Mumbai: The IPL retention window slammed shut at midnight, unleashing a torrent of loyalty pacts that has cricket enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation for the 2026 showdown.
In a historic twist, franchises locked in 175 players — including strategic trades — across the board, with Punjab Kings clinching the crown for maximum retentions at 21, while a prudent Kolkata Knight Riders pared down to just 12. This calculated cull promises a blockbuster auction, where fresh blood could ignite dormant dynasties.
Chennai Super Kings, ever the sentimentalists, clung to 15 warriors led by the ageless MS Dhoni (captain), flanked by Ruturaj Gaikwad and firepower like Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, and international aces like Matheesha Pathirana (traded in). Delhi Capitals bulwarked their lineup with 17, spotlighting Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and KL Rahul, bolstered by traded gems like Nitish Rana and Mitchell Starc.
Gujarat Titans amassed 19, centring Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, and a wicketkeeping trio of Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, and Jos Buttler, with pace hounds Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj in tow. Mumbai Indians fortified 18 around Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, welcoming traded talents like Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford.
Punjab Kings’ audacious 21-man squad, helmed by Shreyas Iyer (captain), boasts Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), and all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Yuzvendra Chahal. Rajasthan Royals secured 16 with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), injecting trading zest via Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Royal Challengers Bengaluru held 17, anchored by Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Phil Salt (wicketkeeper), while Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 15 feature Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper).
Lucknow Super Giants topped with 21 under Rishabh Pant (captain, wicketkeeper), blending Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran with traded firepower like Mohammed Shami. KKR’s compact 12 hinges on Varun Chakaravarthy, Rinku Singh, and Sunil Narine.
As purses swell for the auction, these retentions underscore a delicate dance of legacy and reinvention, priming the IPL for another electrifying chapter.