The buzz around the Indian Premier League (IPL) will increase as it approaches. The IPL 2026 mini auction is all set to happen in December 2025, and franchises have already started carefully reviewing their budget and performance in the last edition. The retention deadline is set for November 15; we might have some big names who carry massive price tags in IPL 2025.
Despite their high salaries, the performance due to poor form or recurring injuries will put them on the list of possible releases, as franchises don’t need liabilities; they need match winners who can lift the trophy for them. Due to the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, some of the players got overpaid just because they had a name.
Venkatesh Iyer – Kolkata Knight Riders (Rs. 23.75 crore)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KRR) bought Venkatesh Iyer at a massive price of Rs. 23.75 crore in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. But Venkatesh Iyer’s performance in the last season did not match his price tag. He played 11 matches in the IPL 2025 and was able to score only 142 runs at a strike rate of 149.22.
KKR will be looking to add a youngster or an experienced player who can consistently perform for the team. KKR finished in 8th position in the last edition, so they will be seriously looking at Iyer’s price tag and past performances. The chances are very high that he will be released by the franchise.
Yuzvendra Chahal – Punjab Kings (Rs. 18 crore)
In recent years, Yuzvendra Chahal was released and purchased by many franchises; however, the Punjab Kings might release him due to the high price tag and decent performance. Teams expect more from players like Chahal, and since many quality youngsters are coming these days, the franchise will release him.
T. Natarajan – Delhi Capitals (Rs. 10.75)
Delhi Capitals bought T Natarajan for Rs. 10.75 crore, but he played only 1 match in the IPL 2025 and missed the season due to injury. Natarajan has been decent but inconsistent; his economy rate is too high, hovering around 9-10, which is costly for the death over specialist. Therefore, DC will be looking to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 Mini Auction.
Mayank Agarwal – Punjab Kings (Rs. 8.25)
Mayank Agarwal traveled to lots of franchises in the past few editions due to inconsistent performance and slot fill-up. Mayank played only four games in the IPL 2025 for PBKS and scored 945 runs at a strike rate of 148.44. With such a price tag, the PBKS team management will be looking to release him to take some young or experienced player who can perform consistently.
Mayank Yadav – Lucknow Super Giants (Rs. 11.00 crore)
Mayank Yadav is known for his high pace bowling and wicket-taking abilities. With such a high price tag, his position in the team will always be compared with the performance. But the injury is a massive concern for him in the recent times. Mayank played only two games in the IPL 2025 and took two wickets with an economy rate of 12.50. So, LSG is expected to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction.
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