IPL 2026 All 10 Teams Best Retained Overseas Players List Pre Mini Auction
From Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, check out the IPL 2026 best retained overseas players list for all 10 teams ahead of the mini auction.
Overseas players are a vital part of every IPL franchise. Teams not only experiment with foreign talent, but also ensure they retain overseas players who add immense value to their core. In the Indian Premier League, most franchises usually back 4-5 overseas cricketers as long-term assets, while the remaining slots are used for fresh experiments. As we move closer to the IPL 2026 Mini Auction, every franchise is expected to follow the same approach – retaining their best overseas stars while releasing others to test new options.
The IPL has always been home to some of the world’s most celebrated overseas players. From Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer of England to Kagiso Rabada and Heinrich Klaasen from South Africa, the tournament features elite global talent. Add to that Rachin Ravindra and Trent Boult from New Zealand, Travis Head and Mitchell Starc from Australia, and Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, and Andre Russell from the West Indies, and you have a star-studded lineup of overseas cricketers who consistently raise the standard of the league.
With overseas talent available in plenty, IPL franchises face a tough challenge in deciding whom to retain or release. In this article, we decode the IPL 2026 Overseas Retained Players list, analysing which cricketers are most likely to stay with their franchises. We also highlight the logic behind each retention and how these overseas stars continue to add immense value to their teams ahead of the IPL 2026 Mini Auction.
IPL 2026 All 10 Teams Best Retained Overseas Players List Ahead of Mini Auction
IPL 2026 Delhi Capitals (DC) Predicted Retained Overseas Players List
- Donovan Ferreira
- Faf du Plessis
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Mitchell Starc
- Tristan Stubbs
The Delhi Capitals team struggled with their overseas players during IPL 2025. For the IPL 2026, only a few names stand out. Tristan Stubbs and Mitchell Starc delivered strong performances, and thus should be retained without question. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Donovan Ferreira are likely to get another chance because of their raw talent. In addition, DC may continue with Faf du Plessis for one more season at least to add experience at the top.
IPL 2026 Gujarat Titans (GT) Predicted Retained Overseas Players List
- Gerald Coetzee
- Jos Buttler
- Kagiso Rabada
- Rashid Khan
- Sherfane Rutherford
The Gujarat Titans team will rely on their core trio of Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, and Sherfane Rutherford for IPL 2026. These three featured in almost every game last season, and should continue to do so for next season too. Moreover, for the IPL 2026, GT are also expected to retain the South African pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee. With these five confirmed retentions, the franchise will likely release Karim Janat, Dasun Shanaka, and Glenn Phillips.
IPL 2026 Punjab Kings (PBKS) Predicted Retained Overseas Players List
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Josh Inglis
- Marco Jansen
- Marcus Stoinis
- Lockie Ferguson
- Mitchell Owen
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) team may not have the most destructive Overseas names, but they do possess some exciting talents in their squad. For IPL 2026, PBKS are expected to retain Josh Inglis, Marco Jansen, and Marcus Stoinis as their first-choice Overseas stars. These three played most matches in IPL 2025, and remain vital to the team’s balance. Alongside them, PBKS should also continue with Mitchell Owen, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Lockie Ferguson as reliable backup options. However, one big name likely to be released is Glenn Maxwell, who no longer seems committed to the IPL, and adds little value for his high cost.
IPL 2026 Rajasthan Royals (RR) Predicted Retained Overseas Players List
- Jofra Archer
- Kwena Maphaka
- Nandre Burger
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Wanindu Hasaranga
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) follow a very different Overseas strategy compared to the Lucknow Super Giants. While LSG rely heavily on Overseas batters, RR prefer investing in Overseas bowlers. For IPL 2026, the Royals may not retain all six Overseas bowlers from IPL 2025, but at least four key Overseas pacers and spinners should continue with the team. In addition to their bowling strength, RR are also expected to retain Shimron Hetmyer as their Overseas finisher given his late-order hitting adds balance to their overall squad composition.
IPL 2026 Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Predicted Retained Overseas Players List
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Mitchell Marsh
- Nicholas Pooran
- Will O’Rourke
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) team was the only team in IPL 2025 to play with four Overseas batters in their starting XI. The franchise is likely to continue this strategy in IPL 2026 by retaining all four of these batters. Alongside them, Will O’Rourke is also expected to be retained to strengthen LSG’s pace attack. With these five Overseas retained players, LSG have a balanced combination of batting firepower and bowling depth, making them strong contenders in the IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 Mumbai Indians (MI) Predicted Retained Overseas Players List
- Allah Ghazanfar
- Bevon Jacobs
- Corbin Bosch
- Mitchell Santner
- Ryan Rickelton
- Trent Boult
- Will Jacks
The Mumbai Indians (MI) team built a strong core of Overseas players in IPL 2025, with three names featuring almost every match. Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, and Trent Boult were consistent performers, while Mitchell Santner also made key contributions with the ball. For IPL 2026, MI are expected to retain these four players along with Bevon Jacobs, Corbin Bosch, and Allah Ghazanfar (who missed IPL 2025 due to injury). Together, this mix of experience and youth makes MI’s Overseas retained players list a strong and balanced one.
IPL 2026 Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Predicted Retained Overseas Players List
- Ehsan Malinga
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Kamindu Mendis
- Pat Cummins
- Travis Head
The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) team is among the few franchises that consistently relied on a core trio of Overseas players in IPL 2025. The combination of Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Pat Cummins was the backbone of their success, making them certain retentions ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. While these three remain untouchable, the fourth Overseas slot for SRH often saw changes. Based on the current squad balance, the franchise is expected to retain Ehsan Malinga and Kamindu Mendis as valuable backup options. Together, this mix of proven performers and emerging talent will give SRH strong depth in the Overseas retained players list for IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Predicted Retained Overseas Players List
- Dewald Brevis
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Nathan Ellis
- Noor Ahmad
- Rachin Ravindra
- Sam Curran
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team has a strong group of overseas stars forming their core squad. For the IPL 2026 Overseas Retained Players list, CSK are expected to retain six names, and release two. Devon Conway and Jamie Overton are the likely releases, as they have struggled to add significant value to the team. Meanwhile, CSK’s six retained overseas players look rock solid. Rachin Ravindra and Dewald Brevis strengthen the batting. Sam Curran adds all-round balance. The bowling unit features Matheesha Pathirana, Nathan Ellis, and Noor Ahmad as dependable wicket-takers.
IPL 2026 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Predicted Retained Overseas Players List
- Jacob Bethell
- Josh Hazlewood
- Lungi Ngidi
- Nuwan Thushara
- Phil Salt
- Romario Shephard
- Tim David
The IPL 2025 champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), are expected to retain most of their core Overseas players ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. The only major release could be Liam Livingstone, who has struggled to perform despite multiple opportunities. Considering his high price tag and poor returns, RCB may finally part ways with him. Apart from Livingstone, RCB are likely to continue with their strong Overseas group. The retained RCB Overseas players list for IPL 2026 should include star names such as Tim David, Phil Salt, Romario Shepherd, and Josh Hazlewood, among others. This continuity ensures stability in their lineup as they aim for back-to-back titles.
IPL 2026 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Predicted Retained Overseas Players List
- Andre Russell
- Anrich Nortje
- Moeen Ali
- Quinton de Kock
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Sunil Narine
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team continues to rely on their legendary Overseas duo of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. Given their proven match-winning abilities, these two remain untouchable in the IPL 2026 as well. Alongside them, KKR should also trust their wicketkeeper duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quinton de Kock. Adding further depth, Moeen Ali and Anrich Nortje are also likely retentions. However, KKR are expected to release Spencer Johnson and Rovman Powell ahead of the auction. This retained combination gives KKR a powerful Overseas core with all-round strength for IPL 2026.
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