The Indian Premier League (IPL) retention list for the 2026 season was announced recently, setting the stage for the upcoming mini-auction scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. As teams prepare to revamp their squads following a mixed 2025 season, where franchises like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) underperformed, several release decisions shocked fans and experts alike.

While some releases were expected as part of restructuring plans, a handful of names stood out due to their proven credentials and importance to their teams. Here are the five most surprising releases ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Here are 5 most surprising releases ahead of the IPL 2026 auction Matheesha Pathirana — Chennai Super Kings Matheesha Pathirana. (Source:CSK)

One of the biggest shockers from CSK’s retention list was the release of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Having spent four seasons with the franchise, Pathirana picked up 47 wickets in 32 matches, often delivering crucial overs at the death with his slinging action.

Despite not always being among the top wicket-takers, his economy under pressure made him a key asset.

His release suggests CSK might be looking for a tactical reset, though many believe they may attempt to buy him back at a lower price during the auction.

David Miller — Lucknow Super Giants David-Miller. (Photo source: X)

Another surprising call came from Lucknow Super Giants, who decided to part ways with South African veteran David Miller. Although Miller did not get consistent game time in the 2025 season, largely due to the team’s heavy overseas combination, his overall IPL record remains impressive, with over 3000 runs and multiple match-winning innings.

He is known for his finishing ability and calmness under pressure, where his release opens the door for other franchises who are in need of an experienced middle-order striker.

Wanindu Hasaranga — Rajasthan Royals Wanindu Hasaranga. (Source:IPL/X)

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga being released by RR was another unexpected decision. With 81 IPL wickets, Hasaranga has proven his worth as a world-class T20 bowler.

While he enjoyed significant success during his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, his stint with RR did not produce headline performances. Nevertheless, his international experience and wicket-taking ability make him a highly attractive option in the upcoming auction.

Andre Russell — Kolkata Knight Riders Andre-Russell. (Photo source: X/IPL)

In one of the biggest shocks of the retention season, KKR released West Indies superstar Andre Russell after an 11-year association.

A fan favourite and one of the most explosive all-rounders in IPL history, Russell’s departure marks the end of an era.

With his focus now solely on franchise cricket following his international retirement, he is expected to draw significant interest from multiple teams looking for power-hitting depth and impactful all-round skills.

Ravi Bishnoi — Lucknow Super Giants Ravi Bishnoi. (Source -Getty Images)

LSG's decision to release Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi raised many eyebrows. With over 72 wickets in the IPL, Bishnoi has consistently delivered sharp, attacking spells. Although he endured a below-par 2025 season, his potential and proven ability made his release surprising.

He is expected to be among the most sought-after Indian bowlers in the mini-auction. However, the auction dynamics often depend on a lot of external factors like timing of the name being drawn, auction strategies of teams, and the purse remaining, to name a few.