former indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has listed down four cricketers whose release ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 auction has left him puzzling for answers. There were several big names who were not retained by their respective franchises as the teams announced their retained players lists on November 15.
Although Irfan understood that Andre Russell was slightly injured last season, he found it very difficult to believe in Kolkata Knight Riders' decision of not retaining him. The cricketer turned commentator admitted that it would be difficult for KKR to fill Russell's place unless they buy him back in the mini auction, which will be held in December.
Irfan said on his YouTube channel, “A lot of big names were released which were surprising for me. The biggest one was Andre Russell. His not being in KKR was a big surprise. He has been a match-winner. There were injury concerns and not the form last year but he has won you a lot of games over the last few years. If you think he might not be available for 14 matches, that's one thing but I think he should definitely be supported.” It would be difficult to find a player with his skills.”
Some other players whose releases Irfan found somewhat surprising were Mathisha Pathirana and David Miller. Irfan praised Pathirana's yorker-bowling ability and Miller's experience in batting lower down the order.
He said, “Mathisha Pathirana has that skill which is difficult to get, he bowls yorkers with that sling action. If they are thinking of buying him back cheaply, I don't understand it. It only makes sense if they are looking at someone else and have got ahead of him.”
He said, “David Miller brings finishing skills as a left-handed player. It's a bit of a surprise for me because LSG have some inexperience in the middle-lower order. They have great players at the top but in the lower order you need experience. Not having David Miller there is a big miss.”
The 41-year-old noted how Vignesh Puthur, who was picked by Mumbai Indians in 2025, could have been retained and given a longer rope. However, he felt that MI would still go after an uncapped player in the auction, which still has a purse of Rs 2.75 crore left.
“MI hasn't released anyone who was part of the XI. Vignesh Puthur was backed and given some chances too, like they always give platform to young players. They could have stuck with him. Even with a lesser purse, they will pick some uncapped player in the auction and surprise everyone,” Irfan concluded.
It has been confirmed that the auction for the IPL 2026 season will take place on December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This will be the third consecutive time that the IPL auction will be held outside India.
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