IPL 2026 Retentions: Highest Paid Player from Each Team

The IPL 2026 mini auction is already getting a lot of attention because every team has kept their most important players before the auction. These retained stars are basically the backbone of each team, and their high prices clearly show how much value they bring for the new season.

Franchises want to keep their match-winners safe first, which is why we now have a full list of the IPL 2026 most expensive players after retention. These cricketers are trusted names who can score runs, take wickets, and win games when the pressure is high. So, teams don’t want to lose them at any cost.

IPL 2026 Most Expensive Players Team Wise (Updated List 2026)

This list gives a simple view of the IPL 2026 retention highest paid players, showing which star each team has spent the most money on. Some are power hitters, some are reliable bowlers, and some are young players who are already performing like seniors. Because the competition is increasing every season, teams are focusing more on keeping the most valuable IPL players 2026 with them.

That’s why the IPL 2026 retained players list with price, clearly shows how franchises are investing heavily in their top players. These retained players have a big responsibility now, and they are expected to lead their teams in the IPL 2026 season.

Which is the Most Valuable IPL Players 2026 After Retention?

When we look at all the retained players, the strongest pick for the most valuable IPL players 2026 after retention is Rishabh Pant. He is also the costliest name in the IPL 2026 retained players list with price. He has been kept by Lucknow Super Giants for a huge ₹27 crore. This already shows why he stands at the top.

Pant gives everything a team needs in T20. He is an in-form player who can change a full match in just a few balls. Because of his impact and match-winning ability, many fans also see him as one of the IPL 2026 retention highest paid players who actually deserve that price. Currently, Rishabh Pant is the clear choice for the most valuable player going into IPL 2026, being one of the best wicket-keepers in IPL.

10. Rinku Singh | Kolkata Knight Riders | ₹13 Crore

Rinku Singh has become one of KKR’s most trusted finishers. He is in the IPL 2026 most expensive players list due to his calm shots in pressure overs and ability to clear the boundary with minimal effort. His lower–order strength makes him extremely important for Kolkata. KKR retained Rinku Singh for ₹13 crore. This is how much the franchise trusts him for close matches. With more experience now, his value can grow even more in IPL 2026.

9. Axar Patel | Delhi Capitals | ₹16.50 Crore

Axar Patel gives Delhi both steady left–arm spin and very useful runs in the middle order. His discipline with the ball and calmness with the bat make him one of the best all-rounders in IPL. Delhi Capitals retained him for ₹16.50 crore. He is expected to play a bigger role in IPL 2026. Axar Patel will be the player who proves his worth as the IPL 2026 most expensive players by doing well for the Delhi Capitals.

8. Rashid Khan | Gujarat Titans | ₹18 Crore

Rashid Khan is still one of the most dangerous T20 bowlers anywhere in the world. His tight spells, wicket-taking googlies, and ability to stop runs at any stage make him GT’s biggest bowling weapon. GT kept him for ₹18 crore for the next. Rashid Khan continues to be the backbone of their bowling attack.

7. Yashasvi Jaiswal | Rajasthan Royals | ₹18 Crore

Yashasvi Jaiswal has rapidly grown into one of India’s most attacking young openers. His fearless batting, high strike rate, and confidence against both pace and spin make him RR’s top-order engine. RR retained Jaiswal for ₹18 crore, and he is expected to deliver another strong season as their main run–getter.

6. Jasprit Bumrah | Mumbai Indians | ₹18 Crore

Jasprit Bumrah remains one of the best T20 fast bowlers, especially in death overs, where his yorkers and pace variations are nearly unplayable. MI depends heavily on his control and match-winning spells. Jasprit Bumrah was retained for ₹18 crore by the Mumbai Indians as their frontline pacer.

5. Ruturaj Gaikwad | Chennai Super Kings | ₹18 Crore

CSK kept Ruturaj Gaikwad and traded Sanju Samson at the same price bracket. Gaikwad was retained by CSK while Samson was traded from RR. This shows how much faith they have in their leadership and batting roles. Ruturaj offers calm and classy opening batting, while Samson provides explosive stroke play and experience. Both players got ₹18 crore from the franchise, making them key pillars in CSK’s new phase.

4. Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | ₹21 Crore

Virat Kohli is still the heart of RCB’s batting lineup. His experience, consistency, and fitness make him a key performer every season. Even when the pressure is high, Kohli’s temperament helps stabilize the innings. RCB retained him for ₹21 crore, which is a justified price for the game of cricket he plays on the field.

3. Heinrich Klaasen | Sunrisers Hyderabad | ₹23 Crore

Heinrich Klaasen has been one of the most explosive finishers in the IPL. His ability to smash spin bowling and accelerate quickly makes him SRH’s most dangerous middle-order batter. SRH kept him for ₹23 crore. This shows how much they trust Heinrich Klaasen to win games single-handedly this season.

2. Shreyas Iyer | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹26.75 Crore

The Captain of PBKS, Shreyas Iyer, was also retained by his franchise. He was sold for ₹26.75 Crore and performed really well. He led the PBKS to the playoffs and then entered the top 2. He scored 604 runs in the last IPL and is expected to continue his form, where the franchise is expecting him to do the same in IPL 2026.

1. Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | ₹27 Crore

Rishabh Pant is the biggest name in this retention list. His power-hitting, smart captaincy, and match-winning ability make him one of the most valuable T20 players in India. Rishabh Pant can shift the momentum of a game instantly with fearless batting. LSG retained him for ₹27 crore. This is the highest amount this year, and he will lead their charge strongly in IPL 2026.