Pujara suggests teams may release big-name players before mini-auction

Cheteshwar Pujara said several IPL teams face difficult retention choices before the November 17 deadline ahead of the December 16 mini-auction in Goa. He suggested KKR may release Cameron Green, bought for Rs 25.20 crore in 2026, and try to buy him back at a lower price. Pujara added that KKR is likely to release the most players because of captaincy uncertainty.

Pujara said CSK may release either Matt Henry or Matthew Short. He indicated Gujarat Titans must choose between Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan, while Punjab Kings may release either Xavier Bartlett or Lockie Ferguson. Delhi Capitals could let Prithvi Shaw or Karun Nair go, and Lucknow Super Giants might release Nicholas Pooran or Ayush Badoni.

Pujara backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to retain their entire squad as defending champions and described the side as balanced with no pressing recruitment needs. He remained uncertain about Rajasthan Royals' likely releases and noted a trade rumour involving Hardik Pandya moving from Mumbai Indians to Punjab Kings for Arshdeep Singh.