With the mini-auction this time slated for 2026 and still a few weeks away, the buzz concerning player retentions, releases, and trades has hit an apex. Some of the most talked-about names this season are Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, with reports heavy with rumors of major franchise reshuffles.

🔥 Sanju Samson Likely to Leave Rajasthan Royals

In an unexpected twist, the reports of Sanju Samson leaving the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are doing the rounds despite recent changes in the backroom. But speculation is rife that the RR skipper might want to move on, thereby clearing the path for a big move by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a franchise that is attempting to rebuild after a half-baked 2025 campaign.

💥 Ishan Kishan Making a Possible Comeback in Mumbai Indians

Then Ishan Kishan has again grabbed the limelight for a possible comeback to Mumbai Indians (MI). Kishan, having been bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹11.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, had a rather subdued season, amassing 354 runs in 13 innings, after having started okay with that debut ton.

Insider reports suggest that Mumbai Indians are considering trading for the return of their former wicketkeeper-batter. However, SRH is expected to refuse unless offered a high-caliber player in return.

🧠 Big Coaching Changes Across Franchises

This offseason saw high amounts of turnover in coaching staff for IPL 2026 and beyond:

LSG SACRED: Bharat Arun named bowling coach in place of Zaheer Khan.

KKR: Promoted Abhishek Nayar to head coach, following Chandrakant Pandit’s resignation.

Punjab Sluggers: Named Sairaj Bahutule as spin and bowling coach to replace Sunil Joshi.

Rahul Dravid returned as head coach of Rajasthan Royals for one season before reverting to Kumar Sangakkara.

🔄 Player-Movement Buzz

Washington Sundar is set to stay with Gujarat Titans (GT), ending speculation about a possible CSK transfer.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that the KKR move of Rahul might be stopped so that Rahul can continue to play for the Delhi Capitals.

Sunrisers Hyderabad may retain Mohammed Shami but are rethinking that decision to retain Heinrich Klaasen at ₹23 crores last season.

🏏 Other Key Headlines

On his birthday, Virat Kohli is maybe still the only cricketer who played for a single franchise (RCB) since the inception of IPL in 2008.

Rishabh Pant made the most expensive record in the IPL being bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crores in 2025.

The IPL 2026 mini-auction will surely be a one-day event and is likely to be overseas, while teams must furnish their final retained and released player lists by the end of November.