Why MI, RR & KKR are allowed to retain their late replacements before IPL 2027 auction? Here's what the law says

In the last week before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs, there were a few injury replacements named. None of the injury replacements made their way to the field but these three franchise who did not make it to playoffs, already have eyes on the next season. Mumbai Indians (MI) replaced Quinton de Kock, Raj Bawa with Mahipal Lomror and Ruchit Ahir, Rajasthan Royals (RR) roped in Emanjot Chahal for Ravi Singh whereas Kolkata Knight Riders replaced their Rs 18 crore recruit Matheesha Pathirana with Luvnith Sisodia. While they were late replacements, all three franchises can retain the replacements and injured players before the IPL 2027 mini-auction. 

According to IPL's injury replacement rule, if a player gets injured during or before the 12th match, both of them are eligible for retention.

ALSO READ: Australia pacer set to retire after World Cup, 'hungry' for revenge vs India, South Africa

As per a report by Sportstar, while the announcements of injury replacements came as later as after the 13th game of these franchise, the communication was already had before their 12th game. Last year, the same rule was applied for injury replacements as well.

ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar defends Rishabh Pant over dropping the 'F' word in post-match interview, wants broadcasters to make this change

When CSK retained the injured and injury replacement

The most popular example of an injured player and his replacement retain by a franchise are Gurjapneet Singh and Dewald Brevis. In the IPL 2025, Gurjapneet was injured and ruled out of the tournament. Brevis was announced as the pacer's replacement and played six games. CSK retained both of them and they featured together in playing XI in the ongoing season as well. 

The late replacements, which are well-within the IPL laws and regulations, allow franchises to expand their pool of players. It helps them acquire players they have been eyeing during the season to fit into the squad.

Couple of new and old names get late entry

While Sisodia and Lomror have played in the IPL earlier, Emanjot and Ahir are lesser-known. The 21-year-old Emanjot is a Punjab all-rounder who bowls left-arm spin. Saurashtra's Ahir has played 12 T20 games and scored 333 runs at an average of 41.62 and strike rate of 169.03. He has two fifties in the format. Even in List A format. he has 360 runs at an average of 40 and strike rate of 123.71, featuring two fifties. He can be a valuable addition to MI's middle order.