The IPL 2026 retention deadline brought expected moves alongside several head-scratching decisions. While most retentions were on expected lines, a few raised eyebrows – including ever-injured Umran Malik by KKR, Mayank Yadav by LSG for ₹14 crore, and Yuzvendra Chahal for ₹18 crore. Let’s break down the most controversial retention calls that have fans and experts questioning franchise strategies.
Table of Contents
Most Surprising IPL 2026 Retentions
| Team | Player | Price | Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| RR | Shimron Hetmyer | ₹11 Crore | Two mediocre seasons |
| KKR | Umran Malik | ₹75 Lakh | Persistent injuries |
| LSG | Mayank Yadav | ₹14 Crore | Fitness uncertainty |
| PBKS | Yuzvendra Chahal | ₹18 Crore | Declining form |
| DC | T Natarajan | ₹10.75 Crore | Limited game time |
| GT | Jayant Yadav | ₹75 Lakh | Only 1 match in 3 years |
Rajasthan Royals: Hetmyer Gamble Continues
Shimron Hetmyer scored just 239 runs in 14 matches at an average of 21 in IPL 2025, while managing only 113 runs in 12 games during 2024. Despite two consecutive underwhelming seasons, RR retained the West Indian power-hitter at ₹11 crore, banking on his explosive potential rather than recent returns.
KKR’s Injury-Prone Retention
Kolkata Knight Riders retained Umran Malik for ₹75 lakh despite him missing the entire 2025 season and playing just one match in 2024. While the price tag isn’t steep, the persistent injury concerns raise questions about his availability and match-readiness for IPL 2026. With no guarantees on fitness or form, this retention appears optimistic at best.
Lucknow’s Expensive Leap of Faith
The biggest surprise came from Lucknow Super Giants. After impressing in 2024, Mayank Yadav couldn’t play in 2025, and with no clarity on his fitness for IPL 2026, LSG’s ₹14 crore retention is a massive punt. The management’s faith in the speedster represents one of the tournament’s riskiest retention calls.
Punjab’s Chahal Conundrum
Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 16 wickets but posted his worst-ever IPL economy rate of 9.55 in 2025. For a strike bowler commanding ₹18 crore, such numbers signal declining effectiveness. PBKS’s decision to retain him at this price raises questions about value for money.
Gujarat’s Puzzling Choices
Gujarat Titans made two questionable calls. Jayant Yadav has played just one match in three seasons since IPL 2023, while Rahul Tewatia scored only 99 runs in 15 matches and hasn’t bowled since the 2024 IPL. Both retentions lack clear justification based on recent contributions.
Delhi’s Costly Backup
T Natarajan played only two matches in IPL 2025, bowling just three overs without taking a wicket, yet DC retained him for ₹10.75 crore. That’s astronomical for a backup bowler with such limited game time, making it one of the most expensive bench warmers in IPL history.
Teams Without Surprise Retentions
Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings made no surprise retentions, sticking to logical, performance-based decisions for their squads.
For official IPL 2026 updates and comprehensive analysis, visit the BCCI website. Stay tuned to TechnoSports IPL coverage for breaking news ahead of the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which was the most expensive surprise retention in IPL 2026?
Mayank Yadav’s ₹14 crore retention by LSG despite fitness concerns represents the costliest surprise, followed by T Natarajan at ₹10.75 crore for DC.
Q2: Why did KKR retain Umran Malik despite his injuries?
KKR retained Umran Malik for ₹75 lakh, banking on his pace potential despite missing the entire 2025 season and playing just one match in 2024.
Q3: Is Yuzvendra Chahal worth ₹18 crore for PBKS?
With a career-worst economy of 9.55 in IPL 2025 and declining form, many experts question whether Chahal justifies his ₹18 crore price tag.
Q4: Which teams made the smartest retentions?
MI, RCB, SRH, and CSK avoided surprise picks, making logical, performance-based retention decisions for IPL 2026.
Q5: When is the IPL 2026 auction?
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled for December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, where teams can address these squad concerns
