The IPL Auction 2026 is generating considerable excitement as teams prepare for a fierce bidding war to acquire top cricketing talent. Scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, the mini-auction will see 350 players go under the hammer, vying for 77 available slots across the ten franchises. With each team aiming to strategically bolster their squads, here's a look at five players who could potentially command the highest bids:
Cameron Green: The Australian all-rounder is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the auction. Green's ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset for any team. Several teams are looking for a hard-hitting all-rounder, increasing the demand for Green. He has registered himself as a batter in the auction.
Rachin Ravindra: The New Zealand all-rounder has quickly risen to prominence with his impressive performances on the international stage. Ravindra's versatility as a left-handed batsman and a spin bowler makes him a desirable option for teams seeking to add depth and flexibility to their lineups. He has a base price of Rs 2 crore.
Devon Conway: An experienced opener, Conway has been a consistent performer in the IPL. Known for his solid technique and ability to build long innings, Conway can provide stability at the top of the order. He is a former Chennai Super Kings opener, and has a base price of Rs 2 crore.
Wanindu Hasaranga: The Sri Lankan leg-spinner is a proven match-winner in the T20 format. Hasaranga's ability to take wickets and contribute with the bat makes him a valuable addition to any team. He has a base price of Rs 2 crore.
Venkatesh Iyer: Despite being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Iyer is still a player who could attract high bids. An Indian player with the ability to bat in the top order and bowl medium pace is a valuable asset. However, his performance in IPL 2025 was not impressive. He has listed himself at a base price of Rs 2 crore.
Several factors could influence the final prices. The availability of team purses, the specific needs of each franchise, and the intensity of bidding wars on auction day will all play a crucial role. Some teams will enter the auction with larger purses than others. Kolkata Knight Riders have the biggest purse of Rs 64.3 crores, followed by Chennai Super Kings with Rs 43.4 crores. Mumbai Indians have the smallest purse with only Rs 5.0 crore. The number of available overseas slots (31) will also influence bidding strategies.
The IPL 2026 auction promises to be an exciting event, with franchises vying for the top players to bolster their squads. While predicting the exact prices is challenging, these five players have the potential to spark intense bidding wars and emerge as the most expensive buys of the season.
