Summary of this article

Rajasthan Royals retained Shimron Hetmyer at ₹11 crore, showing they still value his finishing power

T. Natarajan has been retained by Delhi Capitals, underlining their faith in his death-overs bowling

Mayank Yadav remains with LSG, indicating the team’s long-term plan around his fast bowling potential

IPL 2026 hasn’t just been about shock cuts, some retentions surprised fans simply because of how strategic they are. While franchises are freeing up money for the auction, they’re also holding onto select players who represent a clear blueprint for their future. These decisions speak more to long-term vision than nostalgia.

Some of the names retained weren’t the flashiest picks, but their retention shows savvy planning. Whether it’s experience, depth, or untapped

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