The IPL Auction 2026 is set to be one of the mst competitive auctions in league history. A total of 359 players have been shortlisted, including 246 Indian players and 113 overseas cricketers, from an original pool of 1,390 registered players.
Among the shortlisted names, 114 are capped players, while the rest include 230 uncapped Indians and 15 uncapped overseas players. Players from 10 overseas nations will be part of the auction, with England (21 players) and Australia (20 players) making up the largest foreign contingents.
Veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena (39) will be the oldest player in the auction, while Afghanistan’s Wahidullah Zadran, just over 18 years old, will be the youngest.
Each IPL franchise can have a maximum squad size of 25 players, and there are 77 total slots available across all teams. The auction will take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, marking the third consecutive year the IPL auction is held outside India after Dubai (2024) and Jeddah (2025).
Ahead of the auction, 173 players were retained, including 49 overseas players. All ten teams will enter the auction with a combined purse of ₹237.55 crore. Punjab Kings retained the most players (21), followed by Gujarat Titans (20).
Kolkata Knight Riders will walk in with the biggest purse of ₹64.3 crore and space for 13 new players, including six overseas slots. Chennai Super Kings follow with ₹43.4 crore to fill nine positions. Mitchell Starc remains the most expensive overseas player in IPL history after KKR bought him for ₹24.75 crore in 2024.
Top Players to Watch in the IPL auction 2026
Cameron Green
Australia’s Cameron Green is expected to be the most expensive player at the IPL 2026 auction. Although he missed the previous IPL season due to injury, Green remains one of the most valuable T20 all-round talents.
In the 2023 season, he averaged 50.22 with a strike rate above 160, and in 2024, he scored 255 runs and picked up 10 wickets. For the 2026 auction, Green has registered as a pure batter, which places him early in the auction order when teams still have large purses. A price tag beyond ₹20 crore is very likely.
Matheesa Pathirana
Sri Lankan pacer Matheesa Pathirana is another big name expected to attract heavy bidding. Surprisingly released ahead of the auction, he is widely regarded as one of the best death-overs bowlers in T20 cricket.
Known for his pinpoint yorkers and ability to bowl under pressure, Pathirana could be a prime target for teams like Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, and possibly Chennai Super Kings, who have struggled in the final overs.
Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi could emerge as the most expensive Indian player in the auction. The leg-spinner thrives when given clear backing and a defined role.
Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders may look at him to strengthen their spin attack, while CSK could view him as a long-term successor in the post Jadeja–Ashwin era. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals, who released Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, could also bid aggressively.
Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer is another Indian name expected to draw interest. While his form has been inconsistent and he hasn’t bowled much recently, franchises still value his ability to stabilize the middle order and perform in pressure situations.
KKR may look to bring him back at a more balanced price, given his familiarity with the setup.
Liam Livingstone
England’s Liam Livingstone remains a sought-after option despite a tough season with RCB last year. Teams are always on the lookout for explosive lower-order hitters who can also bowl a few overs.
Bought for ₹8.75 crore last season, Livingstone still offers strong value as a power-hitting all-rounder and could spark competitive bidding.
Top Uncapped Players to Watch in the IPL 2026 Auction
Auqib Nabi
Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar has become one of the most talked-about uncapped players. He picked up 15 wickets in seven matches, showing impressive swing and control.
His strong first-class numbers and multiple franchise trials make him one of the most exciting Indian pace prospects in the auction.
Anmolpreet Singh
Punjab batter Anmolpreet Singh enjoyed an excellent domestic season, scoring 241 runs at a strike rate of 172, finishing just behind Abhishek Sharma in his team’s run charts.
After short stints with SRH and MI, he now enters the auction as one of the most in-form uncapped Indian batters.
Ashok Sharma
Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma finished the league stage as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 19 wickets in seven matches. His ability to bowl close to 140 kmph and prior IPL squad experience put him in a strong position to be picked again.
FAQs
Q. Is Glenn Maxwell playing in IPL 2026?
A. No, Glenn Maxwell did not register for the IPL 2026 auction, bringing an end to his run of 13 consecutive IPL seasons.
Q. Will Andre Russell play in the IPL in 2026?
A. No, Andre Russell will not be playing in IPL 2026.
Q. Will Virat Kohli play for RCB in 2026?
A. Yes, Virat Kohli will play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. RCB retained 17 players, including Kohli, ahead of the season.
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