IPL 2026 Retentions: Team-wise available slots and Purse remaining ahead of mini-auction

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The stage is set for a high-stakes mini-auction after the ten Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises finalized their retention and release lists on November 15, 2025. With the mini-auction scheduled for December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, the retention day was anything but quiet, featuring blockbuster trades and shocking high-value releases that have completely reshaped the squad dynamics across the league.

Unlike a mega-auction, teams were allowed to retain an unlimited number of players, provided they adhered to the ₹120 crore salary cap and a maximum squad size of 25. This freedom led to a wave of calculated releases, creating a combined purse of ₹237.55 crore available to bid for 77 remaining player slots. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lead the financial war chest, while Mumbai Indians (MI) face the auction with the smallest budget.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR made the most aggressive financial cuts, releasing high-value players like Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 Cr) and Andre Russell (₹12 Cr). This decision leaves them with a commanding purse, allowing them to effectively rebuild their middle-order and overseas balance.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Despite the sensational trade of Sanju Samson (in) for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran (out), the Super Kings managed to maintain a healthy purse. The release of key international bowlers like Matheesha Pathirana (₹13 Cr) and top-order bats like Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra signals a significant squad refresh around captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and the legendary MS Dhoni.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

SRH has a solid budget, which is vital as they look to replace key departures, most notably the trade of pace ace Mohammed Shami to LSG. Their focus will likely be on bolstering the fast-bowling unit and adding depth to their squad.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

LSG has secured a major win by trading for Mohammed Shami, significantly strengthening their pace attack. Their purse flexibility will allow them to find a suitable replacement for star spinner Ravi Bishnoi (Released) and fill the remaining few slots.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

DC has traded in Nitish Rana and retained a strong Indian core led by Axar Patel and KL Rahul. Their purse is moderate, suggesting they will be looking for a few high-impact overseas players to complete their playing XI.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

RR’s blockbuster trade, which brought Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran into the fold, cost them considerable funds. With only one overseas slot left to fill, their limited purse and nine available slots mean they will primarily focus on acquiring quality domestic backups.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB made eight strategic releases to free up cash. Their focus will be on filling their eight available slots with a moderate purse, targeting specific roles to complement their star-studded batting line-up of Kohli and Patidar.

Also READ: From Andre Russell to Matheesha Pathirana: Here’s the complete list of players released ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Gujarat Titans (GT)

GT retained a core of 20 players, leaving them very little room to maneuver. They will need to be highly selective in their pursuit of just five new players, including four overseas picks, to finalize their balanced squad.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

PBKS retained the most players (21) of any franchise, opting for stability. Their small purse and just four open slots indicate a strategy of making only one or two high-value, targeted bids to round off their squad, having released players like Glenn Maxwell.

Mumbai Indians (MI)

The five-time champions enter the auction as the most cash-strapped team, with only ₹2.75 crore remaining. Having retained a full-strength core of 20 players, including the trade-in of Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford, MI will be limited to bargain hunting to fill their five available slots, including just one overseas position.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Retentions: Complete list of players retained ahead of the Indian Premier League mini auction