The excitement for the IPL 2026 Mega Auction is building as all ten franchises are in the process of finalizing their retention and release lists before the November 15 deadline. After these transactions, the auction is likely slated for mid-December, with the exact dates still uncertain but proposed to be December 13-15. Hence, with the auction coming up, teams are already anticipating major squad reshuffles.

According to said sources, star players from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) may be released with new signings coming in to make up better team combinations.

🏏 Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Based on the reports, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) may let go of many players due to their inconsistent performances as well as certain fitness issues. The names on the list include: Blessing Muzarabani, Tim Seifert, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathe, Manoj Bhandaraje, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Liam Livingstone.

The franchise will be focused on rebuilding bowling depth and adding fresh Indian talent for the 2026 season onwards.

🏏 Delhi Capitals (DC)

It has been decided to release four important players — Jack Fraser-McGurk, Harry Brook, Mohit Sharma, and T. Natarajan. The management is reportedly planning to rework the middle order and procure experienced all-rounders through trade or auction.

🏏 Mumbai Indians (MI)

The five-time champions are to have some large exits as well. Early reports say Lizard Williamson, Reece Topley, Raghu Sharma and Satyanarayana Raju are amongst those probably to be released. Mumbai, on the other hand, will look to strengthen its pace attack and find a dependable finisher.

🏏 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

The major reshuffle KKR pattern will have close to three leading men projected for being released—Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, and Anrich Nortje. There could be an attempt to trade in Iyer and De Kock before another step in official release, as interest has been shown for the players.

For Rajasthan Royals, Shimron Hetmyer, Sanju Samson, and Kumar Karthikeya Singh have been on the list of possible releases. The talks for Samson’s trade to Chennai Super Kings were said to have failed. Yet, with CSK’s apparent continued interest, the whole thing may still be in talks right before the auction window closes.

Making these first moves more than set to turn this season into one of transformation with franchises trying to find their perfect balance between youth, experience, and strategy as the IPL 2026 Auction draws nearer. Fans should expect all team splashes from Yue+ by 15 Nov, followed by trades and tactical signings galore leading up to the mega.