At the moment, all eyes of cricket fans are on IPL retentions and releases. According to a recent report by ESPN Cricinfo, the IPL 2026 auction will take place on 16 December in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, from the retention–release stage itself, Lucknow Super Giants are going all out to acquire Mohammed Shami. Reports suggest that if LSG want to buy Shami, they will have to sign him from Sunrisers Hyderabad in an all-cash deal. This means LSG must pay SRH ₹10 crore directly from their purse.
After the IPL 2025 auction, LSG were left with only ₹10 lakh, which means they cannot make room for the Indian fast bowler unless they release players worth that amount.
In IPL 2025, Ajinkya Rahane captained KKR and performed well. But if reports are to be believed, KKR will release him ahead of the 2026 auction.
Following the appointment of Abhishek Nayar as KKR’s head coach on 2 November, rumours began circulating that Rohit Sharma might leave Mumbai Indians and join Kolkata Knight Riders before the IPL 2026 auction. However, no confirmation has been made. Sources claim Rohit is likely to stay with MI and may even retire from the IPL as a Mumbai Indians player.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that MS Dhoni is not retiring before IPL 2026 and will play for the Chennai-based franchise next season as well. Dhoni holds the record for most matches played in IPL history and is also CSK’s highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, former New Zealand fast bowler and Test captain Tim Southee has joined Kolkata Knight Riders. The right-arm pacer, who retired from international cricket last year, will serve as KKR’s bowling coach for the 2026 season. Earlier, on 13 November, former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson joined KKR as an assistant coach.
