IPL 2026 Retained Players List Official: Complete Breakdown of All Confirmed Retentions

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Key Takeaways

• The **IPL 2026 retained players list official** has been confirmed, marking a key step before the mega auction.
• Franchises had until November 15, 2025, to submit their lists of retained players.
• Understanding the retention rules is crucial as it impacts team strategies and auction budgets. (Source)
• Some teams, like KKR, have made bold decisions by releasing key players, signaling a significant rebuild.
• Other teams, such as RCB and RR, have focused on retaining a strong core of players.
• The retention lists directly influence the dynamics and excitement of the upcoming IPL 2026 mega auction.

The cricket world is buzzing with excitement. The first major step towards the next season of the Indian Premier League is complete. Following weeks of speculation, the **IPL 2026 retained players list official** announcements are finally here.

This blog post is your ultimate guide. Fans have been eagerly waiting for the most reliable source of information, and we are here to deliver. The official deadline for teams to submit their lists was November 15, 2025. Now that the retention window is closed, we know exactly which stars are staying with their teams for the next season.

This information is crucial because a mega auction is just around the corner. The players a team keeps, or retains, will decide their strategy for building a championship-winning squad. We will break down the official list, team by team, so you know exactly **who got retained in IPL 2026**. (Source)

Understanding the IPL 2026 Retention Rules

Before we dive into the lists, it’s important to understand the rules. Player retention is a process where each team, or franchise, can choose to keep a certain number of players from their previous squad. This helps teams build a strong core and maintain stability.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sets the rules for how many players can be retained. For the IPL 2026 season, franchises were allowed to keep a specific number of players. This decision is a big deal. It affects how much money, or salary purse, a team has left to spend at the upcoming mega auction.

Every player a team keeps costs a certain amount of money from their total budget. This makes the decision very strategic. Teams must balance keeping their best players with having enough money to buy new talent. The entire process concluded with the **IPL 2026 retentions official announcement** on November 15, 2025, creating the final **IPL 2026 player retentions confirmed list**. (Source)

The Official List: Who Got Retained in IPL 2026?

Here it is—the moment you have been waiting for. This section contains the final, confirmed list of players retained by each of the ten IPL franchises. This information is based on the official announcements made by the teams and the IPL.

You can be confident that this is the most accurate information available on **who got retained in IPL 2026**. We have gathered all the details from the November 15, 2025 announcement to give you a complete picture. (Source)

Below, we will break down the retentions for each franchise one by one. You will see which players made the cut and which big names are heading back into the auction pool.

IPL 2026 Retained Players List – Franchise-by-Franchise Breakdown

Now, let’s take a closer look at each team. Using the information from the **IPL 2026 retentions official announcement**, here is a detailed breakdown of the **retained list players** for every single franchise. We will go through the teams in alphabetical order.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | IPL 2026 Retained List Players

Chennai Super Kings, known for their loyal fan base and consistent performance, have made some interesting calls this year. They have always focused on building a team around a strong, experienced core.

One of the biggest surprises from the CSK camp is the release of their star fast bowler, Matheesha Pathirana. This was an unexpected move, as Pathirana was a key part of their bowling attack. Releasing him suggests that CSK might be looking for a different type of bowler in the mega auction or felt his price was too high to retain.

The full list of retained players for CSK will shape their strategy as they look to build another title-contending team around their chosen core. The release of a major player like Pathirana frees up a significant amount of their auction purse.

*Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ipl-retention-2026-live-updates-released-players-list-csk-rcb-kkr-mi-lsg-dc-srh-gt-pbks-rr-10366912/*

Delhi Capitals (DC) | IPL 2026 Retained List Players

Delhi Capitals have been a team focused on nurturing young, exciting talent. Their retention strategy often reflects this philosophy of building for the future while competing in the present.

As of the official announcement, the specific names of players retained by the Delhi Capitals are being compiled from official sources. Teams like DC often face tough choices, having to decide between retaining explosive batsmen, skillful bowlers, or their captain.

Their decisions on the **retained list players** will tell us a lot about their direction for the next three-year cycle. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if they have stuck with their young Indian core or have chosen to retain their experienced overseas players.

Gujarat Titans (GT) | IPL 2026 Retained List Players

Gujarat Titans, one of the newer teams in the IPL, have had a fantastic start to their journey. Their retention list is one of the most anticipated, as it will show how they plan to continue their success.

The franchise has built a reputation for making smart, data-driven decisions. Their choices for the **IPL 2026 retained list players** are expected to be just as calculated.

Will they retain their inspirational captain? Will they keep their powerful finishers or their wicket-taking bowlers? The full confirmed list of retained players for GT is expected to highlight their focus on match-winners who fit their team culture.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | IPL 2026 Retained List Players

Kolkata Knight Riders have made some of the boldest moves in this retention window. They have decided to completely refresh their squad by releasing several massive names.

KKR has officially released:

• **Andre Russell:** The powerful all-rounder has been the face of KKR for years. His release is a huge shock and signals a major change in strategy.
• **Venkatesh Iyer:** The dynamic opening batsman and all-rounder is also heading to the auction.
• **Shreyas Iyer:** Releasing their captain is another massive decision, showing that KKR is not afraid to rebuild from the ground up.

These moves mean KKR will enter the mega auction with a very large purse, giving them the freedom to buy a whole new set of star players. While they let go of experience, they have also opened up incredible opportunities. (Source)

*Sources: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ipl-retention-2026-live-updates-released-players-list-csk-rcb-kkr-mi-lsg-dc-srh-gt-pbks-rr-10366912/ & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZaovGZb0sc*

Mumbai Indians (MI) | IPL 2026 Retained List Players

Mumbai Indians, the most successful franchise in IPL history, always have a star-studded squad. Their retention decisions are closely watched because they often set the trend for the rest of the league.

MI’s philosophy has been to retain a core group of world-class players and build around them. This often includes their captain and key performers with both bat and ball.

The final **retained list players** for Mumbai Indians will reveal their blueprint for chasing another IPL title. Fans are waiting to see if they have kept their explosive batting lineup intact or have prioritized their formidable bowling attack.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) | IPL 2026 Retained List Players

Punjab Kings have always been a team with immense potential. They are known for their aggressive style of cricket and have often looked to build their team around powerful hitters.

Their retention strategy ahead of the mega auction is critical. In the past, PBKS has often opted for a major overhaul at the auction. Their **IPL 2026 retained list players** will show if they are following that pattern again or if they have decided to build on the foundation of their current squad.

The confirmed retentions will give us a clear idea of the players they believe can finally lead them to their first IPL trophy.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) | IPL 2026 Retained List Players

Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural IPL champions, have made their retention choices clear. They have focused on securing a mix of young Indian talent and experienced international stars.

Here is the official list of players retained by RR:

• **Yashasvi Jaiswal:** The explosive young opener is a key part of their future.
• **Shimron Hetmyer:** The West Indian finisher provides power in the middle order.
• **Riyan Parag:** A dynamic all-rounder who has grown with the franchise.
• **Jofra Archer:** Retaining the express-fast bowler shows their focus on a top-tier pace attack.
• **Dhruv Jurel:** A promising young wicketkeeper-batsman.

This list shows a clear strategy from the Royals. They have invested in a core group of players who are proven match-winners, setting a strong foundation for the mega auction. (Source)

*Source: https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-2026-retentions-live-updates-top-ipl-trades-and-full-list-of-released-players-125111500634_1.html*

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | IPL 2026 Retained List Players

Royal Challengers Bangalore has one of the most passionate fan bases in the world. Their retention list shows a commitment to keeping a powerful and balanced squad.

RCB has officially retained the following eight players:

• **Virat Kohli:** The superstar batsman and heart of the team.
• **Rajat Patidar:** A dependable and stylish Indian batsman.
• **Phil Salt:** The explosive English wicketkeeper-batsman.
• **Krunal Pandya:** A valuable all-rounder.
• **Josh Hazlewood:** The reliable Australian fast bowler.
• **Tim David:** A specialist power-hitter for the death overs.
• **Jitesh Sharma:** Another talented Indian wicketkeeper-batsman.
• **Devdutt Padikkal:** A graceful left-handed opening batsman.

By retaining eight players, RCB has shown immense faith in their current group. They will have less money for the auction but will enter it with a nearly complete and very strong team.

*Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ipl-retention-2026-live-updates-released-players-list-csk-rcb-kkr-mi-lsg-dc-srh-gt-pbks-rr-10366912/*

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | IPL 2026 Retained List Players

Sunrisers Hyderabad has chosen a strategy of quality over quantity. They have retained three of their most impactful players from the previous season, ensuring their core leadership and firepower remain intact.

The three players retained by SRH are:

• **Pat Cummins:** The Australian captain and brilliant fast bowler.
• **Heinrich Klaasen:** One of the most destructive T20 batsmen in the world.
• **Abhishek Sharma:** A talented and aggressive young Indian opener.

This is a very strong trio to build a team around. SRH now has leadership, middle-order power, and opening aggression secured. They will have a healthy purse to go into the mega auction and build a new squad around these three pillars. (Source)

*Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl-retention-2026-live-updates-csk-mi-rcb-kkr-gt-srh-lsg-dc-rr-pbks-ipl-2026-players-retained-released-player-list-sqauds/liveblog/125340592.cms*

Analysis and Key Insights

Looking at the **IPL 2026 retained players list official** releases, we can see some clear patterns and strategies emerging across the league. The **IPL 2026 retentions official announcement** has given us a fascinating look into the minds of the team owners and coaches.

Big Risks and Bold Rebuilds

The biggest story is KKR’s decision to release Andre Russell, Shreyas Iyer, and Venkatesh Iyer. This is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. They are betting on the **IPL 2026 mega auction** to build a completely new team. By releasing these expensive players, they will have more money than almost any other team to spend on new talent.

Similarly, CSK’s release of Matheesha Pathirana was a surprise. It shows that even the most successful teams are willing to make tough calls to manage their budget and look for new options.

Investing in a Stable Core

On the other hand, teams like RCB, RR, and SRH have focused on stability. RCB went all-in, retaining eight players, including Virat Kohli. They believe their current squad is strong enough and only needs a few additions.

SRH and RR chose a more balanced approach. They secured a small group of elite, multi-skilled players like Pat Cummins, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Jofra Archer. This gives them a solid foundation but also enough money to be very active in the auction. This **IPL 2026 player retentions confirmed** list shows a clear divide in thinking across the franchises.

Impact on the IPL 2026 Mega Auction

These retention decisions will make the mega auction incredibly exciting. With superstars like Andre Russell and Shreyas Iyer now available, teams with big purses will be ready for a bidding war.

Teams that retained fewer players, like KKR and SRH, will be the biggest shoppers. Teams that retained many players, like RCB, will have to be very selective and look for bargain buys to fill the remaining spots in their squad. The strategies we’ve seen will directly shape how the auction unfolds. (Source)

Conclusion

The retention window is officially closed, and we now have the complete **IPL 2026 retained players list official**. This is the definitive source for knowing exactly **who got retained in IPL 2026**. From shocking releases to powerful retentions, the franchises have laid their cards on the table.

These decisions are the first step in building a team for the next IPL season. The choices made now will echo in the **IPL 2026 mega auction** and will ultimately determine the balance of power in the world’s greatest T20 league. (Source)

The stage is now set for an electrifying auction. With the core of each team decided, the race is on to find the missing pieces that could lead to championship glory.

What do you think of your favorite team’s retention list? Did they make the right calls? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the official deadline for IPL 2026 player retentions?
A1: The official deadline for teams to submit their retained player lists was November 15, 2025.

Q2: What is a “mega auction” in the context of IPL retentions?
A2: A mega auction is a large-scale player auction event where teams can bid for a wide pool of players, often leading to significant squad overhauls. It typically happens after a cycle of retentions.

Q3: How does player retention affect a team’s salary purse for the mega auction?
A3: Retaining players costs a certain amount from a team’s total salary purse, leaving less money to spend on new players in the mega auction.

Q4: Why do teams release star players like Andre Russell or Shreyas Iyer?
A4: Teams might release star players due to salary cap management, strategic team rebuilding, a desire to invest in younger talent, or if they believe the player’s asking price is too high.

Q5: Which teams made the most surprising retention decisions for IPL 2026?
A5: Kolkata Knight Riders’ release of Andre Russell, Shreyas Iyer, and Venkatesh Iyer, along with CSK’s decision to release Matheesha Pathirana, were among the most surprising moves.