Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has listed out the four cricketers whose releases ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 auctions have left him confused for answers. There were several big names who were not retained by their respective franchises as the teams announced their retained players' list on November 15.

Although Irfan understood that Andre Russell had become slightly injury-prone last season, he felt Kolkata Knight Riders' decision to not retain him is very hard to believe. The cricketer-turned-commentator admitted that KKR will have a hard time filling Russell's shoes unless they buy him back at the mini auction, which will be held in December.

"There were many big names released who were shocking for me. The biggest was Andre Russell. Him not being in KKR came as a massive surprise. He has been a match-winner. There were injury concerns and the form was not there last year but he has won you so many games over the years. If you feel he cannot be available for 14 games, then it is a different thing but I feel he could definitely have been backed. It will be little difficult to find a player of his skill," stated Irfan on his YouTube channel.

Another couple of players whose releases Irfan found somewhat surprising were that of Matheesha Pathirana and David Miller. Irfan praised Pathirana's yorker-bowling ability and Miller's experience in batting lower down the order. 

"Matheesha Pathirana brings that skill which is difficult to find, bowling yorkers with that slingy action. If they are thinking to buy him back for cheaper, I don't understand it. It only makes sense if they are looking at someone else and have moved past him," he added.

"David Miller brings that finishing skill as a left-hander. This is a bit surprising for me as there is some inexperience in the middle lower-order for LSG. They have great players at the top but in the lower-order, you need experience. David Miller not being there is a big miss," he noted.

The 41-year-old observed how Vignesh Puthur, who was scouted by Mumbai Indians in 2025, could have been retained and given a longer rope. He, however, felt MI will still go after an uncapped player at the auction with a purse of INR 2.75 crore still left in their kitty.

"MI have not released anyone who was a part of the XI. Vignesh Puthur was backed and given some chances as well, like they always give the platform to young players. They could have persisted with him. Even with a low purse, they will pick some uncapped player in the auction and will surprise everyone," concluded Irfan.

It has been confirmed the auction for the IPL 2026 season will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025. This will mark the third straight time that the IPL auction will take place outside India.