IPL 2026 auction remaining purse and retained players overview
The much-anticipated IPL 2026 mini auction is set to get underway today in Abu Dhabi, with franchises entering the bidding war armed with sharply defined strategies. The IPL 2026 auction remaining purse and retained players details provide a clear picture of how each team plans to approach the auction table, whether through aggressive spending or targeted value buys.
While teams like Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru aim to fine-tune largely settled squads, franchises such as Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are preparing for a significant revamp after underwhelming IPL 2025 campaigns.
Why Remaining Purse and Retentions Matter in IPL 2026 Auction
In a mini auction, financial flexibility often dictates dominance. Teams with larger purses can dictate bidding momentum, while those with tighter budgets must rely on scouting efficiency and role-specific targeting. The IPL 2026 auction remaining purse and retained players list highlights which franchises are best positioned to spark bidding wars for premium Indian and overseas talent.
Team-Wise Remaining Purse and Retained Players
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Remaining purse: ₹43.40 crore
- Vacant slots: 9 (4 overseas)
CSK enter the auction with one of the largest purses after releasing multiple high-profile names. The franchise has retained its leadership and Indian core, giving it the flexibility to target marquee overseas players and specialist Indian options.
CSK Key retained players:
MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Remaining purse: ₹21.80 crore
- Vacant slots: 8 (5 overseas)
DC have retained a strong Indian nucleus led by KL Rahul and Axar Patel. With several overseas slots available, the franchise is expected to focus on depth players and role-based reinforcements.
DC Key retained players:
KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, Tristan Stubbs
Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Remaining purse: ₹12.90 crore
- Vacant slots: 5 (4 overseas)
GT have largely protected their championship-winning core. With limited funds available, the franchise is expected to chase value buys and backups rather than headline signings.
GT Key retained players:
Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, Rahul Tewatia
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Remaining purse: ₹64.30 crore
- Vacant slots: 13 (6 overseas)
KKR boast the biggest purse among all teams. After releasing several star names, they are poised to dominate the auction and aggressively pursue elite Indian and overseas talent.
KKR Key retained players:
Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Umran Malik
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Remaining purse: ₹22.95 crore
- Vacant slots: 6 (4 overseas)
LSG have retained a balanced core centered around leadership and all-round depth. With a healthy purse, they can still target experienced reinforcements.
LSG Key retained players:
Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Mohammed Shami
Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Remaining purse: ₹2.75 crore
- Vacant slots: 5 (1 overseas)
MI have gone all-in on retentions, leaving them with the smallest purse. Their auction activity is expected to be limited to low-cost backups.
MI Key retained players:
Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Remaining purse: ₹11.50 crore
- Vacant slots: 4 (2 overseas)
PBKS have retained a deep squad with strong all-round options. Expect smart domestic buys rather than big-ticket splurges.
PBKS Key retained players:
Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marcus Stoinis, Arshdeep Singh
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Remaining purse: ₹16.05 crore
- Vacant slots: 9 (1 overseas)
RR have retained a young Indian core and experienced all-rounders. With several slots to fill, they could remain active in targeted bidding.
RR Key retained players:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Remaining purse: ₹16.40 crore
- Vacant slots: 8 (2 overseas)
RCB have maintained continuity by retaining their batting core. The franchise is expected to fine-tune its squad rather than overhaul it.
RCB Key retained players:
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Remaining purse: ₹25.50 crore
- Vacant slots: 10 (2 overseas)
SRH enter the auction with one of the healthiest purses. Having retained their explosive batting core, they are well placed to target impact players aggressively.
SRH Key retained players:
Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, Ishan Kishan
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 auction remaining purse and retained players overview clearly shows contrasting franchise strategies. While teams like KKR and CSK are primed to dominate bidding wars, others will rely on precision and value selection. How effectively franchises use their remaining purse today could significantly shape the balance of power heading into IPL 2026.
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