The IPL 2026 retention day has delivered a seismic shake-up across the league, with franchises pulling off blockbuster trades and bold retention decisions ahead of the mid-December mini-auction. Several high-profile player moves and strategic calls have set the stage for what promises to be one of the most dynamic seasons yet.
Key Trades and Retentions
Sanju Samson → Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
In a marquee move, Sanju Samson has been traded from the Rajasthan Royals to CSK for ₹18 crore, making it one of the biggest trades in IPL history.
Ravindra Jadeja & Sam Curran → Rajasthan Royals (RR)
As part of the same deal, seasoned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran are heading to RR.
Mohammad Shami → Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Veteran fast bowler Shami is making a high-profile switch from Sunrisers Hyderabad to LSG, continuing at his existing contract of ₹10 crore.
Arjun Tendulkar → LSG
In a surprising but strategic move, LSG has also secured Arjun Tendulkar for ₹30 lakh.
Nitish Rana → Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals have added Nitish Rana from RR in another major trade, reportedly for ₹4.2 crore.
Mayank Markande → Mumbai Indians (MI)
Uncapped leg-spinner Mayank Markande returns to MI for ₹30 lakh, strengthening their spin bowling options.
Donovan Ferreira → Rajasthan Royals
Ferreira is also on the move, going to RR at a value of ₹1 crore.
Rules & Deadline Context
The retention deadline was November 15, 2025, by which all 10 IPL franchises were required to declare their retained and released players.
Unlike prior mega auction years, there is no cap on how many players a team can retain for IPL 2026. Still, franchises must respect the squad size limit (maximum 25 players) and a salary cap of around ₹120 crore.
Implications for the Mini-Auction
Given these major roster reshuffles, the upcoming mini-auction (expected around 13–15 December 2025) is poised to be intensely competitive. Teams are reworking their cores — CSK, for instance, seems to be transitioning as they integrate Samson and move on from long-time stalwarts like Jadeja.
Meanwhile, LSG’s acquisition of Shami and Tendulkar signals an aggressive build-up of both experience and young talent.
Other Notable Developments
Coaching Changes: Tim Southee, the former New Zealand fast-bowling great, has been appointed as the new bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2026.
Strategic Vision: With unlimited retention allowed this season, teams are demonstrating long-term planning rather than short-term rebuilds. Many franchises see this as a chance to lock in their core and then pick smartly at the mini-auction.
