IPL 2026 Auction: Key Players Set to Ignite Bidding Wars

The upcoming IPL 2026 auction is generating significant excitement among franchises. Scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, this mini auction will focus on filling critical gaps in team compositions. Teams are particularly interested in players who can enhance their squad’s performance in the new season.

Key Players to Watch in the IPL 2026 Auction

Several players are expected to ignite competitive bidding wars, with franchises eager to secure their talents. Below are the standout names likely to dominate the auction:

• Cameron Green – Allrounder

  Base Price: 2 crore (approx. USD 220,000)
  Cameron Green emerged as a hot prospect after his stint with the Mumbai Indians (MI), where he scored 452 runs at an impressive strike rate of 160.28. Following a trade to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), he added 255 runs to his tally, demonstrating his dual capabilities as a batter and bowler and making him a prime target for franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

• Liam Livingstone – Allrounder

  Base Price: 2 crore (approx. USD 220,000)
  Known for his explosive batting style, Livingstone has had a remarkable year, scoring 840 runs at a strike rate of 148.93 in 35 innings. After being released by RCB, he is now a coveted player for teams seeking a formidable finisher, with KKR, CSK, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) likely to vie for his services.

• Matheesha Pathirana – Fast Bowler

  Base Price: 2 crore (approx. USD 220,000)
  A fast bowler known for his ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 150 kph, Pathirana has drawn attention for his exceptional skills. Despite injury setbacks, he boasts impressive IPL statistics, including 43 wickets in the late overs. Teams like CSK, KKR, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are expected to target him as they seek a reliable overseas bowler.

• Ravi Bishnoi – Spinner

  Base Price: 2 crore (approx. USD 220,000)
  Bishnoi, a wrist spinner, was surprisingly released by LSG despite being one of the few capped Indian spinners in the auction pool. His experience could attract interest from teams like Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who are in search of spin options.

• Jamie Smith – Wicketkeeper-Batter

  Base Price: 2 crore (approx. USD 220,000)
  Smith, primarily an opener, has strong performance metrics in T20 formats, making him an attractive proposition. Teams such as KKR, Delhi Capitals (DC), and PBKS may consider him as they seek a steady wicketkeeper-batter.

The upcoming IPL 2026 auction promises to be a thrilling event, with key players like Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone, Matheesha Pathirana, Ravi Bishnoi, and Jamie Smith poised to attract strong interest from franchises. As teams finalize their strategies, the bidding wars will undoubtedly reflect the high stakes of the tournament.