The IPL might still be a few months away, but the buzz has already kicked in. What usually feels like a warm-up to the auction — Retention Day — has suddenly become the talking point among fans, especially with a few unexpected trade whispers doing the rounds.
This year’s retention promises drama, name-shuffling, surprises, and maybe even a few emotional exits. Here’s everything you need to know.
📅 Retention Date & Schedule
The BCCI has locked November 15 as the official IPL 2026 Retention Day.
Teams must hand over their final list of retained and released players by 3 PM IST, after which the programs go live.
The Retention show begins at 5 PM IST, where each franchise’s updated player list will be revealed.
And once this settles, the next stop is the mini-auction on December 16, which will complete the squads.
🔄 Trade Window: What’s Already Happening?
Even before Retention Day arrives, the trade market has started moving in interesting ways.
Some discussions have caught everyone’s eye:
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Sanju Samson possibly heading to CSK.
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Ravindra Jadeja being discussed for a return to RR.
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England all-rounder Sam Curran also surfacing in the same conversation.
Three trades, however, are done and dusted:
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Shardul Thakur from LSG to Mumbai Indians
- Mohammed Shami from SRH to LSG
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Sherfane Rutherford from GT to Mumbai Indians
Notably, Shardul Thakur now stands as the first player in IPL history to be traded three times — a quirky record that says a lot about his utility.
📺 Where Can Fans Watch IPL 2026 Retention Live?
🔹 Live Streaming
The Retention show will be streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
Anyone with a valid login can simply tune in at 5 PM.
🔹 TV Telecast
For TV viewers, the event will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, just like previous seasons.
🎙️ A Quick Take
Retention Day always feels like a mix of excitement and nervousness. Some players continue their long journey with a franchise, while others unexpectedly enter the auction pool.
And with big names involved in trade talks this year, November 15 could be one of the most eventful retention days in recent memory.
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