IPL 2024 retention updates: Ben Stokes, Lockie Ferguson and Rilee Rossouw released, Prithvi Shaw retained by Delhi Capitals

The prep for IPL 2024 has begun well in advance as all ten franchises assiduously work things out ahead of the all-important auctions this December. Today, November 26, happens to be the final day to announce the IPL 2024 retention list and as a result, one has been hearing of bold moves being made by franchise think tanks in the pursuit of larger money reserves for the upcoming auctions.

Hardik Pandya, of course, remains in focus owing to the strong speculations of him moving back to Mumbai Indians as part of a one-way trade. Pandya has led Gujarat Titans since its inception two seasons ago and has delivered great on both occasions, winning the title the first time around and ending the most recent IPL 2023 as runners-up. 

Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Rilee Rossouw and Lockie Ferguson released

England's talisman has been released by the Chennai Super Kings following his recent announcement to skip the tournament to focus more on Test cricket. In the same vein, fellow Englishman Joe Root recently disclosed that won't be participating in IPL 2024 either owing to similar reasons as Stokes. As a result, Root is part of the list of released players from Rajasthan Royals.

RR has also released all-rounder Jason Holder, left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy, leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin and others ahead of the IPL 2024 auctions.

Kolkata Knight Riders, too, seem keen on bringing in some new names following the underwhelming run in the previous season. Having retained Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, the franchise has decided to let go of New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur from the squad, along with Umesh Yadav, Shakib Al Hasan, Tim Southee, Mandeep Singh and others. 

Punjab Super Kings have chosen to release Sri Lankan batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Indian pinch-hitter Shahrukh Khan from the squad along with Mohit Rathee, Baltej Dhanda and Raj Bawa. 

Delhi Capitals go big, Prithvi Shaw retained

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have opted for a wholesale correction with as many as 9 players released from the team. While the contentious Prithvi Shaw retains his spot, some of the top names from the released list of players are Rovman Powell, Rilee Rossouw, Manish Pandey, Phil Salt and Mustafizur Rahman. 

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, have also released Dwaine Pretorius, Ambati Rayudu, Kyle Jamieson, Sisanda Magala, Akash Singh, Bhagath Varma and Subhranshu Senapati to enter the auction for IPL 2024 with Rs. 32.2 crores in their purse.