Mohammed Shami to Venkatesh Iyer: 10 big names who could be released before IPL retention deadline

The IPL 2026 retention deadline is fast approaching; teams must reveal their lists by November 15. There are heated debates about who remains and who leaves as franchises get ready for the mini auction that will take place next month. Before finalising their lists, teams consider player form, purse balance, injury concerns, and overall value. (PTI Photo)

1. Sunrisers Hyderabad - Mohammed Shami: After SRH went all out for veteran pacer Mohammed Shami last season, he was unable to justify his ₹10 crore price tag. SRH relied on Shami as a dependable seamer after releasing Bhuvneshwar Kumar earlier, but he only took 6 wickets at an average of 56.17 in 9 games. Now, SRH may decide to put that money back into a more reliable performer. (X/SunRisers)

2. Kolkata Knight Riders - Venkatesh Iyer: During last year's mega auction, KKR spent an enormous 23.75 crore on Venkatesh Iyer, but the decision didn't pay off. In 11 games, the all-rounder scored just 142 runs with a strike rate of 139.22 and an average of 20.29. KKR are anticipated to release him and possibly acquire him back at a much lesser price in order to increase their pocketbook because he has such a large sum locked up. (AP Photo)

3. Mumbai Indians - Deepak Chahar: In 2025, MI paid ₹9.25 crore for Deepak Chahar, but he only managed to take 11 wickets in 14 games at an economy rate of 9.17 and an average of 34.18. He is a liability due to his frequent injuries and difficulties in the last overs. MI may think about re-signing him at a lower cost or releasing him to free up money. (Mumbai Indians Photo)

4. Lucknow Super Giants - Mayank Yadav: Mayank Yadav's bright IPL career has been interrupted by injuries. He played in just two IPL 2025 games after being retained for 11 crore last year. Due to doubts about his fitness, LSG might let him go in order to raise a sizable sum of money for the mini auction. (BCCI Photo)

5. Lucknow Super Giants - Ravi Bishnoi: In IPL 2025, Ravi Bishnoi's form sharply declined despite being retained for 11 crore. In 11 games, he took just 9 wickets at an economy rate of 10.84. He could be released by LSG to replenish their bowling department and possibly return for less money. (BCCI Photo)

6. Kolkata Knight Riders - Anrich Nortje: Anrich Nortje was purchased for ₹6.5 crore, although his effect has been hampered by his recurrent injuries. In just two IPL 2025 games, the South African bowler claimed one wicket at an economy rate of 11.86. To make place for more suitable foreign choices, KKR will probably release him. (PTI Photo)

7. Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Liam Livingstone: RCB, the reigning champions, may let go of Liam Livingstone in order to bolster their finances despite having a mostly stable squad. Purchased for ₹8.75 crore, he took just two wickets while scoring just 112 runs at an average of 16 and a strike rate of 133.33 in ten games. (AFP Photo)

8. Delhi Capitals - Jake Fraser-McGurk: Jake Fraser-McGurk was acquired by DC for ₹9 crore (using the RTM card), but the Australian batter did not perform well. He only managed to score 55 runs at an average of 9.17 in six games. Jake might be let go as Delhi search for a more reliable option. (IPL Photo)

9. Rajasthan Royals - Maheesh Theekshana: Theekshana might be surplus to needs given that Ravindra Jadeja is allegedly joining and Wanindu Hasaranga is already in the squad. RR would probably give Hasaranga's all-around value priority even though he has taken 11 wickets in 11 games at an economy of 9.76. (AP/BCCI Photos)

10. Chennai Super Kings - Devon Conway: Devon Conway, who was signed for ₹6.25 crore in 2025, was unable to replicate his previous achievements. In six games, he amassed 156 runs at a strike rate of 131 and an average of 26. CSK may release him to look at younger, more aggressive top-order option due to concerns about his T20 scoring rate. (BCCI Photo)