IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: 5 Most Expensive Players Released — Russell, Livingstone, Iyer Shockingly Dropped

With the rapidity at which December 16 would come, day by day when the surprise mini-auction would be the IPL 2026 mini-auction at Guwahati, the franchises have given the most unhesitating releases of the latest times. As many as 73 players were released, most of them being novices one day, only getting their name tags stripped off. From proven T20 powerhouses down to dollar disappointments, the message sent by the franchises: the resets or the reconstruction already underway.

Surprising as hell, players worth over INR 10 crores from a single season are off the now-unwanted list. Although some are likely to have been traded before the auction, it sure seems like the release is a massive statement against the strategies of these teams.

Below are the five costliest players released:

1. Venkatesh Iyer (KKR) – Released After the ₹23.75 Crore Flawed Buying

Venkatesh Iyer's release by KKR is undoubtedly the biggest shocker. Iyer was bought in the last mega auction for a whopping figure of ₹23.75 crore. Remembering a clobbering season he could not score above 142 in 11 matches, truly, it is a season to forget.

With no real weight behind his effort, KKR's campaign fell through. The franchise decided it was time to cut its losses and move on knowing well they had let go of one of the priciest signings of the year.

2. Matheesha Pathirana (CSK) - India reports Chucked Out

In CSK, there was a lot of hope for Matheesha Pathirana at ₹13 crore retention price. In his 12 matches, he took 13 wickets but, unfortunately, he ordinarily conceded 10-plus a general economy rate, which put additional pressure on the team during the death overs. Besides releasing him early, not so shockingly was a business decision for CSK to jettison Matheesha and save budget for enhancing the bowling section during the February 2023 auction.

3. Andre Russell (KKR) - Era Comes to an End

The biggest emotional move by KKR was to release its very face since 2014arguably the figurehead of the KKR fans too. With 2,651 runs and 123 wickets to his name, he has been the franchise's beating heart for over a decade.

But Russell received quite a harsh year in 2025, where his 13 games were good for only 167 runs and 8 wickets and the KKR finally decided in favor of releasing him. This lead to a free ₹12 crore in the 2026 balance for KKR to rebuild; that's how the fate of an almost award-winning figure was sealed and Russell's eminently popular ride in the IPL came to an end.

4. Ravi Bishnoi (LSG) – LSG Say Goodbye to Their Lead Spinner

Ravi Bishnoi, the backbone of spin to Lucknow Super Giants, surprised many by being shown the door, despite having been bought for ₹11 crore the previous season.

His output of 2025 left him with strained relations. Bishnoi bagged around 9 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 10.84, which is far too costly on the team's bowling attack for the year. LSG wants to approach the auction with a higher ceiling available for another frontline bowler.

5. Liam Livingstone (RCB) – Big Hitter All-Rounder Axed After a Forgettable Season

RCB narrowly lifted their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, but it was all downhill for Liam Livingstone. Signed for ₹8.75 crore, the English all-rounder got only 112 runs and grabbed 2 wickets in 10 games.

After six unimpressive weeks, RCB appeared to have begun work on creating a whole new overseas combo. Matt Prior's conveniently cast adieu from RCB was overshadowed by the jubilations jumping through the ITV Sports group.

2026 IPL Mini-Auction - Battle Lines Drawn

There is one thing that the release list has singlehandedly proven this year: if you do not deliver, your tag of price is of no importance. With almost all the first-class returneers set to battle with the franchises newly culled from its experienced players, the effort will be there for the taking, giving the franchises the chance to reconstruct smarter, stronger sides for the next season.

Expect a rip-roaring mini-auction on December 16, with accumulation of shock bidders, comeback narratives, and new strategies for all teams.