Former Australian captain Aaron Finch shared his views on which players the franchise should retain or release ahead of the next IPL season. The cricketer turned commentator evaluated whether their performances justify the massive auction investments made by their respective franchises during IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 is nearing its conclusion after two months of intense cricket action across the country. Franchises have started planning for the next season, reviewing overseas combinations and salary budgets. Teams are expected to make several difficult retention and release decisions before the next mini-auction.
“I feel released” – Aaron Finch gives bold verdict on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s future
In a video shared by ESPNcricinfo, Aaron Finch said that franchises should take a better approach with expensive players ahead of the auction. Finch said that Chennai Super Kings could release Ruturaj Gaikwad and try to buy him back at a lower price.
“I guess release ’cause you’ll be able to buy it back from him cheap.”
Gaikwad played this season with a salary tag of Rs 18 crore. The openers consistently failed to convert their starts into big match-winning scores. He scored 337 runs in 14 matches at an average of 28.08 and strike rate of 123.44.
Finch also expressed concern over the huge investment in Cameron Green. He said the franchise should carefully monitor the all-rounder’s physical condition due to Australia’s upcoming Test schedule.
“That’s such a huge sum for a player that you don’t know what his body is going to be like, especially in Australia with a lot of Test cricket coming up. I would say he should be given a release to buy him back, given how his body is shaping up after a heavy workload.”
Green represented Kolkata Knight Riders this season after being bought for Rs 25.2 crore. He scored 310 runs at a strike rate above 150 and took five wickets, but his heavy international workload remains a concern.
Aaron Finch questions Yuzvendra Chahal’s future after IPL 2026
The former Australian captain also evaluated the performance of veteran leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal during the season. Aaron Finch said that teams were less confident about using Chahal in important match situations, especially against left-handed batsmen during the middle overs.
“Finding out whether Yuzi has passed his best. His best is still fantastic. There are so many left-handers and throughout the season we have seen a reluctance to bowl to them at some key stages that we have never seen before. So I’m going to say release.”
Chahal represented Punjab Kings this season on a contract of Rs 18 crore. The leg spinner took 12 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 9.39, including figures of 2/25 against Lucknow Super Giants, but struggled to maintain consistency throughout the campaign.
Aaron Finch expressed confidence in the future potential of young player Prashant Veer. Despite the high price tag attached to the uncapped batsman, Finch said the franchise should continue to build their talent for the future.
“Have we seen enough of him? There’s plenty there to build on for the future. Yes, it’s a big price, but keep at it.”
Finch also shared his views on experienced batsman Ajinkya Rahane. He praised Rahane’s quality but questioned whether his batting approach suits the modern attacking style of powerplay batting in T20 cricket.
“His best is still pretty good but is the game going in a different direction, especially inside the power play? 1.5, retain.”
Finch advised franchises to release expensive players like Rishabh Pant, while supporting the retention of stars like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, after Lucknow Super Giants finished tenth.
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