IPL RTM Rule 2026: Right to Match Explained for Auction Fans

ALT Image Description: Image showing the IPL 2026 RTM Rule Image Credit: Gulshan Kumar

Rule 2026 of the IPL RTM is not different. There is no difference in principle, but each team has modified its strategy to utilise the right-to-match rule.

Few processes related to the IPL auction generate as much drama and manoeuvring as the Right to Match (RTM) rule. I am a veteran of the auction floor, and I can assure you that it is not merely a retention tool.

Still, it is a game-changer that not only makes franchises but also defines squad balance, and in many cases, it is the most talked-about action of the season.​

What Does RTM Mean in the IPL Auction?

Right to Match or RTM allows a franchise to purchase back a player that the team has released after it has matched the best offer by another team. Imagine it as a security net for a franchise: when a franchise releases one of its main performers, but the bidder takes them away at an astronomical price, they can come in and acquire them at that price.

This was critical in the mega auctions where franchises fight to retain their core despite its being released strategically.​

How Does the RTM Rule Work During the IPL Auction?

Here’s how it plays out:

• A player is released and enters the auction pool.
• If another team wins the bid, the original franchise can exercise its RTM card to match the final price.
• If they do, the player returns to them at that price.

An example can be given when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru released Glenn Maxwell, and the Chennai Super Kings bought him at 6 crores of rupees. RCB can apply RTM to retain Maxwell at that rate. Such last-minute action is a common theme of an auction.​

How Many RTM Cards Are Allowed in the IPL Auction?

The number of RTM cards a franchise gets depends on how many players they retain before the auction:

• Retain 6 players: 0 RTM cards
• Retain 5 players: 1 RTM card
• Retain 4 players: 2 RTM cards

This forces franchises to balance between locking in their core and keeping RTM flexibility for breakout stars or match-winners.​

Which Players Can Be Retained Through RTM?

Only players who were part of the franchise in the previous season are eligible. Both capped (Indian and overseas) and uncapped players qualify, but there are limits:

• Maximum 5 capped players (Indian or overseas) in retentions/RTM
• Maximum 2 uncapped players in retentions/RTM
• This ensures teams can’t hoard all their top talent and must make tough choices.​

Why Is RTM Important for Teams in the IPL Auction?

RTM is a franchise’s safety net, allowing them to maintain squad continuity and protect their investment in key performers. It’s especially valuable when a team hesitates to bid initially but wants to re-sign a proven match-winner. RTM adds drama, strategy, and excitement to the auction, making it a fan favorite.​

10 Famous RTM Examples in IPL Auction Histor

There were several RTM famous picks, but we bring the Top 10 Famous RTM in the IPL Auction History, which helped or held the team in the tournament.

Player Name	Team Used RTM	Year	Why RTM Was Used	Impact After Retention
Faf du Plessis	Chennai Super Kings	2014	Reliable opener, match-winner	Anchored CSK’s top order, helped rebuild the squad post-suspension
Yuzvendra Chahal	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	2018	Leading spinner, wicket-taker in middle overs	Provided RCB with crucial breakthroughs ​​
Kuldeep Yadav	Kolkata Knight Riders	2018	Mystery spinner, match-winner	Added variety and wicket-taking ability to KKR’s spin attack ​​
Kedar Jadhav	Delhi Capitals	2014	Finisher, handy all-rounder	Added balance to DC’s middle order ​
David Miller	Kings XI Punjab	2014	Power-hitter, finisher	Boosted KXIP’s death-over hitting and provided stability ​
Krunal Pandya	Mumbai Indians	2018	All-rounder, left-arm spinner	Added depth to MI’s bowling and batting, crucial in tight matches ​​
Deepak Hooda	Sunrisers Hyderabad	2018	Finisher, hard-hitting batter	Enhanced SRH’s finishing options and powerplay aggression ​
Mohit Sharma	Punjab Kings	2018	Death-overs specialist, consistent pacer	Solidified PBKS’s death bowling, becoming a key wicket-taker ​
Pravin Tambe	Rajasthan Royals	2014	Veteran leg-spinner, experienced performer	Provided RR with experience and variety in the spin department ​
Arshdeep Singh	Punjab Kings	2025	Death-overs specialist, consistent pacer	Strengthened PBKS’s death bowling, became a key wicket-taker ​​

These moves highlight how RTM has shaped the franchise’s fortunes and created lasting legacies.​

Pros and Cons: The RTM Debate

Pros	Cons
Maintains team stability ​	Reduces fairness for new teams ​
Helps retain key performers ​	Can affect auction dynamics ​
Allows flexibility in squad building ​	May limit opportunities for new franchises

Is RTM Confirmed for IPL 2026 Auction?

The BCCI has officially confirmed that RTM (Right to Match) will not be available for the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Franchises can only retain players before the auction and will not have the option to match bids for released players during the auction.​

RTM Usage in Previous Auctions

RTM was a key feature in past mega auctions (2014, 2018, 2025), allowing teams to reclaim released players by matching the highest bid. This rule added drama and strategic depth to the auction process.​

Teams’ Expectations for 2026 RTM

Many franchises were expecting RTM to be available in 2026, as it provides flexibility to retain core players. However, the BCCI’s latest rules have ruled out RTM for the mini-auction, requiring teams to finalise their core via retentions and open bidding.​

BCCI Announcements For RTM

The BCCI has made its position clear: RTM is not part of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. All official communications and franchise confirmations align with this rule, and there are no pending updates or reversals regarding RTM for 2026.

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