IPL 2026 updates: Who will stay and who will leave?

The retention clock is ticking, and surely, fans are already on the edge of their seats just thinking about which players will still be on the IPL field next year. 

Teams are juggling straps of contracts, player loyalties, and fresh strategies. Two developments have immediately changed the map: Kane Williamson has been named strategic advisor for Lucknow Super Giants, and R. Ashwin has announced his IPL retirement.

On top of that, talk swirls around how franchises will treat their star pillars like Virat Kohli. This article lays out who’s almost certainly staying, who’s at risk, and which surprises might emerge.

Big moves that shift the game: Kane Williamson to LSG backroom role

Williamson’s new role with Lucknow signals that his playing days in the IPL are likely over. The team’s owner called him someone whose “leadership, strategic insight, deep understanding of the game, and ability to inspire players make him an invaluable addition.” 

Williamson said, “I’m really excited to join LSG. They have a hugely talented squad and a great group of coaches.” His transition suggests LSG will free up his roster spot rather than retain him as a playing asset.

Ashwin bids bye to IPL

Ashwin confirmed in August 2025 that his IPL journey is done, though he may still pick up contracts in other franchise leagues. He said, “They say every ending will have a new start … my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today.”

Over 221 matches, he took 187 wickets and stood among the top five wicket-takers in IPL history. For Chennai Super Kings, his absence will leave both an on-field vacancy and a leadership void. It will be interesting to see how CSK will fill that during the upcoming IPL auctions.

Kohli’s future: Anchor or question mark?

Virat Kohli was again retained by RCB for ₹21 crore ahead of the 2025 season, drawing attention and expectation.

He also vowed to chase that elusive trophy in the upcoming cycle. Meanwhile, head coach Andy Flower remarked, “Virat’s retention won’t come as much of a surprise … He is and will be key to RCB’s success in the future.” Despite whispers about commercial contract issues and rumors of retirement, many insiders still see Kohli staying put.

Kohli’s role in the 2025 season cemented his value. He led RCB to their first-ever title, finishing the season as their top run‐scorer.

In the final, he dedicated the win not only to the fans but to his former teammates AB de Villiers and Universe Boss and former 10CRIC ambassador Chris Gayle, saying, “The title is honestly as much theirs as it’s mine.” That emotional pull and his legacy make him a strong retention bet despite speculation.

Who’s almost guaranteed to stay

Here are the players who many are expecting to see in the next IPL season:

• Virat Kohli:  His pull, batting consistency, leadership, and newly earned trophy status make him central to RCB’s identity. RCB will most likely keep him until he retires from the IPL.

• Rajat Patidar: Promoted as captain, he’s now part of their core around which RCB may build forward.

• Key Indian all-rounders or domestic mainstays whose recent seasons showed consistency.

• Young breakout stars or those with breakout season potential (e.g. players who showed up late but left an impact) are strong bets to survive retention cuts.

Meanwhile, here are the at-risk players & likely exits:

• Kane Williamson – We already see him in a non‐playing role; retention as a player is nearly impossible.

• R. Ashwin – His official IPL exit seals his departure.

• Overseas veterans whose recent seasons lacked impact may be let go.

• Senior players who suffered dips in form, injury layoffs, or whose salaries may crowd out team flexibility.

Team snapshots & likely moves

• Lucknow Super Giants will likely clear older names to rebuild around young guns and strategic thinkers. Williamson’s advisory role provides room to reshape the core.

• Chennai Super Kings must decide how to fill the spin and experience gap left by Ashwin. They might lean on youth or sign new spinners, but nurturing talent internally seems likely.

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru — Kohli’s retention is almost a given, though how much they rebuild around him will be interesting to see.

• Other franchises like Mumbai and Delhi are expected to juggle their senior packs, keeping top performers but releasing underperformers and making space for fresh legs.

The bigger picture

The 2026 Mega Auction for the Indian Premier League is where every franchise gets to reveal its strategies. Some may double down on loyalty, while others might gamble on young talent. A few might even reset their teams entirely. The Mega Auction will likely happen on December 15, but nothing official has been announced yet. 

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