Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been given some valuable advice from former Australian captain Aaron Finch regarding the future of star all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2026. Finch, who has extensive IPL experience, recommended that KKR should not retain Iyer for his hefty price tag of Rs. 23.75 crore. Instead, he suggested that the franchise release him and then attempt to repurchase him at a more reasonable price during the 2026 auction.
Iyer, who was KKR’s most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction, has had a mixed performance for the team. Despite being a match-winner in 2021 and playing a crucial role in their 2024 IPL title win, Iyer’s role has been inconsistent. He has often been used as a middle-order batter without much opportunity to showcase his bowling skills, which, according to Finch, doesn’t justify his high price tag.
“Paying Rs. 23.75 crore is far too much for a player like Venkatesh Iyer, who has often been played out of position and hasn’t been used as a bowler,” said Finch. “Iyer has delivered for KKR in the past, but his inconsistent role combined with the hefty price tag doesn’t align. KKR should consider releasing him and then trying to buy him back at a more reasonable price that better reflects his current role in the squad.”
KKR’s auction strategy last year saw them spending nearly all of their available budget, leaving just Rs. 0.05 crore in their purse. Heading into IPL 2026, the team would likely want to free up some funds to strengthen their squad and improve their overall balance. By releasing Iyer and repurchasing him at a lower price, they could ensure they have the resources to invest in other key players.
Meanwhile, other IPL teams are facing similar retention dilemmas. Mumbai Indians, after a remarkable comeback in IPL 2025, where they made the playoffs after losing their first four games, are also contemplating tough decisions. The franchise, led by Hardik Pandya, has a well-balanced team, but some players may be at risk of being released.
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden weighed in on Mumbai’s retention issues, particularly around Trent Boult, who had a standout season in 2025 with 22 wickets. Despite his impressive performances, Boult’s Rs. 12.5 crore price tag might make him a candidate for release, with the potential to repurchase him at a lower price. This would free up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.
“It’s a tough call for Mumbai Indians,” said Hayden. “Trent Boult’s performance has been fantastic, but with his high price, the team might look to release him and then potentially bring him back at a more manageable price. It would allow them to strengthen other areas of the squad while keeping their core intact.”
Meanwhile, five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are also facing significant decisions ahead of the retention deadline. Reports have suggested that CSK may be considering trading their ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for their captain and wicketkeeper-batter, Sanju Samson.
Subramaniam Badrinath, former CSK cricketer, weighed in on CSK’s potential retention strategy. “CSK is likely to release several Indian players ahead of the upcoming auction. Ravichandran Ashwin, following his retirement, will free up Rs. 9.5 crore. Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, and Rahul Tripathi are also expected to be released, which could add another Rs. 10 crore to their purse,” Badrinath said. “If they release Rachin Ravindra, the total funds freed up could be around Rs. 25 crore, which would provide them with a significant boost for the upcoming auction.”
As IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on these teams as they make crucial decisions about their squads. Retention and release strategies will play a key role in determining which teams have the financial flexibility to strengthen their line-ups and continue their quest for IPL glory.