1 Expensive Player Each IPL Team May Release Before 2026

By Harshit - Nov 10, 2025 06:41 PM
Last updated on Nov 10, 2025 06:53 PM

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for another thrilling season, and with the 2026 mega auction approaching, all ten franchises are expected to finalize their squad decisions soon. Each team will have to submit its list of retained and released players by November 15, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated auctions in IPL history. Fans and analysts are already speculating which star players might face the axe as teams look to rebuild with a sharper focus on performance, consistency, and value.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, discussions around potential player releases have intensified. Several big-money signings from the previous season underperformed, leading franchises to reconsider their investment strategies. While some teams will stick to their core, others are expected to take bold decisions by letting go of high-profile names who failed to deliver as expected. Here’s a detailed look at one major player each IPL team is likely to release before the IPL 2026 auction.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Venkatesh Iyer’s Struggles Continue

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) investment in Venkatesh Iyer for a whopping Rs 23.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction raised several eyebrows. The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, who once showed promise as a power hitter and part-time bowler, struggled throughout the season. With only 142 runs in seven innings across 11 matches, Iyer’s form failed to justify his massive price tag.

Given KKR’s need to balance their purse for the upcoming auction and bring in a reliable middle-order batter, releasing Iyer could be on the cards. The franchise may look to scout fresh Indian talent or invest in an overseas finisher who can add depth and versatility to their batting lineup.

Lucknow Super Giants: Injury Woes Haunt Mayank Yadav

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) retained fast bowler Mayank Yadav for Rs 11 crore before IPL 2025, hoping to capitalize on his pace and promise. Unfortunately, recurring injuries prevented the young Delhi pacer from making an impact. He managed to feature in only two matches throughout the season, leaving LSG’s bowling attack heavily reliant on Mark Wood and Mohsin Khan.

The management is now reportedly considering parting ways with Mayank ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Although talented, his fitness concerns and limited availability have made him a risky retention. LSG may instead focus on signing an experienced Indian seamer or an overseas quick who can consistently deliver.

Rajasthan Royals: Shimron Hetmyer’s Inconsistency Costs Him

West Indian power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer, retained for Rs 11 crore by Rajasthan Royals (RR), could not live up to expectations. Despite getting 14 games in IPL 2025, Hetmyer scored only 239 runs and failed to finish crucial matches for the team. His lack of consistency in pressure situations and inability to anchor innings drew criticism from fans and analysts alike.

RR’s management might opt to release Hetmyer and pursue a more stable middle-order batsman or all-rounder during the IPL 2026 auction. The team’s batting order heavily depends on Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal, making it vital for them to strengthen the lower middle order.

Delhi Capitals: T Natarajan’s Fitness Fails to Deliver

Delhi Capitals took a gamble by signing left-arm pacer T Natarajan for Rs 10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, fitness issues once again disrupted his season as he managed to play only two matches without picking up a single wicket. With his injury history and inconsistent performances, the Capitals are expected to release him ahead of the 2026 auction.

DC could look to bring in younger Indian fast bowlers who can consistently contribute and fit into their long-term plans. Given their focus on developing domestic pace talent, Natarajan’s departure seems inevitable unless he regains his form and fitness quickly.

Gujarat Titans: Kagiso Rabada’s Underwhelming Season

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada was one of Gujarat Titans’ marquee signings for Rs 10.75 crore in IPL 2025. Yet, he had a disappointing run, featuring in only four matches and claiming two wickets. His limited appearances and inability to dominate in Indian conditions have reportedly frustrated the GT management.

As Shubman Gill looks to rebuild the squad for 2026, Rabada’s high salary and underperformance might lead to his release. The Titans could pursue a younger overseas pacer or invest in strengthening their all-rounder pool for a more balanced attack.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Mohammed Shami’s Form Decline

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami had a forgettable season with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. Despite being signed for Rs 9 crore, he managed just six wickets in nine matches and was even dropped from the playing XI due to poor form. Shami’s lack of rhythm and pace variations affected SRH’s bowling balance.

With an eye on the future, SRH might release Shami and bring in younger, more adaptable fast bowlers. The franchise’s strategy could revolve around building a pace attack suited to different pitch conditions while freeing up budget space for marquee overseas players.

Mumbai Indians: Deepak Chahar’s Expensive Gamble

Mumbai Indians (MI) acquired Deepak Chahar for Rs 9.25 crore in IPL 2025, but the former CSK pacer’s performance didn’t meet expectations. Despite playing 14 matches, Chahar could take only 11 wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 9.17. His inability to deliver consistent breakthroughs in the powerplay hurt MI’s campaign.

Given MI’s tendency to rebuild with young Indian bowlers, Chahar’s release ahead of the IPL 2026 auction seems likely. The team may instead focus on bringing in fast bowlers who can complement Jasprit Bumrah and adapt to Mumbai’s bowling-heavy strategy.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Liam Livingstone’s Lean Run

RCB’s Rs 8.75 crore investment in England all-rounder Liam Livingstone failed to yield returns in IPL 2025. The hard-hitting right-hander scored just 112 runs in 10 matches and couldn’t justify his reputation as a game-changer. His inability to contribute with both bat and ball made his selection questionable.

RCB might consider releasing Livingstone and using the freed-up funds to acquire a consistent middle-order batter or a spin-bowling all-rounder who can support Glenn Maxwell and Virat Kohli. The franchise’s focus is expected to shift towards balanced performers rather than high-risk, high-reward players.

Chennai Super Kings: Devon Conway’s Patchy Season

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed New Zealand opener Devon Conway for Rs 6.25 crore, but his 2025 season was marred by inconsistency. Playing just six matches, Conway scored 156 runs and struggled to adapt to varied conditions. With CSK focusing on long-term rebuilding, Conway’s limited impact could lead to his release.

CSK might turn to emerging Indian talent or scout an explosive overseas opener to partner Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top. The management’s priority will be to maintain the team’s winning formula while infusing young blood into the squad.

Punjab Kings: Glenn Maxwell’s Decline in Form

Legendary Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, signed by Punjab Kings for Rs 4.20 crore, had a disappointing season with just 48 runs in six innings across seven matches. Once known for his explosive hitting, Maxwell struggled to find his rhythm throughout IPL 2025, prompting speculation about his future with the franchise.

PBKS might release Maxwell to focus on building a more reliable middle-order with younger all-rounders. The team could benefit from reshaping its batting order and investing in players who offer both stability and aggression.

Conclusion

As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, all ten franchises face the tough task of balancing performance with player value. While releasing big-money signings may seem harsh, these decisions often pave the way for new opportunities and better squad management. Fans can expect a flurry of action and surprises when the retention lists are announced by November 15, setting the tone for another blockbuster IPL season.

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