RCB finally ended their long wait by winning their maiden IPL title in 2025, and now all eyes are on the next season. With the November 15 retention deadline approaching, every franchise is busy finalizing the players they want to keep ahead of IPL 2026.
The IPL 2026 auction has already been confirmed for December 16, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, and the official retention lists will be announced at 5:00 PM IST on November 15, 2025.
In this article, you can check every important update related to IPL 2026, including confirmed trades, major rumours, expected releases, and the full list of retained and released players as teams lock in their squads for the new season.
Latest Confirmed Updates
- Mumbai Indians have completed two official trades for IPL 2026, signing Shardul Thakur from LSG for ₹2 crore and Sherfane Rutherford from GT for ₹2.6 crore in all-cash deals.
- The IPL 2026 auction date is now final, scheduled for December 16, 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Confirmed IPL 2026 Trades (November 15, 2025)
Here are all the officially confirmed trades for IPL 2026 after the retention deadline-day shake-up:
| Player (Old Team) | New Team | Trade Type & Fee | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson (RR) | CSK | Trade, ₹18 crore | Long-rumoured swap now official. Samson becomes CSK’s new long-term wicketkeeper-batter. |
| Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) | RR | Trade, ₹14 crore | Jadeja returns to RR, the team where he began his IPL career. |
| Sam Curran (CSK) | RR | Trade, ₹2.4 crore | Included in the Samson–Jadeja–Curran multi-player blockbuster. |
| Mohammed Shami (SRH) | LSG | Trade, ₹10 crore | Strengthens LSG’s Indian fast-bowling unit. |
| Nitish Rana (RR) | DC | Trade, ₹4.2 crore | DC adds a proven Indian middle-order batter. |
| Donovan Ferreira (DC) | RR | Trade, ₹1 crore | Returns to RR with a revised fee. |
| Mayank Markande (KKR) | MI | Trade, ₹30 lakh | Leg-spinner returns to Mumbai Indians. |
| Arjun Tendulkar (MI) | LSG | Trade, ₹30 lakh | Moves to LSG for more opportunities. |
| Shardul Thakur (LSG) | MI | Confirmed trade, ₹2 crore | All-cash deal. |
| Sherfane Rutherford (GT) | MI | Confirmed trade, ₹2.6 crore | MI strengthens their finishing options. |
Expected Major Releases for IPL 2026
Here are the big names who might be released to free up purse money:
| Player | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Venkatesh Iyer (KKR) | Major Release | Poor 2025 season vs ₹23.75 Cr price tag |
| Matheesha Pathirana (CSK) | Major Release | Fitness + costly 2025 season |
| Devon Conway (CSK) | Likely Release | Samson arrival + overseas slot issue |
| Liam Livingstone (RCB) | Likely Release | Inconsistent performances |
| Glenn Maxwell (PBKS) | Rumored Release | Poor last three seasons |
| Ishan Kishan (SRH) | Uncertain | SRH still deciding |
How and When IPL Players’ Trade Takes Place
The IPL has a structured set of rules for player trade across franchises. Here is a comprehensive breakdown for your understanding.
It provides specific periods for player trading, named as ”trading windows,” during which teams can negotiate to include players in teams without an auction.
Timing of Trading Windows
Pre-Auction Trade: The first window opens about a week after the IPL season ends and stays open until about a week before the player auction.
Post-Auction Trade: A second window opens after the auction and remains open until a month before the next season begins.
Eligibility for Player Trade
Only players who are retained by their franchise before the auction are eligible for trading. Players purchased in the auction won’t be eligible for trade during the post-auction trade.
Types of Trades
One franchise pays another a mutually agreed sum for the player’s transfer.
Two franchise exchange players can be directly exchanged, with or without an additional cash transaction.
List of Expected Trade Players for IPL 2026
Here are some big IPL players who might switch their teams before the IPL 2026 auction to start their new IPL journey:
1. Sanju Samson in Talks for a Possible Trade to CSK
The Sanju Samson trade story has taken a major turn ahead of IPL 2026. According to recent reports, Sanju Samson has asked Rajasthan Royals to officially release him, signaling his intention to explore a new franchise. This comes after the internal equation between Samson and the RR management reportedly shifted following the release of Jos Buttler and leadership discussions during the 2025 season.
Earlier in the year, Chennai Super Kings had shown interest, but talks cooled temporarily. Delhi Capitals then entered discussions and offered Tristan Stubbs and one uncapped Indian player, but negotiations stalled when RR demanded Samir Rizvi as part of the deal, which DC declined.
Now, CSK have re-entered trade negotiations, and the latest discussions include a possible swap involving Ravindra Jadeja. The deal is being handled directly by RR owner Manoj Badale, and CSK’s approach is being influenced by MS Dhoni, who has confirmed that he will play IPL 2026.
If Samson does move, RR may consider Yashasvi Jaiswal or Dhruv Jurel as their new captain for IPL 2026. The situation remains active, and the final decision is expected around the November 15 retention list announcement.
2. Venkatesh Iyer to RCB
Venkatesh Iyer was a part of the KKR 2025 campaign. He was bought at 24 crores, the highest ever bid for an all-rounder in IPL. However, his 2025 season was not good; hence, he is rumoured to be on RCB’s radar. RCB wants to boost their Indian batting core with an all-round option.
Iyer’s left-handed batting and medium-pace bowling ability make him a perfect fit. Iyer can provide stability in the middle order, and he can open for RCB. KKR may consider a trade if offered a strong bowling asset in return.
3. Glenn Maxwell to LSG or CSK
After three awful IPL seasons with RCB and PBKS, Glenn Maxwell is rumoured to move to the Lucknow Super Giants. LSG and CSK are looking for an overseas match-winner with power-hitting and a handy bowling option.
PBKS might trade him to free up purse and revamp their squad, provided LSG offers a promising Indian talent or cash deal.
4. Liam Livingstone to MI or LSG
Liam Livingstone, RCB’s dynamic English all-rounder, is attracting interest from other teams. RCB purchased him to provide explosive stability in the middle order, but he couldn’t stand up to their expectation. He could only score a fifty in the entire season, and didn’t perform with the ball as well.
Additionally, Romario Shepahrd and Tim David scored runs consistently in 2025. RCB doesn’t want to retain them for the 2026 IPL.
MI and LSG, after a mixed season, are eager to add firepower and flexibility in their middle order. His ability to change games single-handedly makes him a lethal asset for any team.
5. Rishabh Pant To Stays DC
Rishabh Pant’s name has been mentioned in early trade discussions, but there is no active negotiation for him to move to Mumbai Indians. Pant is currently the core captain and long-term leader for Delhi Capitals, and the franchise has no intention of releasing him ahead of IPL 2026.
Pant returned in IPL 2025 and showed flashes of form, including a crucial century late in the season. Delhi Capitals view him as a central figure in their rebuild, both as a wicketkeeper-batter and a leader.
While Mumbai Indians are looking for a strong Indian finisher and future captain, acquiring Pant would require a massive, multi-player trade, which DC are unwilling to consider at this stage. As of now, Rishabh Pant is expected to stay with DC for IPL 2026.
6. Sam Curran to GT
England’s dynamic left-arm seamer and aggressive lower-order batter could be a part of the 2026 GT campaign. As David Miller went to LSG in 2025, they need another explosive dynamic in their batting unit.
In 2025, he contributed with bat and ball for CSK, now GT wants to include him for the same contribution. Additionally, Curran’s fearless batting style offers the Titans a flexible finisher, strengthening their lower middle order significantly.
7. Kamindu Mendis to GT
Kamindu Mendis, the Sri Lankan all-rounder, is also on GT’s radar for IPL 2026. He gained fame for his ambidextrous spin and adaptable batting. Mendis can bowl both left-arm orthodox and off-spin.
He played 5 matches for SRH, where he proved his genuine talent. If he joins GT, their spin bowling department will be complemented by Sai Kishore.
What’s The Deal With IPL 2026 Trades?
The trade window allows teams to reshuffle their squads before the mini-auction in December. Franchises can trade players through straight swaps, cash deals, or multi-player exchanges, depending on team needs and salary cap space. The goal is to fix weak areas and build a more balanced lineup for the next season.
As of now, the Sanju Samson trade remains the biggest discussion point, with CSK back in talks and the possibility of a Ravindra Jadeja swap still active. Along with Samson, names like KL Rahul, Shivam Dube, Sai Sudharsan, and Arshdeep Singh are being discussed in different negotiations.
Some deals are moving forward, others are still early conversations, which means there may be surprises just before the November 15 retention deadline.
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Conclusion: Retention Lists Set The Stage For IPL 2026!
The IPL 2026 retention deadline has already delivered some of the most dramatic trades in recent years. CSK secured Sanju Samson as their future leader, while RR strengthened their core with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Mohammed Shami’s move to LSG has also shaken up the Indian fast-bowling balance across teams.
With the official retention lists coming at 5:00 PM IST, teams like KKR, PBKS, SRH, and CSK are expected to make bold decisions.
These choices will directly impact who enters the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, setting the tone for the upcoming season.
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