Enticing stars with hefty price tags but appalling performances probably cost them their long contracts. All teams are gearing up for IPL 2026, leading to some tough decisions regarding their squads.
While certain players will remain fan favorites, recent performances and returns on investment will play a crucial role. Many well-known stars have not met expectations throughout the 2025 season and could find themselves released prior to the forthcoming mini-auction.
Here are the 7 star players who might get released before IPL 2026:
7. Glenn Maxwell – Punjab Kings
- Auction Price: ₹4.20 Crore
- Performance in IPL 2025:
- Matches: 7
- Runs: 48
- Wickets: 4
Why He Might Be Released
Glenn Maxwell is known for his explosive batting but had a very poor IPL 2025. Despite his experience, he was unable to make any real contribution with bat or ball. Punjab Kings bought him for ₹4.20 crore; and his form continued to be abysmal this season itself-in fact, he put himself out of the team while at RCB for the year 2024. With two bits of poor news in succession, PBKS may not keep the Australian all-rounder on.
6. Liam Livingstone – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Auction Price: ₹8.75 Crore
- Performance in IPL 2025:
- Matches: 10
- Runs: 112
Why He Might Be Released
RCB invested heavily on Liam Livingstone beforehand to the IPL 2025 auction, but the Englishman sadly did not perform well for his side. Scoring just 112 runs from 10 matches, he was unable to fulfill the power-hitting and all-around value everyone expected from him. Due to his high price and inconsistencies, RCB may cut their losses and release him.
5. Quinton de Kock – Kolkata Knight Riders
- Auction Price: ₹3.60 Crore
- Performance in IPL 2025:
- Matches: 8
- Runs: 152
Why He Might Be Released
Without a doubt, it was not one of the best seasons with the bat for KKR in 2025 for Quinton de Kock. Opening out, he scored just 152 runs in 8 innings and so could not give his side healthy starts. With persistent misery on his consistency, and considering the increase in numbers of emerging Indian wicket-keeper batsmen, KKR might want to sever ties with the veteran from South Africa.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin – Chennai Super Kings
- Auction Price: ₹9.75 Crore
- Performance in IPL 2025:
- Matches: 9
- Wickets: 7
Why He Might Be Released
When Ashwin returned to CSK for the IPL 2025, expectations were high, but unfortunately, it seemed that the former off-spinner could not live up to it. Just taking only 7 wickets from the last 9 matches for Ashwin, he was lacking his sharpness and failed to impact games. With such a hefty price tag and age, CSK may go for fresher spin options for next season.
3. Ajinkya Rahane – Kolkata Knight Riders
- Auction Price: ₹1.5 Crore
- Performance in IPL 2025:
- Matches: 13
- Runs: 390
Why He Might Be Released
Ajinkya Rahane had a respectable season, leading with 390 runs for KKR. However, despite the solid numbers, KKR’s future strategy likely does not include a reliance on traditional batting and lower strike rates. If the franchise is looking to add a more aggressive intent to their top order, Rahane may still find himself parting ways with KKR after having a very successful season individually.
2. Mohammed Shami – Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Auction Price: ₹10 Crore
- Performance in IPL 2025:
- Matches: 9
- Wickets: 6
- Economy Rate: 11.23
Why He Might Be Released
With the return from injury, Shami was expected to be the lead bowler for SRH, and he fell short in that. With just 6 wickets and being the costliest bowler in terms of runs conceded at an economy rate of 11.23, SRH may opt to release him ahead of the 2026 mini auction due to his high price and declining performance.
1. Rishabh Pant – Lucknow Super Giants
- Auction Price: ₹27 Crore
- Performance in IPL 2025:
- Matches: 14
- Runs: 269
Why He Might Be Released
This was what Rishabh Pant made headlines with, when acquiring the most expensive buy in IPL history on behalf of LSG with ₹27 crore causing an excessive amount of pressure-from the price, captaincy, and post-injury return. He only managed to knock up a rough 269 runs in 14 matches, while his team failed to enter the playoffs. LSG may now contemplate releasing him and thereby regaining financial flexibility to start afresh.
Final Thoughts
Even for the big stars, performance dips are dangerous in a fiercely competitive league like the IPL. Teams evolve with time, and there’s a mini-auction round the corner, meaning franchises will have to juggle between loyalty and logic. Expect some emotional farewells and some major shake-ups due to this at IPL 2026.
Written by RITESH SINGH
The post IPL 2026: Top 7 Star Players Who Could Be Released Before the Auction – Check Full List appeared first on Trade Brains.