Likely Best Retained Bowlers For All 10 Teams Ahead Of Mini Auction News24 –
As the excitement builds for the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), all eyes are on the upcoming Trade Window and the highly anticipated Mini Auction. While the official auction date is yet to be confirmed, December 2025 appears to be the likely slot, and franchises are already shaping their strategies – especially when it comes to their bowling arsenals.
In a format dominated by batting fireworks, bowlers are the silent game-changers. One match-defining spell can turn a season around, making retention decisions critical for all ten franchises. Here’s a franchise-wise look at the likely best retained bowlers list heading into IPL 2026.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans are expected to retain around 12 bowlers, keeping most of their core intact. Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj will lead the attack, supported by Prasidh Krishna, R Sai Kishore and Washington Sundar for balance between pace and spin. Promising names like Arshad Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya and Gerald Coetzee are also likely to stay.
The big question, however, is Kagiso Rabada. With his high price tag and patchy form in 2025, GT might release him, freeing up purse value for a younger or more consistent option in the Trade Window.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians are set to go big on bowling depth, likely retaining 14 bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah remains the heartbeat of MI’s attack, with Trent Boult, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner and Deepak Chahar forming the experienced core.
The team is also expected to back emerging talent like Allah Ghazanfar, Arjun Tendulkar and Raj Bawa. MI’s approach suggests they will enter the Trade Window looking for finishing touches rather than wholesale changes.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Despite a mixed season in 2025, KKR are sticking to their core bowling group. Harshi Rana, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell are almost certain to stay.
Moeen Ali, Umran Malik and Mayank Markande provide all-round and spin versatility. Expect KKR to scout for death-bowling options during the Trade Window to strengthen their late-over attack.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Fresh off their maiden IPL title in 2025, RCB are unlikely to disrupt a winning combination. Their retained core will feature Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma and Romario Shepherd.
Krunal Pandya and Yash Dayal add balance to an already well-rounded unit. With minimal gaps, RCB may use the Trade Window only for backup options or injury cover.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK may have finished 10th last season, but their bowling core remains strong. Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran will lead their attack, with Nathan Ellis and Shivam Dube providing backup.
Expect CSK to explore the Trade Window for young Indian pacers, adding more variety to their Powerplay and death-bowling plans.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG are expected to retain 11 bowlers, with Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi and Shardul Thakur forming the core Indian group. Overseas pacer Will O’Rourke showed promise in 2025 and is likely to be retained, along with Mitchell Marsh for his all-round value.
With solid bench strength, LSG may use the Trade Window to acquire an experienced death-bowling specialist.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH are set to retain around 10 bowlers, with Pat Cummins leading the attack. Ehsan Malinga, Simarjeet Singh, Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat are also expected to stay.
However, Mohammed Shami and Rahul Chahar’s future remains uncertain due to inconsistent form. SRH may explore the Trade Window to find replacements or negotiate budget-friendly deals.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC could undergo a mini revamp in their bowling department, retaining only a small core of five bowlers – Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc and Mukesh Kumar.
The Capitals are expected to release several high-cost players and focus on young Indian talent during the Trade Window, possibly targeting uncapped pacers who can offer depth at a lower price.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR rely heavily on overseas bowlers, and Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Nandre Burger are expected to headline their retained list. Indian names like Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande provide balance.
The franchise may look to bring in additional Indian spinners through the Trade Window, ensuring a deeper spin attack for turning pitches.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS, the 2025 runners-up, are likely to retain most of their bowling unit. Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson and Harpreet Brar are key names, while Yuzvendra Chahal, despite his price tag, is likely to stay given his wicket-taking record.
The Kings may look to strengthen their bench via the Trade Window, particularly with Indian fast-bowling talent.
With the Trade Window approaching, franchises face tough calls – balancing budget, form and long-term strategy. Retaining core bowlers is non-negotiable, but the upcoming trades could shape how competitive each squad looks when IPL 2026 kicks off.