The glitz, the glamour, and the gavel…it all descends upon the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi as the IPL 2026 mini-auction fast approaches. With a colossal ₹237.55 crore at stake and 77 coveted spots to fill, the ten franchises are poised for a high-stakes chess game. The purse power of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at ₹64.3 crore and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gives them the authority to dictate terms, but every team has a strategy, a gap, and a secret watchlist.
This auction is not just about signing players; it’s about plugging precise gaps, finding the perfect overseas balance, and, most importantly, unearthing the next generation of Indian talent. With 19 new names recently added to the pool, the bidding war is set to be more unpredictable than ever, as RCB seek to cement their grip on the trophy.
Here is a look at the 15 players, ranging from established international stars to unknown domestic dynamos,who are guaranteed to set the auction stage ablaze.
Five big guns everyone’s aiming for
These are the marquee names, the proven match-winners whose entry into the auction room will cause the biggest shifts in the team purses. Franchises will be willing to break the bank for their unique, high-impact skillsets.
Cameron Green (Australia | All-rounder)
The lanky Australian all-rounder is, without doubt, the auction’s biggest prize. Green is a versatile player who can open the batting, finish aggressively in the middle order, and bowl lively seam-up deliveries. Though he enters the auction as a specialist batter, his overall T20 package is irresistible.
As a genuine seam-bowling all-rounder who can anchor an innings with a high strike rate (averaging over 50 with a strike rate above 160 in his 2023 season). He offers a long-term, high-value solution to any team’s structural issues.
Likely Destinations: KKR, who have the largest purse and a major revamp pending, or CSK, who are always looking for a versatile overseas all-rounder to future-proof their squad.
Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka | Fast Bowler)
The Sri Lankan slinger, famously known for his Malinga-esque action, is arguably the most sought-after death-over specialist in the world. Surprisingly released, Pathirana’s ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers and variations at the death makes him an invaluable asset for any franchise looking to shore up their bowling attack.
Elite death-over bowling is a rare commodity. His low, slingy action makes him incredibly difficult to hit in the crucial 16-20 over phase, leading to both wickets and tight economy rates.
Likely Destinations: His former team, CSK, may try to bring him back, but franchises with death-bowling woes like Delhi Capitals or Lucknow Super Giants will aggressively target him.
Ravi Bishnoi (India | Leg-spinner)
The highest-priced Indian player on this list, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi is currently on the fringes of the national team and could emerge as the costliest domestic pick. A wrist-spinner with a sharp googly and a quick action, Bishnoi is perfect for dominating the middle overs of a T20 innings.
Leg-spinners are T20 gold, and Bishnoi offers wicket-taking ability alongside control. He is a young, proven Indian commodity who solves a major problem for many teams.
Sunrisers Hyderabad or Rajasthan Royals, who need quality spin reinforcement, and KKR, who could utilise him in a formidable three-pronged spin attack.
Liam Livingstone (England | All-rounder)
Liam Livingstone is pure T20 carnage. A brutal lower-order finisher who hits sixes against both spin and pace with astonishing regularity, he adds a dangerous dimension to any line-up. His handy leg-spin/off-spin combo is the cherry on top, especially on the potentially spin-friendly surfaces of the UAE.
A complete package of power-hitting, part-time spin utility, and high-impact fielding. He is the ultimate middle-order momentum machine.
Likely Destinations: Gujarat Titans (GT), who may need a finisher, or CSK, to give their middle-order more firepower and spin cover.
Venkatesh Iyer (India | All-rounder)
Venkatesh Iyer’s presence at the auction is a surprise given his history with KKR, but his potential remains massive. Despite an inconsistent 2025 season, the left-handed batter’s ability to anchor or accelerate in the middle order and offer a few overs of medium pace bowling keeps him high on the watchlist.
A hard-hitting, left-handed Indian batter who can bowl makes Iyer a rare combination that guarantees high interest. He is a game-changer on his day.
Likely Destinations: KKR will almost certainly bid strongly to reclaim him, but teams like Rajasthan Royals, needing an Indian batter with all-round potential, will also enter the fray.
Five uncapped overseas gems waiting to be unearthed
These players are relatively unknown to the wider IPL audience. but have put in stunning performances in global leagues and domestic circuits, making them high-reward, high-value bets.
1. Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan | Batter)
Sediqullah Atal has been making waves as one of Afghanistan’s most explosive batting prospects. His recent T20 performances have been exceptional, highlighted by a prolific run in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup and a sensational display in the Kabul Premier League where he hit 48 runs in a single over (including seven sixes in an over that included a wide).
With his high-strike-rate at the top of the order, surely someone will take a punt on this wildcard waiting to explode.
Tim Robinson (New Zealand | Batter)
The New Zealand opener shot to prominence with a sensational, unbeaten century against Australia, coming in during a tricky situation. The 23-year-old right-hander has shown great skill and temperament, making him a prime candidate for a franchise looking for a stable, yet aggressive, top-order overseas option.
A young Kiwi opener with a Test-match temperament and T20 flair is a rare combination. He is perfect for a team seeking a long-term solution at the top.
Zak Foulkes (New Zealand | Fast Bowler)
Foulkes, another talented New Zealander, is a medium-pace bowler who grabbed headlines on his Test debut with figures of 9-75. While not a classic express quick, his ability to extract bounce and maintain control makes him an intriguing option.
A new-ball threat with a knack for picking up wickets and a sturdy track record in high-pressure situations makes him a worthy squad addition.
Tristan Luus (South Africa | Fast Bowler)
A young, tall, and nippy quick from South Africa whose action is inspired by Dale Steyn, Luus impressed in the Under-19 World Cup and followed it up with a strong performance in the CSA T20 Challenge.
His raw pace and height with excellent control makes him an exciting prospect. After all, pace is pace, yaar. He is a high-ceiling pacer for the future, likely to be targeted by teams seeking a long-term fast-bowling investment.
Arab Gul (Afghanistan | Spinner)
The latest in the conveyor belt of famous Afghan spinners, Arab Gul is a left-arm spinner whose action is said to resemble Rashid Khan’s. He has been exceptional in his limited T20 outings, conceding less than six runs an over in several matches and taking multiple four-wicket hauls. He has been picked by MI Emirates for the ILT20, a sign of his growing reputation.
Spinners from Afghanistan are always a favourite, and Gul offers a left-arm variation with impressive control, making him a potential steal at his base price.
Five uncapped Indians that are domestic dynamite
The real value of an IPL auction is often found in the uncapped Indian market, as these players fill crucial slots and balance the overall squad structure. These five names have excelled in the recent domestic season.
Kartik Sharma (Rajasthan | Wicketkeeper-Batter)
The 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan is tipped to be the most expensive uncapped player in the auction. A clean striker and lower-order finisher, Kartik has impressed with his power-hitting, amassing runs at a strike rate of over 164 in recent domestic T20s. His combination of solid glove work and brutal finishing ability makes him a dual-role asset.
A young, high-strike-rate Indian wicketkeeper-finisher will always be in high demand, and he can easily slot into the middle-order or lower down as a dangerous finisher.
Auqib Nabi (Jammu & Kashmir | Fast Bowler)
A veteran pacer on the domestic circuit from Kashmir, Auqib Nabi has been a consistent wicket-taker across formats. He has recently found greater success in T20s, showcasing his ability to swing the new ball and maintain a tight economy. Previously a net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he is now ready for the main stage.
An experienced Indian fast bowler with swing who has dramatically improved his T20 effectiveness and control, he makes for a reliable depth option.
Prashant Veer (Uttar Pradesh | All-rounder)
Prashant Veer is a potential jackpot for teams needing a Ravindra Jadeja-style impact player. The 20-year-old is a hard-hitting left-handed batter and a controlled off-spinner. His combined performance in the UP T20 League and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has put him firmly on the radar of several franchises.
A young, left-handed Indian all-rounder who can finish with the bat and provide valuable off-spin, Veer will be a highly sought-after commodity.
Tushar Raheja (Tamil Nadu | Wicketkeeper-Batter)
An aggressive opener and wicketkeeper, Tushar Raheja has been exceptional in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, consistently striking at over 164. His fearless approach at the top of the order is what modern T20 cricket demands.
An explosive, in-form Indian opener who doubles as a wicketkeeper, solving two potential problems at once for teams needing an attacking start.
Ashok Sharma (Rajasthan | Fast Bowler)
Ashok Sharma is a rising pace sensation who consistently bowls above 140 kph. He topped the wickets chart in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, demonstrating both pace and wicket-taking nous. His aggression and ability to strike at crucial moments make him a major target.
Raw, genuine Indian pace makes him a hugely valuable option. Teams with a shortage of reliable Indian fast bowlers will aggressively pursue him as a long-term investment.
