter who struggled to provide finishing touches, and his age is a factor.
- Avesh Khan (₹9.75 crore): Was expensive and struggled to pick crucial wickets.
- M. Siddharth (₹2.40 crore): Had limited impact as a left-arm spinner.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI will be aiming for their sixth IPL title and might release underperforming players.
- Deepak Chahar (₹9.25 crore): Despite a good start to IPL 2025, he became ineffective and his injury history makes him a likely release.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman (₹2 crore): Played only one match and didn’t fit into MI’s playing XI.
- Robin Minz (₹65 lakh): Showed limited impact in his opportunities as a wicketkeeper-batter.
- Reece Topley (₹75 lakh): Underutilized and with an injury history, MI might seek a more consistent overseas pacer.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS had a strong IPL 2025, reaching the final, but still have players who might be released.
- Glenn Maxwell (₹4.20 crore): A chronic underperformer in IPL 2025 with poor returns, making him a strong candidate for release.
- Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore): Due to his high price and inconsistencies, PBKS might cut their losses.
- Pyla Avinash (₹30 lakh): A young fast bowler who didn’t get breakthrough performances.
- Vishnu Vinod (₹95 lakh): The backup wicket-keeper received no opportunities.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR had a below-par outing in IPL 2025, and some key players might be on the chopping block.
- Shimron Hetmyer: His inconsistent performances and the value he brings could lead to his release.
- Tushar Deshpande (₹6.50 crore): The right-arm pacer struggled with high economy rates.
- Kumar Kartikeya (₹30 lakh): Had limited impact as a left-arm spinner.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB, despite being champions of IPL 2025, might still look to optimize their squad.
- Liam Livingstone: (Already mentioned under PBKS, but if he somehow ended up at RCB, his inconsistencies would make him a release candidate here too)
- Faf du Plessis (₹2 crore): Ageing opener with declining returns; RCB might seek a younger, more consistent option at the top.
- Donovan Ferreira (₹75 lakh): Left mid-season and couldn’t establish a consistent place.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH will be looking to strengthen their squad after IPL 2025.
- Mohammed Shami (₹10 crore): With age and a comeback from injury, his zip might be diminishing, making him a potential release.
- Atharva Taide (₹30 lakh): Appeared redundant in the squad.
- Rilee Rossouw: (If he was part of the squad and underperformed)
Note: These are potential release candidates based on current trends and reported information. Official lists will be announced closer to the mini-auction by the respective franchises. The retention rules for IPL 2026 allow franchises to retain a total of 6 players (via retention or RTM), with a maximum of 5 capped players and 2 uncapped players. The auction purse for IPL 2026 is set at INR 151 Crore.
