IPL 2026 Retention Live Updates: CSK Likely to Release Pathirana, KKR May Part Ways With Venkatesh Iyer

As the IPL 2026 retention deadline draws near, franchises are done with the main part of the squad changeover process and are now just polishing it up for the huge season to come. Today at 3 PM IST, all 10 franchises are expected to hand over their lists of players they will keep and those they will let go, which is a very important step before the auction in December.

The Indian team is currently playing the Kolkata Test against South Africa, while at the same time the franchise think tanks are busy assessing contracts, players’ forms and the future strategies. The situation is quite different from last year’s mega auction, teams do not have to worry about retaining up to a limit of players as they have the full power to keep as many as they want to maintain their core.

The already conducted high-profile trades like that of Sanju Samson to CSK and Jadeja coming back to Rajasthan Royals have been quite significant in the reshuffling of the squads, but still, more important decisions are likely to be announced today.

Live Updates

2:09 PM IST – KKR Considering Ajinkya Rahane Retention

After their trade for KL Rahul fell through, Kolkata Knight Riders are likely to retain Ajinkya Rahane. His leadership value and calm temperament are key reasons behind the decision.

2:04 PM IST – IPL Retention Deadline

Franchises have time until 3 PM IST to send their official retention and release lists to the BCCI.

1:43 PM IST – Will SRH Release Heinrich Klaasen?

Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to release Heinrich Klaasen following a poor season. The franchise is, however, set to retain Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

1:40 PM IST – KKR Likely to Release Venkatesh Iyer

KKR may offload up to seven players, including their ₹23.75 crore signing Venkatesh Iyer. Others likely to be released include Moeen Ali, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia, and Anrich Nortje.

1:30 PM IST – CSK to Release Matheesha Pathirana

After parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja, CSK are reportedly set to release Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, retained last season for ₹13 crore. His frequent injury concerns and modified bowling action affected his performance, leading to this decision.

12:41 PM IST – IPL 2026 Auction Window

The IPL 2026 auction is expected between December 13–16, likely in Abu Dhabi. Last year’s auction took place in Saudi Arabia.

12:40 PM IST – Where to Watch IPL Retention

The IPL 2026 retention show will air live at 5 PM IST on:

Star Sports 2

Star Sports 2 Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam

Live streaming will be available on the JioStar app and website.

12:35 PM IST – PBKS May Release Glenn Maxwell

Punjab Kings are reportedly set to release Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who endured an inconsistent season both for franchise and country.

12:34 PM IST – LSG Strengthen Pace Unit With Shami

Lucknow Super Giants have acquired Mohammed Shami for ₹10 crore as part of their latest trade, bolstering their fast-bowling resources.

12:32 PM IST – Devon Conway Departs CSK

After three seasons with Chennai Super Kings, New Zealand opener Devon Conway has bid farewell to the franchise. He was the Player of the Match in the IPL 2023 final.

12:26 PM IST – Delhi Capitals to Release Faf du Plessis, Harry Brook

Delhi Capitals are expected to part ways with Faf du Plessis and Harry Brook. Brook, bought for ₹6.25 crore, withdrew last season before the tournament. Mohit Sharma and Jake Fraser-McGurk may also be released.

12:21 PM IST – Jadeja’s Message to RR Fans

Ravindra Jadeja shared an emotional note, saying:

“Rajasthan Royals gave me my first platform and my first taste of victory. Coming back feels like home. I hope to win more titles with this group.”

11:57 AM IST – Arjun Tendulkar Moves to LSG

One of the standout trades saw Arjun Tendulkar leave Mumbai Indians for Lucknow Super Giants, where he is expected to receive more playing time.

11:12 AM IST – Full List of Trades Confirmed

Ravindra Jadeja: CSK → RR (₹14 crore)

Sam Curran: CSK → RR (₹2.4 crore)

Sanju Samson: RR → CSK (₹18 crore)

Mohammed Shami: SRH → LSG (₹10 crore)

Mayank Markande: KKR → MI (₹30 lakh)

Arjun Tendulkar: MI → LSG (₹30 lakh)

Nitish Rana: RR → DC (₹4.2 crore)

Donovan Ferreira: DC → RR (₹1 crore)

Shardul Thakur: LSG → MI (₹2 crore)

Sherfane Rutherford: GT → MI (₹2.6 crore)**