The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is rapidly approaching, with anticipation building for the 19th edition. The focus is shifting towards the upcoming Trade Window and the highly anticipated Mini Auction. While the official auction date is yet to be confirmed, December 2025 is the likely timeframe, and franchises are already strategizing, especially concerning their bowling units.
In a format frequently defined by powerful batting displays, bowlers play a crucial role. A single match-altering spell can drastically change a team’s season, making retention decisions critical for all ten franchises. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of the expected best retained bowlers list heading into IPL 2026.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans are projected to retain approximately 12 bowlers, aiming to keep most of their key players. Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj will lead the attack, supported by Prasidh Krishna, R Sai Kishore, and Washington Sundar to balance pace and spin. Promising talents such as Arshad Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, and Gerald Coetzee are also likely to remain.
The main consideration, however, is Kagiso Rabada. Considering his high price tag and inconsistent performance in 2025, GT might release him, providing more financial flexibility for a younger or more reliable option during the Trade Window.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians are expected to prioritize their bowling depth, potentially retaining 14 bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah continues to be the backbone of MI’s bowling unit, with Trent Boult, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, and Deepak Chahar forming a core of experience.
The team is also likely to support emerging players like Allah Ghazanfar, Arjun Tendulkar, and Raj Bawa. MI’s strategy indicates they will be seeking specific additions rather than a complete overhaul during the Trade Window.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Despite a mixed season in 2025, KKR is planning to maintain its core bowling lineup. 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 all-round abilities and spin options. KKR is anticipated to search for death-bowling specialists during the Trade Window to strengthen their late-over attack.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Fresh from winning their first IPL title in 2025, RCB is unlikely to disrupt a successful team composition. Their retained core will include Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma, and Romario Shepherd.
Krunal Pandya and Yash Dayal bring balance to an already well-rounded unit. With few areas needing improvement, RCB may use the Trade Window only for backup players or injury replacements.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK may have finished poorly in the previous season, but their bowling core remains strong. Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran will lead the attack, with Nathan Ellis and Shivam Dube providing support.
CSK is expected to 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 expected to retain 11 bowlers, with Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shardul Thakur as the core Indian group. Overseas pacer Will O’Rourke performed well in 2025 and is likely to be retained, along with Mitchell Marsh for his all-round value.
With a strong bench, LSG may utilize 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, Mohammed Shami and Rahul Chahar’s future remains uncertain due to inconsistent performances. SRH may explore the Trade Window to find replacements or negotiate 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 heavily relies on overseas bowlers, and Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Nandre Burger are expected to be at the top of their retained list. Indian players like Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande provide balance.
The franchise may look to bring in additional Indian spinners through the Trade Window, ensuring a deeper 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 difficult decisions balancing budget, player form, and long-term strategies. Retaining core bowlers is essential, but the upcoming trades could significantly shape the competitiveness of each team when IPL 2026 begins.
