The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is still a few months away, but it looks like there might be a massive shake up within some of the franchises, especially with reports of trade deals involving some of the star players spreading around like wildfire a few months ago.
All eyes are especially on CSK, after they finished 10th in IPL 2025, and reports of Sanju Samson leaving Rajasthan Royals and joining the franchise gaining steam. It looks like the five-time champions are looking for the biggest overhaul among all, with reports claiming as many as five players might be released.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, CSK are all set to release Devon Conway, Sam Curran, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Rahul Tripathi before the retention deadline. Conway is the biggest name among them all, as he has been an integral part of CSK in the last few years, especially playing a key role in their title-winning campaign in 2023. Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement also frees up Rs 9.75 crore for CSK when they go into the IPL 2026 auction.
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Mitchell Starc To Be Released By DC
Among the big names that might be released by the franchises ahead of the retention deadline, the biggest name appears to be that of Mitchell Starc, who was acquired by Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 auction for Rs 10.75 crore. The Capitals might also part ways with T Natarajan.
Lucknow Super Giants might also part ways with as many as three players including the extremely talented but injury-prone Mayank Yadav, Akash Deep and star South Africa batter David Miller. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are likely to release Venkatesh Iyer, who they bought for Rs 23.75 crore last year.
RR’s Sanju Samson Conundrum
Rajasthan Royals’ top priority will be the trade of Sanju Samson before the retention window close. Otherwise, he might have to move to the auction. Despite the Crucbuzz report stating that the franchise might make Kumar Sangakkara as the head coach replacing Rahul Dravid, they might release their Sri Lankan spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga.
When Is IPL 2026 Auction?
According to the Cricbuzz report, the IPL 2026 date for the mini auction for IPL 2026 is scheduled to be held somewhere between December 13-15. The BCCI are yet to finalize a venue for the event, but the report states that it might be held somewhere in India.
The deadline for the franchises to announce their retained and released players is on November 15.