Auction Insights: 3 IPL Franchises Set for Big Changes in 2026

The BCCI has confirmed the 350 players who have qualified from the list of 1390 entries. These players are likely to partake in their franchise auction attempt in Abu Dhabi on 16 December 2025, looking to see their squads for further balance before the imminent season.

The pool of players is a melting pot of domestic and international cricket stars, with most of the players hailing from India who have not had the opportunity to shine yet, which is likely about to change; they are jostling for space alongside several seasoned overseas cricketers who can come into the fire directly to make an impact from day one. Over a total of 77 slots for the roster, 31 of which are pinned for overseas picks while the elite performers have a base price worth ₹2 crores.

Let’s go over three teams most likely to go under the knife next year post-IPL 2026 auctions:

1. Kolkata Knight Riders: A chance to rebuild past luster

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are auctioning with some crucial gaps in their team. Having released superstars such as Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, and Andre Russell, the KNIGHTS are looking out for:

• A primary wicketkeeper (in any case)
• An opening batsman with a proven track record
• A world-class all rounder

It's a wise move for KKR to go out and get multiple game-changing players rather than going for "one big fish" now that they hold the purse strings to IPL 2026. Jamie Smith, Finn Allen, Maheesh Theekshana, and Cameron Green might at the outset seem like excellent bids that'll establish the core and win back some winning sequence.

Chennai Super Kings(Strategic Reinforcements)

Chennai Super Kings have changed their gears with love and are up for the bidding campaign in a packed season! Sam

Curran has already departed the squad. This means, a star overseas all-rounder to sustain the depth when it comes to batting or sports services.

The Chennai Super Kings will be looking to rope in a pace bowler in addition to Nathan Ellis so as to plug all the gaps present for them throughout the season. Holding as much as ₹43.40 crores gives them the opportunity to go all out getting somebody like Liam Livingstone, Cameron Green, and so on, with an objective to get their dominance improved and deepening the squad.

3. Lucknow Super Giants: Pressure to Rebuild

The pressure on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is real. The release of finisher David Miller and lead spinner Ravi Bishnoi created glaring holes in the side and that only puts more pressure on the unit to rebuild. Our topics for the LSG auction will notably consist of

• Procuring a match-winning finisher
• Strengthening the main spin attack
• Acquisition of an all-rounder that can balance the side

With a little less than ₹22.95 crore in the purse, LSG will aim for mainly Matheesha Pathirana, Rahul Chahar, Venkatesh Iyer, Abhinav Manohar, Mustafizur Rahman, and Matt Henry. The main objective of LSG will be to re-establish a competitive lineup unanimously for IPL 2026.

As we look towards the imminent 2026 IPL auction, transformations take place in three franchises, setting the stage for an electrifying season. It would not come much as a surprise to us if franchises come in strong to bid high. For ardent cricket fans, the off grounds battles would surely provide for thrilling excitement.