With the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) fast approaching, attention is turning to the upcoming Trade Window and the highly anticipated Mini Auction. While the official auction date remains unconfirmed, December 2025 appears to be the likely timeframe, and franchises are already formulating their plans, particularly regarding their bowling departments.
In a format where batting often takes center stage, bowlers are the unsung heroes. A single match-defining spell can significantly impact a team’s performance, making retention choices crucial for all ten franchises. Here’s an examination of the anticipated best-retained bowlers for each franchise heading into IPL 2026.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans are expected to retain around 12 bowlers, keeping the majority of their core group 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 talents like Arshad Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, and Gerald Coetzee are also likely to remain.
A key consideration is Kagiso Rabada. Considering his high price and uneven form in 2025, GT might release him, creating financial flexibility for a younger or more consistent option in the Trade Window.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians are set to prioritize bowling depth, potentially retaining 14 bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah remains the cornerstone of MI’s attack, with Trent Boult, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, and Deepak Chahar forming the experienced core.
The team is expected to support up-and-coming players such as Allah Ghazanfar, Arjun Tendulkar, and Raj Bawa. MI’s approach suggests they will use the Trade Window to make targeted acquisitions rather than wholesale changes.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Despite a mixed season in 2025, KKR is expected to keep its core bowling group. Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell are almost certain to be retained.
Moeen Ali, Umran Malik, and Mayank Markande offer versatility in both bowling and all-round contributions. KKR will likely seek death-bowling options during the Trade Window to enhance their late-overs attack.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Coming off their maiden IPL title in 2025, RCB is unlikely to disrupt their 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 will provide further balance to an already strong unit. With few areas needing strengthening, RCB might utilize the Trade Window solely for backup options or injury cover.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK may have finished poorly last season, but their bowling core remains strong. Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran will spearhead their attack, with Nathan Ellis and Shivam Dube providing support.
CSK will likely explore the Trade Window for young Indian pacers to add more variety to their Powerplay and death-bowling strategies.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG is projected 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 is 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, the futures of Mohammed Shami and Rahul Chahar are uncertain due to inconsistent form. SRH may explore the Trade Window to find replacements or secure budget-friendly deals.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC could undertake a mini-overhaul in their bowling department, retaining a smaller core of only 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, potentially targeting uncapped pacers who can offer depth at a lower price.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR depends heavily on overseas bowlers, with Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Nandre Burger expected to be at the top of their retained list. Indian players like Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande provide balance.
The franchise might seek additional Indian spinners through the Trade Window, to bolster their 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.
As the Trade Window nears, franchises face tough decisions – balancing budget, player 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.