High-profile swaps, the release of expensive assets, and a clear shift towards phasing out ageing stars emerged as the dominant themes at the end of the Indian Premier League’s player-retention deadline on Saturday afternoon.

The day began with confirmation of two significant trades: the much-anticipated Ravindra Jadeja–Sanju Samson swap between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Mohammed Shami’s all-cash transfer from Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

By late afternoon, once teams submitted their retention lists, it became clear that both CSK and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) — coming off disappointing IPL 2025 campaigns — had opted for sweeping changes.

CSK, having traded out Jadeja (₹14 crore) and Sam Curran (₹2.40 crore) in exchange for Samson (₹18 crore), proceeded to release a string of Indian and overseas names to build a sizeable auction purse of ₹43.40 crore for the December 16 auction in Abu Dhabi. Among the notable exits were Matheesha Pathirana (₹13 crore), New Zealand opener Devon Conway (₹6.25 crore), and India internationals Rahul Tripathi (₹3.40 crore) and Deepak Hooda (₹1.70 crore).

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KKR went even further, freeing up an enormous ₹64.30 crore. Their major releases included Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 crore), Andre Russell (₹12 crore), and Anrich Nortje (₹6.50 crore). While uncertainty remains over Russell’s long-term future with the franchise, Sports stars understands that releasing Venkatesh was primarily aimed at price correction and enhancing auction flexibility rather than signalling the end of the road.

Elsewhere, defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained its core group but let go of Liam Livingstone, while runner-up Punjab Kings moved on from veteran Glenn Maxwell and wicketkeeper-finisher Josh Inglis.

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Mumbai Indians, having traded in Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford from LSG and Gujarat Titans, respectively, will be the quietest participant at the mini-auction with a remaining purse of just ₹2.75 crore.

The most debated development of the day, however, remained the Jadeja–Samson trade. Samson, who has been central to RR’s identity since debuting in 2013, had expressed a desire for a fresh start during the pre-season discussions. Despite interest from three other teams, RR eventually accepted CSK’s proposal featuring Jadeja and Curran.

For Jadeja—a breakout performer for RR in the IPL’s early years before becoming synonymous with CSK since 2012—the move marks a dramatic shift.

RR, it is learned, is also exploring him as a captaincy option. The franchise had initially sought Dewald Brevis along with Jadeja but ultimately finalised the deal with Curran’s all-round value completing the swap.

Published on Nov 15, 2025