Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Replacement: Mayank Agarwal for Devdutt Padikkal
Agarwal scored 95 runs in 4 matches, providing stability at the top. However, with Padikkal returning and both being similar players, RCB may choose to retain only one.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Replacements: Ayush Mhatre (for Ruturaj Gaikwad), Dewald Brevis (for Gurjapneet Singh), Urvil Patel (for Vansh Bedi)
Ayush Mhatre impressed with 240 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 188.97. Brevis added 225 runs in 6 games, while Patel contributed 68 runs in 3 matches with explosive hitting. All three have strong retention chances due to their impactful performances.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Replacement: Shardul Thakur (for Mohsin Khan)
Thakur took 13 wickets in 10 matches, providing balance to LSG’s bowling attack. His performances and reasonable price make him almost certain to be retained.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Replacements: Corbin Bosch (for Lizaad Williams), Raghu Sharma (for Vignesh Puthur), Mujeeb-ur-Rahman (for Allah Ghazanfar)
Bosch stood out with all-round contributions and is likely to be retained. Raghu Sharma didn’t play, and Mujeeb featured in only one match, so MI may release both.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Replacement: Mitchell Owen (for Glenn Maxwell)
Owen played one match but has good T20I stats. With Maxwell struggling for form, PBKS could retain Owen over the veteran all-rounder.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Replacement: Chetan Sakariya (for Umran Malik)
Sakariya played just one match. Considering both he and Malik struggled with injuries and form, KKR may release both.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Replacement: Dasun Shanaka (for Glenn Phillips)
Shanaka didn’t play any match, so GT might prefer to retain Phillips for 2026.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Replacements: Harsh Dubey, Wiaan Mulder
Dubey impressed with 5 wickets in his debut IPL season, including a three-wicket haul. Mulder played one match but offers all-round depth. Both have retention potential.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Replacement: Sediqullah Atal (for Harry Brook)
Atal scored 22 runs in one match. With DC’s strong top order, retention seems unlikely.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Replacements: Lhuan-Dre Pretorius (for Nitish Rana), Nandre Burger (for Sandeep Sharma)
Pretorius showed promise and could serve as a young backup, while Burger impressed with his pace and swing, making him likely to be retained.
As franchises gear up for IPL 2026, these replacement players may continue to play key roles, with performances in 2025 shaping retention and auction strategies.
