IPL 2026 Released Players List: Team-Wise Review Before the Mini Auction

Explore the latest IPL 2026 released players list for all 10 teams. Know who’s out, who stays, and which franchises have the biggest purses ahead of the December mini auction.

📰 The Countdown to IPL 2026 Begins

The IPL 2026 season is already creating buzz as all ten teams prepare their retention and release lists before the mini auction scheduled from December 13 to 15, 2025.
With the BCCI setting November 15 as the deadline, franchises are trimming their rosters — letting go of expensive contracts, ageing players, and those who didn’t click in IPL 2025.

From veterans bowing out to surprise foreign exits, this season’s reshuffle hints at a transition phase across several sides. Here’s the complete team-by-team summary of released players and fresh plans heading into the IPL 2026 auction.

🔹 Team-Wise Breakdown of IPL 2026 Released Players

🦁 1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Released Players: Devon Conway, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, Vijay Shankar, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis, Shaik Rasheed, and others.
(R. Ashwin retires)

What’s Changing:
After a difficult IPL 2025, CSK are focusing on a younger, fresher squad under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy. The departure of several senior names gives them the chance to rebuild their top order and strengthen death bowling.

💰Estimated Purse: ₹29 crore

💙 2. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Released Players: Faf du Plessis, Dushmantha Chameera, Mohit Sharma, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Ajay Mandal, and others.

What’s Changing:
DC are reorganizing their batting lineup around KL Rahul and Axar Patel. Having underperformed midway through IPL 2025, they aim to bring in reliable Indian finishers and experienced pacers this time.

💰Estimated Purse: ₹19 crore

💎 3. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Released Players: Rahul Tewatia, Gerald Coetzee, Jayant Yadav, Dasun Shanaka, and Karim Janat among others.

What’s Changing:
GT are keeping their core pair of Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan, but several overseas backups have been let go. They’re expected to invest in a hard-hitting lower-order batter and a spin all-rounder.

💰Estimated Purse: ₹11 crore

💜 4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Released Players: Venkatesh Iyer (trade discussion ongoing), Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, Rovman Powell, Anrich Nortje, Manish Pandey, and Chetan Sakariya.

What’s Changing:
After a forgettable campaign last season, KKR have hit the reset button. The release of Venkatesh Iyer frees up massive funds, allowing them to rebuild around Russell, Narine, and Rinku Singh. Expect focus on domestic wicketkeepers and strike bowlers.

💰Estimated Purse: ₹36 crore

🔵 5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Released Players: Avesh Khan, Shamar Joseph, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and a few domestic names.

What’s Changing:
Frequent injuries have forced LSG to revamp their bowling attack. They’ll now look for durable Indian quicks and a reliable finisher to balance their lower order.

💰Estimated Purse: ₹18 crore

🔷 6. Mumbai Indians (MI)

Released Players: Will Jacks, Reece Topley, Karn Sharma, Robin Minz, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Lizaad Williams, and others.

What’s Changing:
Mumbai are staying true to their core group of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, with most exits being bench pacers. The franchise is likely to chase a top-class spinner and possibly a batting all-rounder like Cameron Green, if he enters the auction.

💰Estimated Purse: ₹7 crore

❤️ 7. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Released Players: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Kyle Jamieson, Xavier Bartlett, and others.

What’s Changing:
The surprise exit of Glenn Maxwell signals a fresh approach. Punjab are expected to rebuild their middle order and find better spin support for Indian conditions.

💰Estimated Purse: ₹10 crore

💗 8. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Released Players: Wanindu Hasaranga, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Kumar Kartikeya, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Kunal Rathore.

What’s Changing:
RR are maintaining faith in their core unit led by Sanju Samson. Small tweaks in the overseas bowling department are expected, with Kumar Sangakkara returning to guide strategy.

💰Estimated Purse: ₹6 crore

🔴 9. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Released Players: Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Lungi Ngidi, Tim Seifert, Nuwan Thushara, and others.

What’s Changing:
As reigning IPL 2025 champions, RCB have opted for minimal changes. The release of Livingstone opens a spot for a specialist middle-order batter, but overall, their winning combination stays intact.

💰Estimated Purse: ₹14 crore

🟠 10. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Released Players: Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Rahul Chahar, Harshal Patel, Adam Zampa, and Wiaan Mulder.

What’s Changing:
SRH are overhauling both spin and pace departments. With veterans like Shami and Zampa out, the franchise will focus on younger Indian pacers while keeping Pat Cummins and Travis Head as the leadership core.

💰Estimated Purse: ₹21 crore

📊 Summary Table – IPL 2026 Released Players

🔍 Auction Trends to Watch

1. Domestic pacers in high demand: Injury-free Indian quicks will attract top bids.
2. Foreign all-rounders losing premium: Teams prefer homegrown talent who offer better balance.
3. Youth movement: Franchises like CSK, LSG, and PBKS are clearly investing in next-gen players.
4. Mega-purse battles ahead: Expect KKR and CSK to dominate the bidding wars with over ₹25 crore each.

🏆 Final Takeaway

The IPL 2026 mini auction promises high drama and tactical decisions. With multiple teams rebuilding and veterans stepping aside, a new wave of talent could define the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for live auction updates, team analysis, and strategy breakdowns as the road to IPL 2026 officially begins.