The IPL 2026 Auction promises to be an interesting contest with high-impact players who are expected to spark intense bidding by franchises.
With combinations changing for the teams and key retirements freeing crucial slots, this mini auction may revolve around a few marquee names in batting, bowling, and all-round roles.
IPL 2026 Auction: List of Players To Watch Out For
Cameron Green – The Premium Overseas Allround Option
Batter:
Price: Base INR 2 crore
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is likely to be one of the headline names at the IPL 2026 Auction. Previously bought by Mumbai Indians for INR 17.5 crore, Green proved to be an extremely versatile player, batting in positions from opening to the middle order while turning in some consistent returns. He amassed 452 runs in his maiden season in the IPL, at a strike rate of over 160, including a century.
The off-spinner continued to contribute with bat and ball after being traded to RCB, making 255 runs and picking up 10 wickets with improved economy. An injury ruled him out of the 2025 mega auction, but now fully fit at 26, Green enters the auction pool at just the right time.
With KKR looking for a replacement for Andre Russell and CSK needing a reliable overseas allrounder, Green’s dual skill set makes him a good candidate for a significant bidding war.
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Liam Livingstone – The Power-Hitter Every Team Wants
Allrounder: An individual who excels in both batting and bowling.
Base Price: INR 2 crore
Not many batters can bring about a change of momentum in a match as Liam Livingstone can, and that is a reason he will be in high demand ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. With his brutal way of striking, Livingstone has had a great 2025 T20 season, compiling 840 runs at a strike rate of nearly 150.
Released by the RCB to free up auction funds, Livingstone now becomes a prime target for teams in need of a finisher. His recent exploits in The Hundred, including that devastating over against Rashid Khan, underline his ability to dominate elite bowling attacks. KKR, CSK and Lucknow Super Giants are all likely to go into Livingstone as a middle-order enforcer.
Matheesha Pathirana – A Rare Death-Overs Specialist
Set: Fast Bowler
Base Price: INR 2 crore
Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana continues to be one of the most unique talents available in the IPL 2026 Auction. His slingy action has been a revelation, often providing pinpoint yorkers that touch 150 kph, as he has grown in stature as a lethal death-overs bowler.
Despite recent injury concerns, his IPL numbers speak volumes:
Among the best strike rates for fast bowlers with 20+ wickets
43 wickets in overs 11–20, second-most for any pacer since his debut
Economy rate second only to Jasprit Bumrah in that phase since 2022
CSK released him due to workload management, but he can still expect some aggressive bidding from CSK, KKR, and Punjab Kings, each of whom need an overseas fast bowler.
Ravi Bishnoi – One of the Few Capped Indian Spinners
Spinner Set:
Ex-showroom Price: INR 2 crore
The release of Ravi Bishnoi by Lucknow Super Giants raised eyebrows, but he remains a valued commodity in a relatively thin Indian spin market. His numbers have been modest in the IPL so far, but Bishnoi experience and skill set should appeal to teams without a quality wristspinner.
While franchises like Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are believed to be eager to reinforce their spin departments, CSK too might consider him as a tactical option despite poor success with wristspinners at Chepauk.
Jamie Smith – Pujara’s Likeness, an Aggressive Wicketkeeper Batter on the Radar
Wicketkeeper: Set
Base Price: INR 2 crore
Jamie Smith of England could be the new name that might spark some curiosity in the IPL 2026 Auction. Being surrounded by more competitive players, he did not get many chances at the international level. However, his domestic scores, especially in The Hundred, are worth noticing.
Excellent powerplay number; the strike rate has been above 170. Strong record against spin, which will be an important factor for success in the IPL. Aggressive mindset suited to modern T20 cricket At just 25, Smith is a long-term investment, and a team like KKR, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings may fancy him as a wicketkeeper-batter option.
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