As excitement builds for the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), all eyes are on the upcoming Trade Window and the highly anticipated Mini Auction. Although the official auction date is yet to be confirmed, December 2025 is the most probable timeframe, and franchises are already formulating their strategies, especially when it comes to their bowling arsenals.
In a format where batting often steals the spotlight, bowlers are the unsung heroes. A single match-changing spell can significantly alter a team’s season, making retention decisions critical for all ten franchises. Here’s a franchise-by-franchise look at the likely best retained bowlers list heading into IPL 2026.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans are expected to retain around 12 bowlers, aiming to maintain most of their key players. Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the attack, with Prasidh Krishna, R Sai Kishore, and Washington Sundar providing balance with their blend of pace and spin. Promising talents such as Arshad Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, and Gerald Coetzee are also likely to be retained.
However, the major question mark is Kagiso Rabada. With his hefty price tag and inconsistent performances in 2025, GT might release him, creating more financial flexibility for a younger or more reliable alternative in the Trade Window.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians are poised to prioritize bowling depth, potentially retaining 14 bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah remains the centerpiece of MI’s bowling unit, with Trent Boult, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, and Deepak Chahar forming an experienced core.
The team is also expected to support emerging talents such as Allah Ghazanfar, Arjun Tendulkar, and Raj Bawa. MI’s approach suggests they will use the Trade Window for targeted acquisitions rather than a comprehensive overhaul.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Despite an uneven 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 provide all-round and spin-bowling versatility. KKR is anticipated to search for death-bowling options during the Trade Window to strengthen their late-over attack.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Fresh from their maiden IPL title in 2025, RCB is unlikely to disrupt a winning formula. Their retained core will feature Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma, and Romario Shepherd.
Krunal Pandya and Yash Dayal add additional balance to an already well-rounded unit. With minimal gaps, RCB may use 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 lead their attack, with Nathan Ellis and Shivam Dube providing support.
CSK will likely explore the Trade Window for young Indian pacers, adding 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 showcased 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 remain.
However, the futures of Mohammed Shami and Rahul Chahar are uncertain due to inconsistent performances. SRH may explore the Trade Window to find replacements or negotiate budget-friendly deals.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC could undergo a mini-revamp of their bowling department, retaining only a small core of 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 relies heavily 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 such as Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande provide balance.
The franchise may seek additional Indian spinners through the Trade Window, guaranteeing 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 approaches, franchises face tough decisions – balancing budget, player form, and long-term strategy. Retaining core bowlers is non-negotiable, but the upcoming trades could significantly shape the competitive landscape of each team when IPL 2026 commences.