The excitement for TATA IPL 2026 is higher than ever as the player retention window officially closed on 15 November 2025. All 10 franchises have confirmed their retained players, released names, trades, and financial status heading into the IPL 2026 mini auction on 16 December 2025 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.
This year’s retention period delivered historic trades, bold releases, and fresh squad reshuffles, giving fans plenty to look forward to. Teams have now revealed their total purse remaining, available slots, and auction strategy, setting the stage for one of the most competitive mini-auctions in IPL history.
IPL 2026 Team-Wise Purse Remaining & Squad Overview (Official)
The IPL has officially confirmed that:
- 173 players retained across 10 teams
- 49 overseas players retained
- 77 vacant slots available at auction
- Teams have a combined purse of ₹237.55 crore
Below is the complete franchise-wise table:
IPL 2026 Purse Remaining – Full Table
| Franchise | Squad Size | Overseas | Total Spent (₹ Cr) | Purse Remaining (₹ Cr) | Slots Left | Overseas Slots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSK | 16 | 4 | 81.6 | 43.4 | 9 | 4 |
| DC | 17 | 3 | 103.2 | 21.8 | 8 | 5 |
| GT | 20 | 4 | 112.1 | 12.9 | 5 | 4 |
| KKR | 12 | 2 | 60.7 | 64.3 | 13 | 6 |
| LSG | 19 | 4 | 102.05 | 22.95 | 6 | 4 |
| MI | 20 | 7 | 122.25 | 2.75 | 5 | 1 |
| PBKS | 21 | 6 | 113.5 | 11.5 | 4 | 2 |
| RCB | 17 | 6 | 108.6 | 16.4 | 8 | 2 |
| RR | 16 | 7 | 108.95 | 16.05 | 9 | 1 |
| SRH | 15 | 6 | 99.5 | 25.5 | 10 | 2 |
Which Team Has the Highest Purse for IPL 2026 Auction?
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – ₹64.3 crore
KKR has the biggest purse heading into the IPL 2026 auction with ₹64.3 crore and 13 slots available. This gives them massive flexibility to rebuild their squad with fresh signings and overseas match-winners.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – ₹43.4 crore
CSK has the second-highest purse, enabling them to target finishers, death bowlers, and backup openers.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – ₹25.5 crore
SRH, with 10 available slots, is expected to be very active in the upcoming auction.
Teams With the Lowest Purse for IPL 2026 Auction
Mumbai Indians (MI) – Only ₹2.75 crore left
MI has the lowest purse, meaning their auction strategy will revolve around bargain buys and uncapped talent.
PBKS & GT – Minimal flexibility
- PBKS: ₹11.5 crore
- GT: ₹12.9 crore
Both have retained large squads and have very limited spending power.
Team-by-Team Insights & Auction Strategy for IPL 2026
Below is a simple, clean overview of each team’s direction based solely on the data you provided.
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Purse: ₹43.4 Cr | Slots: 9
CSK has entered a major transition phase. With big releases and fresh trades, they are expected to target:
- Death-over specialists
- Power-hitters
- Overseas all-round options
3. Delhi Capitals (DC) – Purse: ₹21.8 Cr | Slots: 8
DC has retained key players including Axar Patel and KL Rahul but released expensive underperformers. With a decent purse, they will target:
- Lower middle-order hitters
- A world-class pacer to support Mukesh & Natarajan
3. Gujarat Titans (GT) – Purse: ₹12.9 Cr | Slots: 5
GT retained a large squad and now have limited purse. Their auction focus:
- Backups for middle-order
- Overseas pace support for Rabada
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Purse: ₹64.3 Cr | Slots: 13
KKR is ready for a full rebuild—with only 12 retained players and the largest purse. Likely targets:
- Openers
- Two overseas all-rounders
- A strike bowler
5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – Purse: ₹22.95 Cr | Slots: 6
LSG made some bold moves including trading in Arjun Tendulkar and Mohammed Shami. They will focus on:
- Reliable finishers
- A fast-bowling all-rounder
6. Mumbai Indians (MI) – Purse: ₹2.75 Cr | Slots: 5
MI has already made big moves:
- Traded in Sherfane Rutherford
- Retained several overseas stars
Because of the tiny purse, MI will aim for budget signings only.
7. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Purse: ₹11.5 Cr | Slots: 4
PBKS retained the most players (21) among all teams. Their auction strategy:
- Specialist finisher
- Backup Indian pacer
8. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Purse: ₹16.05 Cr | Slots: 9
RR had one of the biggest trade deals of IPL history:
- Sanju Samson to CSK
- Jadeja & Sam Curran to RR
Their strategy:
- Middle-order rebuild
- Indian pace depth
Read more: Who Is the Owner of RCB in IPL 2026?
9. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Purse: ₹16.4 Cr | Slots: 8
RCB retained a stable, title-winning core. They will now aim for:
- Death bowlers
- Young Indian all-rounders
10. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Purse: ₹25.5 Cr | Slots: 10
SRH retained Heinrich Klaasen and Travis Head but released many big names earlier.
Their focus:
- Middle-order stability
- Domestic batters
- Spin backups
Read more: IPL 2026 Released Players List
Final Overview: IPL 2026 Auction Will Be One of the Biggest Yet
With strong purse imbalances, major trades, and shocking releases this year, the IPL 2026 mini-auction is set to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
- KKR could dominate the auction with ₹64.3 crore
- MI, with only ₹2.75 crore, will need smart strategy
- PBKS (21 players) and GT (20 players) have almost completed squads
- SRH & CSK will aggressively fill their slots
Fans can expect fierce bidding wars, surprise picks, and dramatic reshaping of squads ahead of IPL 2026.
