The IPL 2026 mini-auction has already created immense buzz across the cricket world. Scheduled in Abu Dhabi, this auction offers a rare combination of star power, player scarcity, and a massive purse. With 77 open slots and 359 shortlisted players, the competition for elite T20 performers will be fierce. Franchises are under pressure to rebuild cores, strengthen middle orders, and find wicket-takers who can win big matches in the death overs.
This year, the auction pool features an unusually high number of premium all-rounders and impact players, and many of them have entered with the maximum base price of ₹2 crore. The presence of big names like Cameron Green, Ravi Bishnoi, Liam Livingstone, Venkatesh Iyer, and Matheesha Pathirana adds further intensity to the competition. Teams like KKR, CSK, RCB, and SRH are expected to engage in intense bidding battles as each seeks the missing piece ahead of IPL 2026.
What makes this auction even more unpredictable is the shift in franchise strategies over the last two seasons. Teams now value versatility, power-hitting depth, and strong middle-overs bowling, which places huge importance on multi-skill cricketers. With several teams entering the room with large remaining purses, at least three to four players could easily cross the ₹15–20 crore range.
So, who are the top names expected to spark the most intense bidding wars? Let’s break down the strongest contenders.
Top Players in Focus at the IPL 2026 Auction
The IPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be a blockbuster event. With marquee players like Cameron Green, Ravi Bishnoi, Liam Livingstone, Venkatesh Iyer, and Matheesha Pathirana in the spotlight, franchises are likely to spend big as they fine-tune their squads for another thrilling IPL season, where only the Mumbai Indians look settled.
Whether it’s Green’s all-round firepower or Bishnoi’s spin wizardry, bidders and fans alike have plenty to look forward to when the gavel drops in Abu Dhabi.
Cameron Green: The All-Round Giant Set for a Massive Payday
Cameron Green enters the IPL 2026 auction as potentially the most expensive pick of the event. His rare combination of top-order power hitting, seam bowling, and ability to influence games under pressure makes him a high-value package. At just 27, he already carries international experience and the ability to play multiple roles — finisher, enforcer, or stabilizer. These qualities make him attractive to franchises like RCB and KKR, both of which are searching for a long-term all-round anchor.
Green’s recent performances in international T20s have only strengthened his reputation. His ability to hit hard lengths at 140+ kmph gives captains flexibility during the middle overs. With a ₹2 crore base price and at least six teams needing an all-rounder, Green could easily breach ₹20 crore. Many auction experts believe this year’s auction will revolve around him.
Ravi Bishnoi: India’s Most Valuable Spinner at the Table
Young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi is another top contender for a massive contract. His wicket-taking consistency, control under pressure, and ability to bowl in every phase — powerplay, middle overs, and at the death — give him a rare advantage. With several teams lacking attacking spin options, Bishnoi’s demand will be extremely high.
He has entered the auction at the maximum reserve price, and given the importance of Indian spinners in the IPL, he could become the most expensive Indian player of the 2026 mini-auction. Teams like CSK, RR, and SRH, traditionally spin-friendly franchises, are expected to push strongly for him. In a format dependent on breakthroughs, Bishnoi’s variations can turn entire seasons around for a team.
Liam Livingstone: The Explosive Finisher Ready for a Comeback Bid
England’s Liam Livingstone remains one of the most devastating T20 finishers in the world. His unmatched ability to clear boundaries, even off good-length balls, gives him rare strike-rate value. Livingstone also offers two types of spin — off-spin to left-handers and leg-spin to right-handers — making him a strategic match-up tool.
Following a mixed previous season, this auction presents him with a fresh opportunity. Multiple teams need a powerful No. 5 or No. 6 hitter capable of rescuing innings or finishing games decisively. Livingstone’s base price, power game, and multi-skill utility make him a guaranteed high-value target. Expect franchises like Punjab Kings, RCB, and GT to show major interest.
Venkatesh Iyer: India’s Versatile Left-Hander Back in Demand
Venkatesh Iyer resurfaces as one of the most versatile Indian all-rounders available. His ability to bat anywhere in the top six and contribute overs of steady medium-pace makes him extremely valuable in the auction dynamic. Teams needing a left-hand option or flexible batting depth will view him as a genuine asset.
A powerful striker of the new ball and an effective hitter in the middle overs, Iyer’s utility is multi-dimensional. With several teams searching for Indian all-round depth, he is expected to attract a long bidding contest.
Matheesha Pathirana: The Slinging Death-Overs Weapon
Pathirana has become one of the world’s most exciting young fast bowlers. His slinging action, yorker accuracy, and fearless death-overs approach make him a top target. With death bowling being one of the costliest and rarest skills in T20 cricket, Pathirana enters the auction with massive upside.
Teams like MI, RCB, and SRH, all of whom require solid finishing bowlers, could push heavily for him. Even at a ₹2 crore base price, Pathirana has the potential to climb into the premium bracket.
Why This Auction Matters More Than Usual?
This mini-auction carries more strategic weight than previous editions. Many teams are transitioning into new tactical phases, focusing on:
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All-round strength and balance
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Aggressive powerplay hitters
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Reliable death bowlers
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Impact players who can win games across formats
With 359 players available and only 77 slots open, the demand-supply gap automatically increases player prices. Premium skill sets such as seam bowling all-rounders, wrist-spinners, and lower-order finishers will attract the biggest bidding wars.
Teams like KKR (with one of the highest purses) could shape the auction narrative by aggressively targeting marquee names early.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable mini-auctions in the tournament’s history. With stars like Cameron Green, Ravi Bishnoi, Liam Livingstone, Venkatesh Iyer, and Matheesha Pathirana leading the player pool, intense bidding battles are guaranteed.
Franchises are not just buying players; they are buying multi-season blueprints, trying to build cores that can deliver consistent results until at least 2028. This makes every decision extremely high-stakes. With massive purses available, multiple teams rebuilding, and several elite talents up for grabs, the 2026 auction could easily set new price records across categories.
One thing is certain — when the hammer falls in Abu Dhabi, fans can expect drama, surprises, and the emergence of new superstars who may reshape the future of their franchises.
