IPL 2026 Retention List: KKR Releases Venkatesh Iyer
November 25, 2025IPL 2026 Retention List: KKR Releases Venkatesh Iyer, RCB Drops Livingstone
Breaking: The ₹23 Crore Flop is Released
“The deadline for IPL 2026 retentions has passed, and the biggest shock comes from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Just one year after buying Venkatesh Iyer for a massive ₹23.75 Crore, KKR has officially released him back into the auction pool. After a disappointing 2025 season, the franchise decided his price tag was too high to justify retaining him.
What this means: Venkatesh Iyer will now enter the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction at a much lower base price.”
2. RCB 2026 Update: Livingstone Gone
(Targeting your Bangalore audience)
“Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has made bold moves to fix their purse.
- Released: Liam Livingstone (Bought for ₹8.75 Cr). The England all-rounder failed to fire in 2025, and RCB has cleared his salary cap to find a better bowler.
- Retained Core: Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, and Mohammed Siraj remain the pillars for the 2026 campaign.”
Top 5 Big Names Released
| Player | Team | 2025 Price (Wasted) | Status |
| Venkatesh Iyer | KKR | ₹23.75 Cr | Released |
| Liam Livingstone | RCB | ₹8.75 Cr | Released |
| Ravi Bishnoi | LSG | ₹11.00 Cr | Released |
| Jake Fraser-McGurk | DC | ₹9.00 Cr | Released |
What Happens Next? (The Mini-Auction)
“With these releases, teams like KKR and RCB now have a massive purse for the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction (expected in December 2025).
“The 2025 mega-buys have turned into 2026 cost-cutting measures. If you are an RCB fan, be happy—the team finally has money to buy a proper death bowler.”
