Likely Retained Bowlers of Every IPL Team Before the 2026 Mini Auction

With the 2026 mini auction on the horizon, each IPL side is weighing which bowlers to keep in their core. Here’s a team-by-team look at the top bowling stars most likely to be retained, based on recent season form and trusted reports

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Mumbai’s bowling attack is built around Jasprit Bumrah – their ace fast bowler and death-overs specialist – who will almost certainly be kept on. He “remains the heartbeat” of MI’s pace attack. Along with Bumrah, world-class swing bowler Trent Boult is expected to stay as a key new-ball partner. The team is also likely to retain Hardik Pandya (their captain and seam-bowling all-rounder). New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner – who adds variety and control – is another strong candidate for retention.

Gujarat Titans (GT)

GT’s bowling revolves around Rashid Khan, one of the best spinners in the world and Mohammed Siraj, who has been spearheading their pace attack. With Prasidh Krishna (when fit) adding extra speed, and Washington Sundar balancing the spin-batting department, GT’s bowling looks sharp. Young Indian bowlers like Arshad Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya and R Sai Kishore provide valuable depth.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR will continue to trust their reliable bowling unit. South African speedster Anrich Nortje and young Indian pacer Harshit Rana form a solid pace duo, while mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and veteran Sunil Narine handle spin duties. Andre Russell with his all-round abilities remains a vital finisher. Depth options include Moeen Ali, Umran Malik, and Mayank Markande.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Fresh off a strong season, RCB are set to keep their bowling backbone intact. Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi lead the overseas pace attack, while Yash Dayal provides domestic firepower. Veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar adds swing and control, while Krunal Pandya strengthens the spin unit. Suyash Sharma and Romario Shepherd bring emerging talent and all-round balance.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK’s bowling is anchored by Matheesha Pathirana, their young Sri Lankan death-bowling specialist. Alongside him, Ravindra Jadeja remains a match-winner with his all-round abilities, while Sam Curran adds left-arm seam depth. Noor Ahmad and Khaleel Ahmed complete a versatile unit combining spin and pace.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

LSG’s bowling attack is led by express pacer Avesh Khan and rising spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Shardul Thakur brings experience as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Overseas recruits Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Marsh add further variety, while Akash Singh and Akash Deep provide backup options.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

SRH will continue to rely on their captain Pat Cummins leads from the front with both pace and leadership. Harshal Patel and Ehsan Malinga bring wicket-taking ability, while young Simarjeet Singh and experienced Jaydev Unadkat round off a well-balanced pace-heavy unit.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals will hold on to their spin core of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, both proven match-winners. From the pace side, Mitchell Starc provides overseas firepower, while Mukesh Kumar and youngster Vipraj Nigam add domestic depth.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

RR’s bowling is built around a strong overseas lineup. Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Nandre Burger form a world-class pace-spin mix. Among Indians, Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande provide reliable support with swing and control.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

PBKS rely on their pace-heavy attack with Arshdeep Singh at the forefront. Overseas quicks Marco Jansen and Lockie Ferguson add raw pace and bounce, while Harpreet Brar and Yuzvendra Chahal cover the spin department.

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