The IPL 2026 auction is likely to take place around mid-December (December 13 to December 15), according to various media reports. While the last two auctions were held outside India—in Dubai and Jeddah respectively—this year’s event might be hosted within the country. Meanwhile, November 15 has been set as the deadline for all 10 franchises to confirm their player retentions ahead of the auction.
### Auction Format and Retention Rules
The upcoming IPL auction will be a mini-auction. Teams are allowed to retain as many players as they want, as there is no cap on retentions. However, the squad size cannot exceed 25 players. Although there has been no official announcement regarding the IPL 2026 auction, there has been plenty of buzz surrounding possible trades and retentions.
Ahead of the November 15 retention deadline, here is a glimpse of some of the key discussions and rumors building up to the IPL 2026 auction.
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### CSK, RR in Talks Over Possible Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson Trade Deal
Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson has been a major talking point in IPL circles over the past few months. Multiple reports suggest that Samson wants to move on from RR.
According to a recent report from Cricbuzz, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and RR are exploring the possibility of a trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson. Both players are valued at ₹18 crore, making a straight swap feasible. However, RR reportedly want not just Jadeja but also rising South African star Dewald Brevis as part of the deal. CSK is unlikely to agree to this demand.
Samson had an injury-hit IPL 2025 season for RR. In nine innings, he scored 285 runs at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.39, including just one 50-plus score.
As for Jadeja, he played 14 innings for CSK, scoring 301 runs at a strike rate of 135.58 and taking 10 wickets with an economy rate of 8.56. Brevis appeared in six innings for CSK, scoring 225 runs at an impressive strike rate of 180.
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### MS Dhoni Likely to Play IPL 2026
In exciting news for MS Dhoni fans, the former Team India and CSK legend is likely to feature in IPL 2026.
Speaking to his grandson Noah in *Provoke Lifestyle* magazine, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan was asked about Dhoni’s IPL future. He responded, “No, he is not retiring for this IPL.” When asked if he knew anything about Dhoni’s retirement plans, Viswanathan added, “I’ll check with him and let you know.”
At a recent event, Dhoni himself shared his thoughts about his cricketing future. In his usual enigmatic style, he told Harsha Bhogle:
“Well, it depends. Again, I would say the same thing—I have four or five months to decide. You know, there’s no hurry to decide what is to be done. I’m not saying I’m done; I’m not saying I’m coming back at the same time.”
After Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out early in the IPL 2025 season, Dhoni took over the captaincy of CSK. Despite his efforts, the franchise finished last, managing just four wins against 10 losses.
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### SRH Pondering Releasing Heinrich Klaasen?
Heinrich Klaasen has been one of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) key players over the last two to three seasons. However, a recent report in the *Times of India* suggested that SRH might consider releasing Klaasen to free up ₹23 crore in their budget.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra, however, dismissed these reports as rumors. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said such a move was unlikely.
Klaasen has represented SRH in 42 matches between 2023 and 2025, amassing 1,414 runs at an average of 44.18 and an outstanding strike rate of 173.49. His stats include two centuries and seven half-centuries.
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### Buzz Around KL Rahul and Washington Sundar Trades Die Down
Until recently, there were rumors suggesting possible trades involving Delhi Capitals (DC) star KL Rahul and Gujarat Titans (GT) all-rounder Washington Sundar ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Sundar reportedly piqued interest from CSK following Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, while Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were said to have expressed interest in KL Rahul.
However, according to a recent Cricbuzz report, neither trade is likely to take place. The report claims that GT does not want to part ways with Sundar, having invested heavily in him. Delhi Capitals, on their part, were reportedly unsatisfied with the options available in exchange for Rahul.
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With the November 15 retention deadline fast approaching, the IPL 2026 auction promises to be an intriguing event for players, franchises, and fans alike. Stay tuned for more updates as the auction draws closer.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-jadeja-samson-trade-talk-dhoni-s-future-buzz-ahead-retentions