IPL Retentions and Trades Set for 2026 Season

As the Indian Premier League's retention window closed on November 15, 2025, franchises across the league unveiled their core squads for the 2026 season, setting the stage for a high-stakes mega auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. The moves included blockbuster trades, hefty retentions of star players, and several notable releases, signaling strategic rebuilds and transitions for multiple teams ahead of the tournament's return to a full 10-team format.

In one of the most surprising developments, Rajasthan Royals' long-time captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was traded to Chennai Super Kings for 18 crore rupees, ending his 13-year association with the Jaipur-based franchise. Samson, who joined Royals in 2013 and led them to the playoffs in recent seasons, expressed enthusiasm about the move in a video posted by CSK on Instagram. "I have been waiting for this day. And I'm very fortunate that I'm going to wear the yellow jersey," he said, adding, "I felt like a champion." The deal also facilitated Ravindra Jadeja's return to Royals after 12 years with CSK, where he played over 250 matches. Jadeja's retention fee was adjusted from 18 crore to 14 crore, a adjustment that...