IPL 2026 Players List: Complete Squad, Retained & Auction Bought Players (All Teams)
IPL is not just a tournament, it’s a season-long story, and the first chapter begins before a single ball is bowled: squads. Who got retained? Who got released? Who got unexpectedly bought in the auction? And most importantly… which team quietly built the best balance?
This blog is your complete IPL 2026 players list, built for fans who want the details (not half-lists), and for IPL gamers who know that squad clarity is the first real advantage. You’ll find IPL 2026 all team squads, clear mentions of IPL 2026 retained players, plus key IPL 2026 auction bought players.
Table of Contents
IPL 2026 Auction & Retention Update (Latest)
IPL 2026 players list. This year’s squads were shaped mostly by retentions first. The IPL confirmed 173 retained players (49 overseas) before the auction. That already tells you a lot: teams entered auction with a plan, not desperation.
The IPL 2026 auction was held on 16 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi, and teams filled remaining slots in a targeted way.
How to Use This IPL 2026 Squad List (Smart View)
To really understand a squad, IPL 2026 players list doesn’t only look at famous names.
Look for:
- a stable top 3 batting lineup
- two finishers
- at least 6 bowling options
- death bowling reliability
- spin matchups for Indian pitches
- overseas availability (this matters a lot in 2026)
If you’re playing IPL games online, this part matters because prediction formats often depend on:
- likely playing XI
- toss conditions
- impact substitutions
- batting depth
For those playing IPL games on Tiranga Game, read:
IPL 2026 Squad List: IPL 2026 All Team Squads (Complete)
Below is the complete IPL 2026 players list with role clarity.
Source base: IPL retention release and ESPNcricinfo squads page.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – IPL 2026 Players List
CSK retained a familiar style: experience + calm team building. Their retention list includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube, plus a strong bowling mix.
CSK Key Players and Why They Matter
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (BAT): anchor-opener, consistency engine
- Sanju Samson (WK-BAT): flexible middle order, wicketkeeper strength
- MS Dhoni (WK): leadership and tactical advantage
- Shivam Dube (AR): match-turning hitter vs spin
- Noor Ahmad (BOWL): wicket-taking spin core
- Khaleel Ahmed (BOWL): left-arm swing option
- Nathan Ellis / Jamie Overton: death + pace depth
CSK’s 2026 squad looks built for control rather than chaos.
Mumbai Indians (MI) – IPL 2026 Squad List
MI’s retained core includes Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma , which is basically the definition of “match-winning spine.”
MI Key Players
- Hardik Pandya (AR): captain + finisher + seam option
- Rohit Sharma (BAT): experience, big-game innings
- Suryakumar Yadav (BAT): explosive middle overs
- Tilak Varma (BAT): reliable young core
- Jasprit Bumrah (BOWL): death overs = MI’s biggest edge
MI’s squad is built like they expect to play playoffs again.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – IPL 2026 Squad List
KKR created headlines with auction aggression.
KKR Key Auction Bought Players
- Cameron Green (AR): powerful hitter + seam; changes squad balance
- Matheesha Pathirana (BOWL): death overs specialist
Important update: Mustafizur’s NOC/availability became news, which may impact playing XI planning.
KKR in 2026 looks like a “high-ceiling” squad: if they click, they dominate.
Gujarat Titans (GT) – IPL 2026 Squad List
GT’s strength remains bowling quality + solid top order.
Key retained names include Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler etc.
GT Key Players
- Shubman Gill (BAT): stable anchor, leadership
- Rashid Khan (BOWL/AR): elite match-winner
- Jos Buttler (WK-BAT): powerplay destruction
- Siraj/Rabada pace core: wicket-taking and pressure
GT will be dangerous on slow pitches where spinners dominate.
Delhi Capitals (DC) – IPL 2026 Players List
DC’s squad feels very balanced, built around:
- spin strength
- stable top order
- pace strike options
DC Key Players
- KL Rahul (WK-BAT): stability and chase structure
- Axar Patel (AR): control + reliable batting
- Kuldeep Yadav (BOWL): wicket-taking spinner
- Mitchell Starc (BOWL): aggressive strike bowler
DC’s 2026 squad looks like a “professional” unit.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) – IPL 2026 Squad List
RR’s squad building is always based on role clarity.
RR Key Players
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (BAT): fearless opener
- Riyan Parag (BAT/AR): finishing strength
- Spin core: RR often relies on wickets in middle overs
RR = strategic squad, not noisy squad.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – IPL 2026 Squad List
RCB looks more balanced in 2026 than older seasons.
RCB Key Players
- Virat Kohli (BAT): chase master, consistency
- Devdutt Padikkal (BAT): left-hand opening stability
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (BOWL): powerplay swing control
- Young auction buys: role-focused investments
RCB’s strength will depend on whether bowling delivers under pressure.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – IPL 2026 Squad List
SRH made one of the biggest auction buys:
- Liam Livingstone sold to SRH for ₹13 crore
SRH Key Players
- Heinrich Klaasen (WK-BAT): elite finisher
- Abhishek Sharma (BAT/AR): powerplay hitter
- Pat Cummins (AR): captain, fast bowling control
- Liam Livingstone (AR): explosive batting + spin option
SRH is built for fast scoring and momentum.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) – IPL 2026 Squad List
PBKS retained 21 players, the highest among teams.
PBKS Key Players
- Arshdeep Singh (BOWL): death overs key
- Indian batting depth: flexible lineups
- All-rounders: role swapping based on pitch
PBKS has options, which is a huge advantage across venues.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – IPL 2026 Squad List
LSG continues building a structure-first squad.
LSG Key Players
- Top order anchor + aggressive partner
- Ravi Bishnoi (BOWL): leg-spin matchups
- Pace options: powerplay + death
LSG’s success depends on batting consistency in pressure games.
Top IPL 2026 Auction Bought Players (Biggest Picks)
Here are top auction talking points:
- Cameron Green became the most expensive player (₹25.20 cr)
- SRH buying Liam Livingstone for ₹13 cr boosted their power core
- Pathirana + Mustafizur additions add death bowling impact.
IPL 2026 Player Update: What Fans Should Watch
Here’s what matters beyond names:
1) Overseas availability is a real factor
Players missing due to approvals (like NOC) can force replacement strategy.
2) Teams with death bowling depth have advantage
In IPL, close games are decided in overs 16–20.
3) Strong top order wins chases
Balanced teams win tournaments; top orders win matches.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 players list isn’t just a list of names , it’s a blueprint of how each team wants to win. Some squads are built to chase any total, some are built to strangle opponents with bowling depth, and some are set up to win only if a few superstars fire.
If you’re a fan, this guide keeps you updated.
If you’re playing IPL games online, this guide becomes a serious advantage.
For gameplay help, use these internal guides:
- How to Play IPL Games Online on Tiranga Game
- IPL Rules Tiranga Game
- IPL Prediction Tips Today
- Tiranga Game Login Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does the IPL 2026 players list include?
It includes the IPL 2026 squad list for all teams, with retained players and auction bought players.
2) Where can I verify the IPL 2026 all team squads?
Use IPL official updates and ESPNcricinfo squads list for the latest verified lists.
3) Who was the most expensive IPL 2026 auction bought player?
Cameron Green at ₹25.20 crore.
4) Can IPL 2026 squad list change after the auction?
Yes , injuries, replacements, and overseas availability can update squads.
5) Why is IPL 2026 player update important for IPL gaming?
Because squads impact expected playing XI, pitch matchups, and team strength , which influence predictions.
