IPL 2026: Top 5 player release rumours you can’t ignore

All IPL teams are now preparing for the 2026 season as they look to retain their best possible players. The deadline for player retention is November 15, 2025, while the mini-auction is likely to take place between December 13 and 15. The venue of the auction is most likely to be the UAE or Oman, or Qatar. 

However, several big-name players are already being linked with possible trades or releases, creating a massive buzz on social media. Fans are keeping a close eye, as these moves could bring major changes to the balance of the tournament.

Here are the top 5 player release rumours you can’t ignore ahead of IPL 2026 

1. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)

Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson’s release rumours are getting stronger by the day. Reports suggest that Samson has informed the franchise of his decision to move on and either be made available for the auction or trade.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been the most frequently mentioned name in connection with the Indian batter. Last season, Samson scored 285 runs in nine innings, including one fifty. He has been with RR since 2018 and has played 177 IPL matches in total.

2. Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Venkatesh Iyer made headlines last season when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent a whopping ₹23.75 crore to sign him and even made him vice-captain. But his form dipped badly — he managed just 142 runs in seven innings, with one fifty.

Now, KKR are reportedly planning to release him to free up a big chunk of their purse. Teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have shown interest in him for a potential trade.

3. Mohammed Shami (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami had a tough time last season with SRH, taking only six wickets in nine matches at an economy of 11.23. He looked far from his best and has also lost his place in Team India’s setup due to fitness concerns.

SRH had bought him for ₹10 crore, but the franchise is now likely to release him. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians (MI), CSK, and KKR are rumoured to be interested in signing him.

4. Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

SRH had shown huge faith in Heinrich Klaasen, retaining him for ₹23 crore ahead of last season. The South African wicketkeeper-batter didn’t disappoint, scoring 487 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 172.69, with one fifty and one century.

Yet, there’s talk that SRH might release him to free up a large purse amount. Recently, RR and KKR have been linked as possible destinations for the power-hitter.

5. Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals)

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc had a decent 2025 season for Delhi Capitals (DC), taking 14 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 10.16. DC bought him for ₹11.75 crore last year.

However, with Starc having announced his retirement from T20 internationals, DC might consider releasing him to free up funds for the auction. His availability for the next IPL season remains uncertain.

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