The IPL Council officially finalized the retention deadline of November 15th. All franchises have announced the list of retained and released players; some of the releases were absolute shockers, while others were always expected. KKR and CSK made the biggest and most surprising releases of all. Here are the Top 5 players released ahead of the IPL 2026 auction:
1. Venkatesh Iyer (23.75 Crores)
After playing a huge role in KKR's 2024 title run where Iyer scored 370 runs at an average of 46.25, Venkatesh Iyer was bought back in the auction for a whopping price of ₹23.75 crore by KKR. They had huge expectations of him truly turning into their franchise player, but things didn't turn out as expected, as Iyer struggled to score runs and ended the season with just 142 runs in 11 matches, averaging 20.28.
The main reason for the release of Iyer ahead of the IPL 2026 auction is to shed his huge salary cap. KKR might attempt to get him back for a smaller price, but they will not be able to use the RTM card, as RTM is not available in the mini-auction.
2. Matheesha Pathirana (13 Crores)
Another interesting move that no one saw coming was the release of CSK's premium fast bowler and match-winner, Matheesha Pathirana, who played a huge role in CSK's title run in 2023, where he picked up 19 wickets in 12 matches and was the team's leading wicket-taker.
He did have a good 2024 season where he picked up 13 wickets in 6 matches before picking up an injury.After a tough time and a long injury layoff, Pathirana didn't have the best of times in IPL 2025, where he only managed to get 13 wickets in 12 matches and was highly expensive, going at an economy of 10.13.
The main reason for his release might be salary-cap management, and Pathirana might be bought back in the auction for a much lower price. He is one of the top 5 released players ahead if IPL 2026.
3. Andre Russell (12 Crores)
Andre Russell's time is definitely running out, and this probable release of Russell ahead of IPL 2026 seems to be the end of his journey in KKR colors in the IPL. He is arguably one of the finest players ever to play for KKR and the best all-rounder in the history of the IPL.
But the last three seasons haven't been his best, where he has scored 616 runs from 2023–2025 and picked up 34 wickets in 42 matches. That is a subpar performance for the kind of standards that he has set. KKR now might be looking for a young all-rounder to fill his spot for the upcoming season as they look to rebuild.
4. Ravi Bishnoi (11 Crores)
One of the most promising leg-spinners in the IPL who grabbed eyeballs when he was retained by LSG for a whopping ₹11 crore ahead of the auction last year, Bishnoi has not exactly lived up to the faith of the team management. He has picked up only 19 wickets in the last 25 matches, and his economy is also on the higher side.
This release ahead of IPL 2026 gives Bishnoi the chance to rethink, and he is surely going to be picked by teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and probably Chennai Super Kings, who lack Indian spin-bowling options. He could be an ideal choice given the home conditions of these three teams.
5. Liam Livingstone (8.75 Crores)
The big England all-rounder is going to be back in the market ahead of the auction, and teams who are in need of a hard-hitting, spin-bowling all-rounder will be licking their chops. Though Livingstone has been around multiple franchises, he hasn't been at his best yet. He scored 112 runs and picked up 2 wickets in 10 matches for RCB in IPL 2024.
Since RCB has the most settled lineup, Livingstone is not required in the middle order. It's a smart move by RCB, which also opens up options for teams like CSK and KKR, who are looking for those middle-order finishers who can absolutely smack it.
Also Read: IPL 2026: Released Players List
