CSK, RCB, Punjab Kings, LSG release BIG BUYS before IPL 2026 Auction

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are making bold moves ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, as they have decided to part ways with their New Zealand batters Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Both players had high expectations but failed to deliver during IPL 2025, where CSK struggled and ended the season at the bottom with only four wins.

Devon Conway, who was signed by CSK for INR 6.25 crore last year, managed just 156 runs at a strike rate of 131.09. On the other hand, Rachin Ravindra was retained by the franchise via the right-to-match card for INR 4 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, but he also disappointed the side, scoring only 191 runs at a strike rate of 128.18.

Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra were shown the door by CSK

Their inconsistent performances in a season where CSK needed stability at the top of the order forced the CSK team management to rethink their strategy ahead of the next season. Now, the CSK is determined to build a fresh top order with these promising youngsters.

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South African sensation Dewald Brevis and uncapped Indian batters Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel, who joined CSK late last season, are being groomed for the IPL 2026.

Read Also: After Sanju Samson, CSK acquire Glenn Maxwell in a blockbuster IPL trade

Notably, Conway had been a CSK mainstay since 2022 and had played a key role in their IPL 2023 title triumph. On the other hand, Ravindra joined in 2024 and has played 18 games for them so far, and scored 413 runs.

RCB to release Liam Livingstone

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are planning to release England all-rounder Liam Livingstone ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Last season, Livingstone struggled and could manage only 112 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 133.33, taking just two wickets in nine overs.

The Englishman managed only one half-century, falling short of expectations for his high price of INR 8.75 crore. And then, RCB already has strong finishing options in Australian power hitter Tim David and West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd. These things went against Livingstone.

Glenn Maxwell dropped as PBKS set for massive overhaul

Speaking about Punjab Kings (PBKS), the runners-up of the last season will also make big changes in their squad, with at least seven players likely to be released ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The biggest name is Glenn Maxwell, who was bought for INR 4.2 crore last year.

The Australian all-rounder had a tough season, scoring only 48 runs in six innings and taking only four wickets in seven games before suffering a fractured finger. Later, Mitchell Owen replaced Maxwell mid-season and is expected to be retained at his base price of INR 3 crore.

Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah reveals he was kept in dark about Washington Sundar’s promotion to No.3 in Tests

The PBKS is likely to release Aaron Hardie, Kyle Jamieson, Kuldeep Sen, Praveen Dubey, and Vishnu Vinod, among others. Jamieson came in as a replacement for injured Lockie Ferguson and took five wickets in four matches. Dubey played only one game, while Hardie, Sen, and Vinod did not get a single game in the last edition of the tournament.

No takers for Ravi Bishnoi as LSG finalise 2026 retentions

Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have decided to retain their strong core for the IPL 2026. However, the LSG are set to release leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, South African batter David Miller, and Indian fast bowler Akash Deep after their poor performances in the last season.

It is being said that Bishnoi was offered as a trade option to several teams, but no franchise showed interest. Well, LSG will retain their captain, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Ayush Badoni.

Among the bowlers, mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi, who became LSG’s highest wicket-taker in his debut IPL, will also be retained by the franchise.

India pacer Avesh Khan and uncapped talents like left-arm pacers Mohsin Khan, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, and M Siddharth, as well as the uncapped batters Abdul Samad and Himmat Singh, along with India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed, are also part of the LSG’s retention list.