Table Of Contents
There could be a plethora of reasons for a player to be released from an IPL team. For each team, these reasons could vary, given their unique combination of players. Among the ten teams, there were only a few teams that nailed their playing 11 or 12 right from the first few games. Apart from the on-field performances, there are a few factors that could decide whether a player will be released or retained.
The limited budget of teams in the IPL has meant that the cost of a player plays a huge role in deciding whether to retain them or release them into the pool of players. The IPL 2025 auction broke records for the most expensive buys, with Rishabh Pant being bought by the Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crores. Along with Pant, there were a few players who could not live up to their price tag and could be in line for getting into a new team.
The performance of a player undoubtedly plays the biggest role in deciding whether they will be retained or not. Many players could not live up to their potential and disappointed the fans with their on-field performances.
There were many players among the bottom-half placed teams who could who were possibly playing out of position. For instance, Ramandeep Singh, playing as a pure batter for the Kolkata Knight Riders, batted at number eight for most of the season. In such a situation, a bowling all-rounder could be a better pick for KKR in the same position.
There has not been any confirmation from the BCCI whether the impact player rule will continue in IPL 2026 or not. However, after being introduced in 2023, the rule has had its fair share of criticism. If the rule is scrapped before IPL 2026, then it could certainly change the combination of teams. There would be many changes as to how teams lineup, one of the biggest being that the importance of an all-rounder will increase significantly. The Indian cricket board has already scrapped the rule in the domestic T20 competition, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The same could be followed in IPL 2025.
With the next mega auction predicted to take place before IPL 2028, teams will be looking at options who could possibly be among those who can be retained for the next few years. So players who are not expected to play a big role in the next few seasons could be released from the player pool.
An expensive non-performing player could be a huge burden on a team. Not only do they take up a significant chunk of the budget, but they also increase the pressure on themselves. There have been seldom players who have managed to withstand the pressure of getting crores of rupees and have still performed to their best ability. Teams will be looking at their big-money buys and will wonder if there is a cheap replacement available for them. Even if there is no like-for-like replacement for them, the same player could be bought for a lesser amount.
Chennai Super Kings, for the first time in their illustrious history, finished at the bottom of the points table. The five-time champions had a horrific season, and it was thanks to their performance at the auction table. In spite of buying back some of the most experienced players, CSK could not replicate their successful performances from previous years.
They made a few replacements during the middle of the season who came good at crucial junctures. Among these players were Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Urvil Patel. The three players are expected to be an integral part of the core team in the upcoming years. Apart from them, a few players will be expected to make their way out of the team.
Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the most decorated players in the Indian Premier League. The right-arm off-spinner returned to his home town and joined the Chennai Super Kings at a price of ₹9.75 crores. He could not live up to his potential and was pretty sub-par with his performances. In nine games in the season, Ashwin picked up only seven wickets. He failed to control the rate of scoring and went at a rate of 9.12 runs per over. He got four opportunities with the bat in hand but once again could not create much impact and scored only 33 runs. Ashwin’s age would also play a role in him being released from the squad. The veteran off-spinner will be 39 by the time the next season is here.
Devon Conway has been one of the key players in recent times for CSK. The left-handed batter has played out some memorable seasons for the men in yellow since his arrival in 2022. However, he could not replicate the same performance in 2025 and had a disappointing season. In six games, Conway could only score 156 runs. Given the mid-season signings of Urvil Patel and Ayush Mhatre, Conway will be among the five-six opening options. Among these players, there are a few Indians who will allow CSK to free up an overseas spot by going for three Indian batters at the top of the order. The Kiwi batter was bought for ₹6.25 crores and was their third-most expensive buy at the auction.
Rahul Tripathi was one of the worst players in IPL 2025. The right-handed batter was all at sea in each of the five games he played in the season. He never looked in touch, and it was evident in his performances. In five games, Tripathi scored only 55 runs at a strike rate of below 100. He hit only seven boundaries. Given the options CSK already has, Tripathi would not be able to justify his price of ₹3.40 crores.
Deepak Hooda, like Tripathi, was one of the worst-performing players for CSK. The 30-year-old's performance was the worst in the season. Not only did he average in single digits with the bat in hand, but his strike rate was only 75.60. In five innings, Hooda managed to score only 31 runs. With the ball in hand, he bowled a solitary over in the season and gave away 15 runs. It will be a miracle if the all-rounder is retained ahead of IPL 2026. Hooda was bought by the Super Kings for ₹1.70 crores, and releasing him could free up some money for vital buys in the next auction.
Vijay Shankar was slightly better than Tripathi and Hooda; however, he still could not find a regular place in the playing XII in each of the 14 league stage games. He played six games and scored 118 runs in five innings. Shankar averaged close to 40 with the bat in hand, but his strike rate of 129.67 was not much to write about. He did not bowl in the season and was dropped from the team midway through the season. He was bought by the five-time champions for ₹1.2 crores.
Gurjapneet Singh and Vansh Bedi were among the few players who did not play a single game for CSK this season. The former cost CSK ₹2.2 crores, while Bedi was bought for ₹55 lakhs. Gurjapneet’s high cost could result in his getting released. On the other hand, with the arrival of Urvil Patel, Bedi (wicketkeeper) might not be required. If MS Dhoni retires before the auction, then the 22-year-old might be retained as a backup wicketkeeper.
The inaugural champions, the Rajasthan Royals, after winning the title in 2008, are yet to taste any glory in the Indian Premier League. The 2025 season was no different as they finished in the ninth position in the points table. While the biggest positive came in the form of their teenage sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, there were a few players who did not live up to their price tag. Apart from some retentions and releases, the Royals might be in for a trade as well. News of skipper Sanju Samson, being traded to Chennai Super Kings, is doing the rounds.
Shimron Hetmyer is one of the finest players in the shortest format around the world. However, the left-handed batter could not bring out his best this season. He struggled to finish matches and was at the crease multiple times when RR failed to chase down small targets in death overs. In 14 games, Hetmyer scored 239 runs at an average of 21.72. He was at the crease when the Royals failed to chase nine runs in the last over against Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. He was again amid the action when the 2008 champions could not chase 18 runs in the last two overs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Hetmyer was retained for ₹11 crores by RR ahead of the mega auction. Given his poor performance in the season, the Royals could release him and maybe buy him back at a reduced price.
Nitish Rana has been one of the better Indian batters in the last few years without representing the country much. The left-handed batter has been a consistent run-scorer in the middle order since 2017. Barring the 2024 season, where he played only two games, Rana passed the 300-run mark every time. However, in IPL 2025, the 31-year-old could only end up scoring 217 runs. Even though he managed to strike at a rate of 161.94, the lack of consistency was a big issue, with an average of only 21.7. He was bought for ₹4.2 crores, and he might not find a regular place in the team. With Vaibhav Suryavanshi shining at the top of the order, Sanju Samson moved to number three and Riyan Parag to number four.
Tushar Deshpande was arguably the poorest bowler for the Royals. The right-arm pacer played 10 games with injuries, keeping him out of the team. He picked up nine wickets but was pretty expensive. Deshpande’s economy of 10.62 meant that he was ineffective with the ball in hand. He was unable to create any pressure, which would have allowed the bowlers from the opposite end to pick up some wickets. The 30-year-old was bought for ₹6.5 crores. With Akash Madhwal performing well in the last few games of the season, RR could very well release Deshpande and free up some funds.
There is a high amount of evidence that proves that Wanindu Hasaranga is not an all-rounder in the T20 setup, at least not in the IPL. Playing as a pure bowler, Hasaranga often fails to make a mark. The Sri Lankan spinner was not only ineffective with the ball but also occupied a vital overseas spot in the playing XII. The role of a spinner is possibly the one where there is no dearth of Indian options. RR has Kumar Kartikeya among their ranks, who could be used in a similar role, and it will free up an overseas spot as well. The Sri Lankan spinner was bought for ₹5.25 crores, and by releasing him, the Royals could use the money to buy an overseas pacer to partner up with Jofra Archer.
Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, and Yudhvir Singh were used as the third pacer often in the season. However, the three pacers could not make an impact in the matches played. Farooqi was wicketless in the five games he played. Maphaka, on the other hand, only picked up a solitary wicket in two games while going at an economy of 10.8. Yudhvir picked up four wickets in as many games but conceded close to 12 runs per over. There is a high chance that two of these three could be released ahead of IPL 2026.
Sanju Samson has been rumoured to join Chennai Super Kings via a trade. If Samson’s trade to CSK does go through, it will have a huge impact on both teams. While the Super Kings are desperate to get a new face for the franchise, with MS Dhoni possibly having played his last match for the five-time champions. For the Royals, Samson has been one of their best players in recent years and a consistent performer while leading the side as well. If the trade does take place, then RR could get a player or two or even some money in return.
The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, after winning in the previous season, put up one of the worst title defences in the history of the Indian Premier League. It did not help the three-time champions that the mega auction prevented them from retaining their core. However, releasing their skipper, Shreyas Iyer and making some more poor choices at the auction table resulted in them finishing in eighth position on the points table.
Venkatesh Iyer’s release could be the most obvious in the IPL. The left-handed batter was bought back in the mega auction for a whopping price of ₹23.75 crores. While it turned out to be a huge payday for the 30-year-old, the expensive price tag did take a toll on his performance. He recorded his worst season in the tournament in terms of run-scoring. He made only 142 runs at an average of 20.28 while striking at 139. The amount of money that KKR splurged on him prevented them from buying back players like Phil Salt and Mitchell Starc. Given KKR’s history of buying back their own players at the auction, it will not be a surprise to see if they attempt to buy back their vice-captain at a reduced price.
Anrich Nortje was bought by the Knight Riders to plug the gap left by the outgoing Mitchell Starc. The South African pacer arrived at the tournament having suffered an injury and was ruled out of the first few games. Even when he was fit enough to play a couple of games, the South African pacer was hardly on the money. He managed to pick up only one wicket in the season and was really expensive as well. Given that Nortje is one of those bowlers who is injury-prone and has been throughout their career, KKR might get rid of him and find another overseas pacer to lead the bowling attack. He was bought for ₹6.50 crores and managed to play only a couple of games.
Quinton de Kock has been one of South Africa’s gem cricketers who have bid their goodbye to international cricket in an attempt to make it big in the franchise circuit. The wicketkeeper batter scored only 152 runs while opening the innings, which included a knock of 97 against the Rajasthan Royals. He averaged only 21.71 while striking at a rate of almost 130. Barring his knock against the Royals, de Kock’s campaign was pretty ordinary. In a KKR setup filled with top-order batters, the South African was given the chance to open the innings, but he failed to make the most of it. With most of the KKR batters batting at a spot lower than their usual, de Kock’s release from the squad will not tinker with the combination as such. He was bought for ₹3.60 crores.
Spencer Johnson was a pretty like-for-like replacement of Mitchell Starc. He is a tall left-arm pacer from Australia; however, Johnson could not provide the same level of threat as Starc. In four games this season, he picked up a solitary wicket and conceded runs at an economy of 11.73 runs per over. His high economy meant that the pacer often could not complete his quota of four overs. He was bought for ₹2.80 crores.
Moeen Ali was one of the many all-rounders in the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025. However, his batting in the tournament rendered him a specialist bowler. In two innings, Ali could only manage to score five runs despite facing 14 balls. With the ball in hand, he picked up six wickets in five innings. Given that the KKR team already has Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy among their ranks, having another spinner does not make much sense. The 38-year-old is not getting any younger and might not feature for the three-time champions in 2026.
Manish Pandey has been one of the most recognizable faces in the Kolkata Knight Riders setup. The 35-year-old has played out some crucial knocks, none more so than his 94 against Kings XI Punjab in the IPL 2014 Final. However, given that the game is moving at a rapid pace, Pandey does not fit into the scheme of things in terms of modern T20 batting. In the last two seasons, the right-handed batter has scored 134 runs in four innings, striking below 140. Given that KKR already has multiple batters to fit in the top order, Pandey’s batting ability is not of great importance for the three-time champions.
Lucknow Super Giants were quickly off the mark in the season, having won five of their first eight games. However, the lack of bowling depth came to the fore in the later stages of the tournament. Their Indian bowling attack, in spite of a fantastic performance by Digvesh Rathi throughout the season, looked toothless. The failure of their big-money buy of Rishabh Pant did not help either. After finishing seventh on the points table, LSG would be looking to make some replacements.
Rishabh Pant might be the only skipper who could be released into the auction pool. The left-handed batter created history at the auction table after the Super Giants nought him for a whopping ₹27 crores. Pant became the most expensive player in the IPL. Barring a century in their last game, Pant had a disappointing season. He scored only 269 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.45. His average drops down to 13.7 without the century against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The pressure of being the most expensive player, along with captaining the side, possibly got to Pant. The Super Giants could possibly release him and buy him back at a reduced price.
Mayank Yadav created a storm with his searing pace in the previous season. The right-arm seamer bowled some of the fastest balls in IPL 2024 and was therefore fast-tracked into the national side. However, coming to the 18th season on the back of an injury, Mayank was not as threatening as he was the previous year. In the two games he played this season, he was neither as quick as the previous nor was he accurate with his lines and lengths. He conceded 100 runs in eight overs he bowled and managed to pick up only a couple of wickets. He was retained for ₹11 crores by LSG. He could be released in the auction player and be bought back for a reduced price.
Ravi Bishnoi was expected to lead the bowling attack for the team. However, the leg-spinner did not pose much threat to the batters even on surfaces where Digvesh Rathi was having a field day. In 11 games in the season, the 24-year-old managed to pick up only nine wickets and conceded runs at an economy of 10.83. It was the first time that his economy went beyond nine runs per over in a season of the IPL. Bishnoi’s lack of wicket-taking abilities meant that the opposition batters at no stage were threatened and continued to play their shots. He was retained like Mayank for ₹11 crores. With Digvesh emerging as a prominent spin bowler, Bishnoi could be looked at as a second spinner and possibly be bought for a lesser price.
A complete revamp of the bowling attack will be the need of the hour as the Super Giants could possibly look to release Akash Deep. The right-arm pacer was bought for ₹8 crores, and much like their other pacers, he was injured right before the tournament. He joined the squad halfway through the tournament and played six games. In those games, the 28-year-old could only get three wickets to his name. He was not successful in containing the flow of runs as well and had an economy of slightly more than 12 runs per over. Instead of buying him back at a cheaper cost, LSG should look at possibly replacing him with an overseas pacer who could lead the attack.
David Miller has been one of the consistent faces in the Indian Premier League for more than a decade. The South African batter is known for his hard-hitting abilities and strike rate. However, he had one of his worst seasons with the Super Giants in IPL 2025. In spite of getting some great starts from the top-order batters, Miller lacked the ability to finish innings consistently. He scored 153 runs in 11 innings, but his strike rate of 127.5 proved to be inconsequential. The 36-year-old was bought for ₹7.50 crores at the auction, but could not justify his price tag with the performances he put in.
Sunrisers Hyderabad was the most disappointing team in the season. After the auctions, many would have had the Orange Army finish in the top four, and everyone was left shocked when they managed to win only three of their first 11 games. Having endured some tough results with such a strong squad begs the question whether a wholesale change in personnel is required. It was their bowling that, on some occasions, allowed the opposition to get away.
Mohammed Shami’s rustiness in the T20 format was pretty evident as he was far from his best in the nine games he played this season. The right-arm pacer missed the previous season after being out with an injury. Shami was ineffective with the new ball, even when other bowlers managed to swing for long periods of time. He picked up only six wickets before he was dropped from the team. The 34-year-old was also pretty expensive and had an economy of more than 11 runs per over. He was bought for ₹10 crores and was SRH’s second-most expensive purchase in the auction. He could be replaced in the team by a younger option who could be looked at as a future prospect for much less money.
The only missing piece from SRH’s team that reached the finals in IPL 2024 looked like a spinner. It was expected that Rahul Chahar would fill that role when he was bought ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, it might have been his performances leading up to the tournament or in the practice sessions that prevented the Pat Cummins-led side from picking him in games. The leg-spinner played only a solitary game against his former team, the Mumbai Indians. In that game, Chahar bowled a solitary over and gave away nine runs. The lack of game time could be an issue for the spinner as well, and he could ask the coaching staff to be released. He was bought for ₹3.2 crores and could be released to generate some funds to pick a fast bowler.
It was a season of what-ifs for the Delhi Capitals. After winning five of their first six games, everyone had them as the favourites to qualify for the playoffs. However, what followed was a disastrous run of form in the second half of the tournament. They managed only five points from their next eight games and finished outside the playoffs.
After having an incredible time during his first season in the Indian Premier League, Jake Fraser-McGurk could not repeat the same level of performance in IPL 2025. It has been a tough time for the young Australian batter around the world as he struggled to string together good scores. His poor form continued in the IPL as he scored only 55 runs in six games at an average of 9.16. He struck at a rate of close to run-a-ball and managed a high score of only 38 before he was dropped. DC used their RTM card on McGurk and purchased him for ₹9 crores. He could be released and brought back depending on his form leading up to the tournament. There are several overseas opening batters who could be a replacement for him on the side.
Like JFM, Mukesh Kumar was bought back by the Delhi Capitals using their RTM card. In spite of being regularly in the playing XI, the 31-year-old pacer could not manage to create much impact. He picked up 12 wickets in as many games during the season. His economy, like in the past couple of years, remained on the expensive side as he conceded runs at a rate of 10.32 runs per over. He was bought for ₹8 crores and did not live up to the high price tag. If Natarajan is fit, then the DC pace attack will look after itself quite nicely. Otherwise, they can attempt to either buy Mukesh at a lower price or go for a young Indian pacer.
Harry Brook’s release is as obvious as it could get. The English batter has been banned by the BCCI from entering the auction for the next two years. Brook has twice been guilty of being bought and not turning up to play in the IPL. Interestingly, on both occasions, it has been the Delhi Capitals who have faced the brunt of his unprofessional behaviour. The right-handed batter was bought for ₹6.25 crores but did not turn up to play the tournament, citing personal reasons. It was a huge loss for DC as they would have liked to have him in the middle-order, which would have allowed KL Rahul to open the innings.
If not for how they ended their season, the Gujarat Titans would have finished much higher. Having the best chance to make it into the top two after 12 games, the Shubman Gill-led side went on to lose their last two games in the league stage. They finished third on the points table and crashed out after losing the Eliminator against the Mumbai Indians. It was a pretty decent campaign for the team, and there might not be too many changes on the side.
Karim Janat made his debut in the Indian Premier League, and it was possibly the worst debut anyone could have ever made. The bowling all-rounder did not get a chance to bat in the only game he played. When he got the opportunity to bowl, Janat gave away 30 runs in the only over he bowled as he was clattered to different parts of the ground by Vaibhav Suryavanshi. In spite of having played only a single game in the season, Janat could be shown the way out for his timid bowling performance. The right-arm medium pacer was bought for ₹75 lakhs by the Titans.
No Indian bowler has had the longevity similar to that of Ishant Sharma in the recent past. The right-arm pacer is the only bowler who played the first season in 2008 and the 18th season in 2025. However, it was a disappointing time for the veteran pacer as he played seven games in the season. The 36-year-old picked up four wickets in the tournament and lacked any threat with his pace. He was pretty expensive and had an economy of 11.18 runs per over. Ishant was bought for ₹75 lakhs and could be released by the Titans, given that he will turn 37 before the next auction.
Jayant Yadav, in the last few years, has been a sort of player-coach for the Gujarat Titans. The right-arm off-spinner has played only a single game since IPL 2023. In spite of being with the Titans for three years, Jayant has not managed to find a place in the playing XII. However, on the sidelines, he has been in the ears of the players, giving them valuable advice throughout. There is a possibility that he will be released ahead of the next season’s auction and retained as the coach of the team. He was bought for ₹75 lakhs by the Titans.
It was a usual season for the Mumbai Indians as they started their campaign slowly. The five-time champions won only a single game. But winning seven of their remaining nine games allowed the Hardik Pandya-led side to make it into the playoffs. After winning the Eliminator, they crashed out after losing to Punjab Kings in the second qualifier.
Lizaad Williams suffered an injury right before the tournament began. He was replaced by Corbin Bosch in the season. Bosch impressed in the limited games he played in all three facets of the game. On the other hand, Williams has failed to impress in the games he has played for South Africa or in other top leagues. It will be much easier for the Mumbai Indians to release him as they have enough assets in their pace battery. Williams was bought for his base price of ₹75 lakhs.
Reece Topley was among the long list of fast bowlers in the MI team. Topley has blown hot and cold over the years, even with the English team. The left-arm pacer’s growth in the International circuit has been hampered by injuries. In a MI squad where Trent Boult and Ashwani Kumar have emerged as prominent left-arm pacers, Topley is not required as much. The English pacer played a solitary game in the season and bowled three wicketless overs, going for 40 runs. The 31-year-old was bought for ₹75 lakhs.
Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka joined the MI squad as temporary replacements before the IPL 2025 playoffs. Among the three players, Bairstow played a couple of games and made some handy contributions, including a 47 against GT in the Eliminator. However, the IPL rule states that, given that they were signed as temporary replacements, they can not be retained by the franchise.
It is seldom that the Punjab Kings or the Kings XI Punjab, as it was called earlier, looks settled before heading into an auction. It was a rare season for the team as they made their first appearance in the playoffs after 11 years. They reached the finals before losing to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Glenn Maxwell has blown hot and cold, and it is no surprise that the Australian all-rounder has failed to bring his best to the Indian Premier League in the last couple of seasons. In seven games this season, Maxwell managed to score only 48 runs. He could not get going and struggled with a strike rate of only 97.95. With the ball in hand, Maxwell was slightly better as he claimed four wickets while going at an economy of 8.46 runs per over. It has been like an open-book secret that Maxwell has struggled to maintain the right attitude in the IPL. With a price tag of ₹4.2 crores, it would be better for the Kings to release him and get some money in their pockets before the auction.
Yash Thakur has been an expensive bowler in the last two seasons of the IPL. The right-arm pacer played a couple of games this season and only picked up a single wicket. Not only did he lack the ability to take wickets regularly, but Thakur was also highly expensive in his spells. He conceded 79 runs in the tournament at an economy of more than 12 runs per over. Even in 2024 with LSG, Thakur failed to control the flow of runs, in spite of picking up a five-wicket haul. He was bought by PBKS for ₹1.60 crores but did not live up to his potential. He could be released, given that there are multiple options within the team who could replace the 26-year-old.
Vishnu Vinod, like Yash Thakur, is one of those players who are not needed in the team. The wicketkeeper batter did not feature in any of the games, and youngsters like Suryansh Shedge and Musheer Khan, playing their first season, were preferred over him. Heading into the tournament, Vinod was in disastrous form and managed six single-digit scores in as many games for Kerala. He was bought by the runner-up for ₹95 lakhs and could be shown the door before the next season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their 18-year-long wait for winning an IPL title. It was a joyous time for the franchise, which was possibly marred by the aftermath and loss of lives of innocent citizens during the celebration stampede in Bengaluru. On the field, it was almost a near-perfect performance from the team as they became the first team to win every away game. The only game they lost outside Chinnaswamy Stadium was held at a neutral venue against SRH in Lucknow.
Liam Livingstone was part of the team that won the final in Ahmedabad against the Punjab Kings. However, the English all-rounder, after being bought for ₹8.75 crores, failed to make an impression. With the bat in hand, in eight innings, Livingstone scored only 112 runs, averaging only 16. He scored a solitary fifty, and a strike rate of 133.3 was pretty mediocre considering that he bats in the lower-middle-order. In five innings, which he bowled, the 31-year-old could only pick up two wickets. Given that Tim David and Romario Shepherd were great in the same role, Livingstone could be released and might be bought again at a lower price, given that he could be a backup for the two overseas all-rounder.
Rasikh Salam played a couple of games in IPL 2025 but could not make a mark. The right-arm pacer played the opening game with Bhuvneshwar Kumar injured against the Kolkata Knight Riders. He picked up a wicket in the game but went for 35 runs in three overs. 10 days later, in his second and last game of the season, Rasikh once again conceded 35 in three overs without picking up a wicket. The 25-year-old was bought by the eventual champions for ₹6 crores, and he could possibly be bought back for a lesser amount if need be.
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