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The IPL retention deadline is always a crazy day. Teams have to make tough, cold-blooded choices; it’s never easy saying goodbye to big names, especially when you need to save money for the next auction. This year, the axe is expected to fall on some seriously surprising players. We’re talking about proven match-winners whose recent poor performance or simply their massive salary might just cost them their spot. The silence before the storm is deafening.

Also Read: Matthew Hayden backs MI to release Boult, Chahar ahead of IPL 2026

Here are ten shocking names likely to be shown the door on IPL 2026 Retention Day, all thanks to underperformance, injuries, or teams desperately needing to rebuild their bank balance ahead of the Mini-Auction.

10 shocking names that will definitely get the Axe on IPL 2026 Retention Day

1. Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders)

KKR splashed a massive ₹23.75 Crore on Iyer, making him one of the most expensive players. Sadly, the huge cost hasn’t been matched by performance. Managing just 142 runs in 11 IPL matches, the franchise is likely to release him to recover a giant sum of money and reset their auction strategy.

2. Glenn Maxwell (Punjab Kings)

This is the headline shocker. Maxwell is pure gold on his day, but his form has become too unpredictable. His salary is huge (let’s guess around ₹12 Crore), and Punjab Kings, the runners-up in the recent IPL, might make the harsh, purse-strengthening decision to cut him loose. They need a more consistent overseas player for that price tag.

3. Mohammed Shami (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

The veteran pacer failed to deliver after SRH went all out for him, spending ₹10 Crore. With only 6 wickets in 9 games at a poor average, he simply didn’t justify the investment. SRH needs a reliable leader in their bowling attack and will look to reinvest this money immediately ahead of the 2026 IPL.

4. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants)

Mayank’s lightning speed is thrilling, but injuries have ruined his career progression. Retained for ₹11 Crore, he barely played last season (only 2 games). LSG cannot afford to block such a high amount of money on a player whose fitness is still a major question mark.

5. Deepak Chahar (Mumbai Indians)

Chahar was meant to be MI’s swing king, signed for ₹9.25 Crore. However, recurring injuries and expensive spells at the death have made him a liability. His modest return of 11 wickets in 14 IPL matches is simply not good enough for that price, forcing MI to find a cheaper option.

6. Liam Livingstone (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Another high-priced overseas talent whose returns fell flat. Livingstone only scored 112 runs in 10 games for his ₹8.75 Crore price. RCB needs to strengthen their purse and will likely part ways with the powerful Englishman after a very disappointing season.

7. Anrich Nortje (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for ₹6.5 Crore, but the South African quick was constantly struggling with injuries. He featured in just 2 matches and failed to make any impact. KKR must release him to find a more reliable, fit overseas pacer.

8. Jake Fraser-McGurk (Delhi Capitals)

Delhi Capitals spent ₹9 Crore on him, but the young Australian completely failed to impress. Scoring just 55 runs in 6 IPL matches at an average of 9.17, he didn't solve DC's opening struggles. He will likely be released as the team hunts for a more stable option.

9. Devon Conway (Chennai Super Kings)

While Conway had been consistent in the past IPL seasons, concerns over his slow scoring rate in the modern T20 game emerged last season. His 156 runs in 6 games didn't quite cut it. CSK, always looking to stay ahead, might release the ₹6.25 Crore batsman as they already have Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top. And with Sanju Samson rumoured to join, Devon Conway is surplus ready to be sold for CSK.

10. Maheesh Theekshana (Rajasthan Royals)

Theekshana performed decently, taking 11 wickets in IPL 2025, but with other spin options already on the squad, he may be deemed surplus to requirements. RR needs to free up an overseas slot and cash, making this reliable spinner an unlucky sacrifice for the sake of team balance. And the rumoured addition of Ravindra Jadeja makes this an easy choice.