IPL changed its rules for these three teams. (Photo- PTI)
IPL 2026: In the last phase of IPL 2026 season, many teams had to make squad changes due to injuries. Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) announced replacement players before their last league match. According to IPL rules, replacement players brought after the 12th match cannot be retained in the next auction. But BCCI has given big leeway to these three teams.
IPL changed its rules for these three teams!
KKR signed Luvneeth Sisodia as a replacement after the injury to Sri Lankan fast bowler Matisha Pathirana. Pathirana was an expensive player, but he could play only 1 match in the season. Similarly, MI included Mahipal Lomror and Ruchit Ahir in the team in place of Quinton De Kock and Raj Angad Bawa. Rajasthan Royals also took Immanjot Chahal in place of Ravi Singh. Till May 17, all three teams had played their 12 matches of the IPL 2026 season, but the replacements were announced later. In such a situation, these teams cannot retain both injured and replacement players.
But, BCCI has given permission to these three teams to retain both injured and replacement players before the next season. According to media reports, the list of all these changes was given to the league officials even before the team completed 12 matches and was announced later, due to which all three teams have been allowed to retain both the players (injured and replacement) for IPL 2027. According to reports, this relaxation has been given due to timely information about injuries.
How will the teams get the benefit?
KKR has a chance to retain a wicketkeeper-batsman like Luvneeth Sisodia, which will increase their batting depth. MI can also strengthen its middle order by keeping either Mahipal Lomror or Ruchit Ahir. At the same time, for RR, Immanjot Chahal can prove to be a good backup to an all-rounder like Ravindra Jadeja. With this, all three teams will be able to overcome their weaknesses without much expenditure before the 2027 auction.
