The IPL 2026 auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, promises to be one of the most dramatic events in recent memory. The league has confirmed a staggering 1,355 players in the longlist, creating a competitive pool for just 77 open squad slots across 10 franchises. With only 31 overseas vacancies available, every pick carries significant weight — and this year, the battle at the top will revolve around Cameron Green, the most prominent name in the INR 2 crore bracket.
In a year already marked by surprising withdrawals and player transitions, the auction will also take place without the presence of global names like Glenn Maxwell, Moeen Ali, and Andre Russell, each of whom is stepping away for different reasons. These absences not only shift franchise strategies but also unlock new opportunities for emerging T20 specialists to make a statement. The only team that looks complete is the Mumbai Indians.
Even with these departures, the auction features one of the strongest premium segments ever. Along with Green, high-impact names like Liam Livingstone, Ravi Bishnoi, Venkatesh Iyer, Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga, and several others have placed themselves in the maximum reserve price bracket — setting the stage for a high-intensity bidding contest.
Why Cameron Green Is the Most Valuable Player in the Auction?
Cameron Green missed the 2025 mega-auction due to a back injury, but his return has immediately shifted the market dynamics. As a rare three-dimensional cricketer — a top-order/ middle-order bat, a reliable seam bowler, and an exceptional fielder — Green is expected to be the centerpiece of auction night.
Why Green Will Trigger a Bidding War?
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KKR enters with the largest purse — ₹64.3 crore
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CSK follows with ₹43.4 crore and a clear hole in their overseas core
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Both teams have urgent all-rounder vacancies
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Green can bat anywhere from No. 1 to No. 7
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His power hitting aligns with modern IPL demands
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His bowling brings balance that few overseas players offer
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His fielding is elite and high-impact
This makes Green the closest like-for-like replacement for Andre Russell, who retired from IPL cricket this weekend. With Russell moving into a “power coach” role and KKR needing a new overseas match-winner, their strategy seems obvious: they will go all-out for Green.
CSK, meanwhile, need a fast-bowling allrounder who can support a reshaped pace unit. With Pathirana released, the franchise is in search of a fresh overseas combination that can dominate death overs — something Green can contribute to indirectly with his bowling versatility.
Team-by-Team Auction Strategy: Who Needs What in 2026
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
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Purse: ₹64.3 crore
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Slots Open: 12 (including 6 overseas)
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Key Needs: Russell replacement, power-hitting allrounder, one strike pacer
KKR released nine players, including Venkatesh Iyer, making all-round depth their top priority. With Russell retiring, the franchise lacks a middle-order enforcer who can bowl. Green fits their profile perfectly. KKR also require at least one high-pace overseas bowler, making players like Coetzee and Nortje attractive options.
2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
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Purse: ₹43.4 crore
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Slots Open: 9 (including 4 overseas)
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Key Needs: Death-overs pacer, finisher, spin backup
CSK releasing Pathirana was unexpected. His injuries and limited availability pushed the franchise to look elsewhere. They now need:
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A death-overs specialist
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A middle-order stabiliser
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A versatile overseas batter for spin-friendly conditions
Green, Jamieson, Coetzee, and Milne are likely on their shortlist. CSK may also chase Rachin Ravindra again due to his adaptability, and CSK is all of a sudden in a new phase.
3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
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Likely Releases: Bishnoi, Akash Deep, Miller
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Key Needs: Spin anchor, late-over hitter, Indian middle-over control bowler
Bishnoi entering the auction at ₹2 crore is significant. His value is high, but LSG chose to move on due to inconsistent numbers over four seasons. They now need:
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A reliable spinner
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A finishing batter
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An Indian pacer who can bowl at least two overs in every phase
Hasaranga, Dawson, or even Shamsi may feature in their plans.
4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
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Key Needs: Middle-order overseas batter, wicket-taking quick, part-time spin options
RCB’s release of Livingstone shows they want a more stable overseas core. Fraser-McGurk, Duckett, and Smith could be shortlisted for middle-order roles. Bowling remains their biggest concern, so Nortje or Milne could be high-priority targets.
Major Absentees and Their Ripple Effect on the Auction
Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell opting out comes after a tough injury-hit 2025 season. Punjab Kings replaced him with Mitchell Owen, who impressed enough to earn retention. Maxwell’s absence opens a major gap in the explosive finisher category.
Moeen Ali
After eight IPL seasons and two CSK titles, Moeen has prioritised PSL commitments. His off-spin and left-handed hitting will be missed, especially by sides looking for spin-allrounders.
Andre Russell
Russell’s retirement marks the end of an era. KKR now moves into the post-Russell transition phase, and the franchise will need a new identity. His shift into a coaching role suggests he will groom the next power-hitter KKR invests in — possibly Green.
These three exits dramatically open up the market for new overseas all-rounders and match-winners.
Expanded: Full List of 2 Crore Bracket Players & What Each Brings
This is one of the most stacked 2 crore lists in IPL history.
Indian Players
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Ravi Bishnoi – wicket-taking legspinner, still 24, high value
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Venkatesh Iyer – left-hand power hitter, medium-pace option
Overseas Players (Key Highlights):
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Cameron Green – the most complete allrounder in the pool
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Liam Livingstone – explosive batting, part-time spin
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Jake Fraser-McGurk – rising T20 star with extreme hitting ability
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Rachin Ravindra – versatile, plays spin well, bowls left-arm spin
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Matheesha Pathirana – death-overs specialist, Malinga-like release
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Wanindu Hasaranga – elite legspin + batting
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Gerald Coetzee – raw pace, wicket-taker
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Anrich Nortje – extreme pace, injury concerns but high demand
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Devon Conway – stable top-order anchor
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Finn Allen – fearless T20 opener
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David Miller – experienced finisher
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Alzarri Joseph – bounce + pace, great in powerplay
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Josh Inglis – hard-hitting wicketkeeper
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Maheesh Theekshana – mystery spinner, powerplay control
Teams have a large talent pool but very limited overseas slots, making the competition cutthroat.
Josh Inglis: The Most Complicated Case of the Auction
Josh Inglis being available for only 25% of the season is a significant twist. PBKS relied on him heavily in their run to the final. But partial availability in a 10-team league is often a red flag, as teams prefer continuity.
Because of this:
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His bidding may start slow
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Teams might want him as a second keeper, not first choice
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Budget-conscious franchises might wait until mid-auction
This makes Inglis one of the most unpredictable picks of the night.
What to Expect on December 16: A Deep Auction Forecast?
1. Cameron Green will be the costliest sale
Multiple teams will compete fiercely. KKR and CSK lead the charge.
2. Death-overs pacers will attract premium bids
Coetzee, Nortje, Ngidi, and Pathirana will be in high demand.
3. Spin allrounders will rise in value
Hasaranga, Ravindra, Theekshana, Bracewell will be late-session targets.
4. English batters may shock with high prices
Fraser-McGurk and Duckett are expected to be among the surprise big buys.
5. Indian utility players will define the middle rounds
Teams with budget constraints will pick Indian seamers, finishers, and spinners aggressively.
6. Several big names may remain unsold in round one
Given the imbalance between supply and demand, some international stars may need to wait for second round re-entry.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 auction is more than just another player marketplace. It’s a turning point shaped by superstar exits, emerging global talent, massive budget disparities, and a premium bracket filled with all-rounders capable of changing the direction of a franchise.
With Cameron Green positioned as the auction’s centerpiece and several teams rebuilding key areas, December 16 is likely to spark dramatic bidding wars, unexpected strategies, and long-term franchise shifts. The absence of Maxwell, Moeen, and Russell marks the end of one chapter — and the beginning of a new, unpredictable IPL era.
