IPL 2027 Retentions: Pujara Predicts Big-Ticket Releases
With the Indian Premier League retention deadline approaching on November 17, franchises face strategic squad decisions ahead of the upcoming auction. Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara outlined his predictions regarding high-profile player retentions across all ten competing franchises. Pujara anticipated that two prominent players earning over Rs 20 crore could be released back into the auction pool. He suggested that Kolkata Knight Riders might part ways with Australian all-rounder Cameron Green to rebalance their auction budget. Green stands as the costliest overseas signing in IPL auction history after being acquired for Rs 25.20 crore during the 2026 auction.
Big-Money Releases: Cameron Green and Nicholas Pooran
Pujara remarked that Kolkata Knight Riders could potentially reacquire Green at a more manageable valuation during the open bidding. Regarding Lucknow Super Giants, the veteran analyst identified West Indies power-hitter Nicholas Pooran, signed for Rs 21 crore, as a potential release candidate. However, Pujara noted that if Lucknow leadership decides to retain Pooran, young Indian batter Ayush Badoni could be released instead. He also indicated that Mumbai Indians could potentially release captain Hardik Pandya amid swirling trade speculation across the league. Trade rumours have linked Pandya with a high-profile move to Punjab Kings in exchange for Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. Chennai Super Kings executed a four-player trade with Sunrisers Hyderabad, acquiring Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards in exchange for pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis, according to Indian Premier League.
Retaining the Core: RCB and Defending Champion Stability
Turning to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pujara singled out the franchise as the sole team unlikely to release any players. He explained that their title-winning campaign provides compelling stability to preserve their existing core lineup without disruptions. For Chennai Super Kings, Pujara suggested that management might decide between releasing New Zealand pacer Matt Henry or Australian batter Matthew Short. He projected that Gujarat Titans could choose between Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan following subdued performances during the preceding season. For Punjab Kings, Pujara identified Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett and New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson as probable release candidates.
Franchise Dilemmas: Seamer Choices and Domestic Slots
Evaluating Sunrisers Hyderabad, he suggested the southern franchise might release an experienced Indian seamer between Jaydev Unadkat and Harshal Patel. Regarding Delhi Capitals, Pujara observed that team strategists could part ways with either domestic batter Prithvi Shaw or Karun Nair. The analyst acknowledged uncertainty concerning Rajasthan Royals, anticipating they might release an uncapped or experienced Indian squad member. Under revised competition guidelines, teams must submit their finalized roster retentions and trade documentation before the mid-November deadline. Franchise managements continue calculating purse deductions to optimize bidding power ahead of the marquee 2027 player auction.