Venkatesh Iyer to Andre Russell: 10 big released players who will head into IPL 2026 auction
The list of all retained and released players has been announced by the IPL franchises. Some names were expected because of recent form, past performances, and fitness issues. But a few releases still left fans surprised. Several big-name players have been let go by their teams and will now enter the upcoming mini-auction, which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025.
Venkatesh Iyer (KKR, Rs 23.75 crore): Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Venkatesh Iyer, a player they bought for a massive Rs 23.75 crore. But IPL 2025 was a poor season for him despite being named vice-captain. In seven innings, he scored only 142 runs, including one fifty, before a hand injury ruled him out late in the season. (AP Photo)
2/10
Matheesha Pathirana (CSK, Rs 13.00 crore): Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have released young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, which frees up Rs 13.00 crore from their purse. He made his IPL debut in 2022 and picked up 47 wickets in 32 matches at an economy of 8.68. (AFP Photo)
3/10
Andre Russell (KKR, Rs 12.00 crore): After 11 seasons with KKR, veteran all-rounder Andre Russell has finally been released. The news surprised many fans. He had a forgettable IPL 2025, scoring 167 runs in 10 innings and taking eight wickets in nine innings. (PTI Photo)
4/10
Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC, Rs 9.00 crore): Delhi Capitals (DC) had high hopes from young Aussie batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, but IPL 2025 did not go as planned. He scored only 55 runs in six innings at an average of 9.16. DC had retained him after his strong IPL 2024 season, but he failed to deliver. Now released, he will draw interest from multiple teams at the auction. (IPL Photo)
Liam Livingstone (RCB, Rs 8.75 crore): Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their maiden title last year, but England all-rounder Liam Livingstone struggled despite his potential. In eight innings, he scored 112 runs and picked up only two wickets in five innings. (AFP Photo)
6/10
Wanindu Hasaranga (RR, Rs 5.25 crore): Rajasthan Royals (RR) have released Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, freeing Rs 5.25 crore. He played only one season for them last year, taking 11 wickets in 11 innings at an economy of 9.04. (AP Photo)
7/10
Maheesh Theekshana (RR, Rs 4.40 crore): RR have also released Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana. He played one season for them last year, picking up 11 wickets in 11 innings at an economy of 9.76. (BCCI Photo)
8/10
Rachin Ravindra (CSK, Rs 4.00 crore): Kiwi batter Rachin Ravindra is regarded as one of the brightest young players in world cricket. His release shocked many CSK fans. For the same franchise, across the last two seasons, he scored 413 runs in 18 innings, including two fifties. (IPL Photo)
Josh Inglis (PBKS, Rs 2.60 crore): Punjab Kings (PBKS), last year’s runners-up, have released Aussie wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis. He scored 278 runs in 11 innings last season, including one fifty. Given his potential, he is likely to attract strong bids at the auction. (BCCI Photo)
10/10
Gerald Coetzee (GT, Rs 2.40 crore): Gujarat Titans (GT) have released South African all-rounder Gerald Coetzee. In IPL 2025, he took only two wickets in four innings at an economy of 10.91. After two seasons with GT, he will now be available for the mini-auction. (BCCI Photo)
Snehasis Mukherjee is Data Analyst and Senior Publisher with RevSportz.
