IPL 2026: 5 Most surprising player releases

The Indian Premier League (IPL) retention list for the 2026 season was announced recently, setting the stage for the upcoming mini-auction scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. As teams prepare to revamp their squads following a mixed 2025 season, where franchises like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) underperformed, several release decisions shocked fans and experts alike.

While some releases were expected as part of restructuring plans, a handful of names stood out due to their proven credentials and importance to their teams. Here are the five most surprising releases ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Here are 5 most surprising releases ahead of the IPL 2026 auction

Matheesha Pathirana — Chennai Super Kings

One of the biggest shockers from CSK’s retention list was the release of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Having spent four seasons with the franchise, Pathirana picked up 47 wickets in 32 matches, often delivering crucial overs at the death with his slinging action.

Despite not always being among the top wicket-takers, his economy under pressure made him a key asset. His release suggests CSK might be looking for a tactical reset, though many believe they may attempt to buy him back at a lower price during the auction.