The IPL 2026 season is already creating huge buzz even before the first ball is bowled. The major reason behind this excitement is the IPL 2026 Mega Auction, which will completely change the team combinations again. Before the mega auction, every franchise was allowed to retain only a limited number of players. This meant that many big names, star performers, and even senior leaders had to be released.
In this blog, we will take a detailed look at the top players released ahead of the IPL 2026 Mega Auction, the reasons behind their release, and what this means for the auction as well as the upcoming season.
The list is based on media reports, franchise strategies, and performance trends from previous seasons.
Why Big Players Were Released Before IPL 2026?
Releasing top players is never an easy decision for franchises. However, in a mega auction year, teams often take bold steps. Here are the major reasons why even star players were released:
1. High Salary Burden
Some players were earning extremely high salaries, and teams wanted more flexibility in their purse before entering a mega auction.
2. Age and Fitness Concerns
Several seniors struggled with fitness, which forced franchises to move toward younger talents.
3. Team Rebuilding Plans
Mega auctions give teams a chance to reshape their entire squad. Many franchises are looking to build fresh cores for the next 3–4 years.
4. Performance Decline
Players with inconsistent or poor performances in the last two seasons were the top candidates to be released.
5. Overseas Combination Issues
IPL teams can only play four overseas players in the XI. This means many good foreign players get benched, so teams prefer to release them if they are not fitting into the core.
Top Players Released Ahead of IPL 2026 Mega Auction
Below is the most talked-about list of released players and the possible reasons behind each decision.
Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)
Yes, this became the biggest news of the retention window. After a challenging season and multiple injuries, MI reportedly released Hardik Pandya back into the auction pool. He is still a match-winner, but his fitness concerns and high salary made it difficult for Mumbai to retain him.
Why Released?
- Uncertain bowling fitness
- Massive salary cap
- Team rebuilding around younger core
Auction Expectation:
Hardik will definitely attract huge bids. At least 4–5 teams may chase him aggressively.
KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants)
KL Rahul’s release surprised many fans. Rahul has been one of the most consistent batters in IPL history, but his strike-rate issues and injury problems made LSG rethink their strategy.
Why Released?
- Slow strike rate criticism
- Injury layoffs
- Team wanting new leadership
Auction Expectation:
Rahul is still a top opener. He will surely be one of the most expensive buys of IPL 2026.
Glenn Maxwell (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Maxwell has always been a hit-or-miss player. His last two seasons were full of ups and downs. RCB, looking for a stronger middle order and balanced overseas core, decided to release him before the mega auction.
Why Released?
- Inconsistent performances
- Expensive contract
- RCB needing a fresh middle-order approach
Auction Expectation:
Teams like Punjab, Delhi, and Kolkata may target him for his explosive batting.
David Warner (Delhi Capitals)
The former SRH and DC captain has been released ahead of the 2026 auction. Warner has enjoyed a legendary IPL career but age and declining form in T20s became a major concern.
Why Released?
- Age factor (39 in 2026)
- Decreasing strike-rate
- Young DC top-order emerging
Auction Expectation:
Warner might still find buyers for his experience, but salary will be lower.
Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Russell has been a superstar for KKR for a decade, but injuries and inconsistent availability forced the team to finally move on.
Why Released?
- Constant fitness issues
- Heavy contract
- Team looking at long-term younger all-rounders
Auction Expectation:
A mid-range bid is expected, but not as high as before.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
One of the best swing bowlers in IPL history, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s form has dipped and his pace has reduced. With SRH transitioning into a younger bowling unit, releasing him was expected.
Why Released?
- Pace drop
- Less wicket-taking impact
- SRH grooming Umran, Natarajan, and others
Auction Expectation:
Teams may see him as a powerplay specialist.
Faf du Plessis (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Faf gave everything as a leader and batter, but age and the need for a long-term captain forced RCB to look in a different direction.
Why Released?
- Age factor
- Team restructuring
- Need for new Indian captaincy options
Auction Expectation:
Possible mentor-role player for any franchise.
Trent Boult (Rajasthan Royals)
Boult has been one of the most effective powerplay bowlers, but RR decided to go younger with their pace attack.
Why Released?
- High salary
- Overseas slot pressure
- Performance dipped in death overs
Auction Expectation:
Boult will still attract strong bids from teams needing new-ball swing.
Liam Livingstone (Punjab Kings)
Livingstone was explosive but inconsistent. PBKS wanted a more stable middle order and therefore released him.
Why Released?
- Inconsistency
- Overseas slot problem
- Team restructuring
Auction Expectation:
He could be a surprise high bid because of his six-hitting ability.
Shardul Thakur (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Shardul, known for his knack of taking wickets at key moments, did not perform as expected in the last few seasons.
Why Released?
- Expensive for his role
- Inconsistent economy rate
- Team wanting specialist bowlers
Auction Expectation:
He may get picked as a backup Indian pacer.
Impact of These Releases on IPL 2026 Mega Auction
The release of these big names has completely changed the upcoming mega auction dynamics. Here’s what we can expect:
Huge Bidding Wars
Players like Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Maxwell will trigger massive bidding wars. Teams like CSK, PBKS, and SRH may go aggressive.
Teams Will Build from Scratch
Franchises such as RCB, MI, and PBKS will undergo massive rebuilding. Expect many new combinations.
High Demand for Indian Batters
Indian top-order players and all-rounders will attract the highest amounts due to limited availability.
Overseas Stars With Lower Salaries
Seniors like Warner, Faf, and Boult will still get picked but at more realistic prices.
Which Teams Will Benefit the Most?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK may go for experienced all-rounders like Hardik if they want a long-term captaincy option.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH already has a young core and a big purse. They may target someone like KL Rahul or Maxwell.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS are known for making bold decisions. They may rebuild around a new overseas middle-order star.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI releasing Hardik means they now have a big purse and will look to get a new finisher or overseas hitter.
Fans Reaction to Big Releases
As expected, fans were shocked and emotional. Social media was filled with reactions like:
- “How can they release Hardik?”
- “KL Rahul deserved one more season!”
- “RCB should have kept Faf for experience.”
- “Warner’s IPL journey might end, sad for cricket fans.”
These reactions show how deeply IPL has connected with fans over the years.
Conclusion
The release of these top players ahead of the IPL 2026 Mega Auction has set the stage for one of the most exciting auctions in IPL history. Teams are preparing to build new combinations, franchises are getting ready for bold choices, and fans are eager to see where their favorite stars will land.
The mega auction is not just a buying-selling event — it is a complete reset of the league. With so many big names entering the auction pool, IPL 2026 promises to be a thrilling chapter for players, teams, and fans worldwide.
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