IPL 2026 Auction: Best Predicted Playing XIs for All 10 Teams

The mini auction of IPL 2026 hosted in Abu Dhabi was a magnificent occasion which fully satisfied the demands of the spectators—large amount of money signing, unexpected tactics, and clear hints about how each team would perform in the coming season. The unique tactical identities of the ten teams were showed through both record-breaking bids and aggressive, calculated moves.

At the auction, there were franchises that went for long-term stability and continuity while others chose to invest in skilled mercenaries and unrestricted talent. This article consists of a team-by-team review of the auction highlights and the strongest possible playing XIs for IPL 2026.

1. KKR Get All-In on Cameron Green

The loudest auction declaration by the Kolkata Knight Riders was to make the biggest signing of the mini auction, thus having Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore. The decision emphasizes KKR's wish to create a strong central group around overseas players with various skills and the option of future leadership.

KKR Possible Playing XI:

Rachin Ravindra / Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, Matheesha Pathirana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy

2. CSK Break Tradition with Uncapped Investments

Chennai Super Kings surprised many by splurging ₹28.40 crore on uncapped players Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma, marking a shift from their usual experience-driven approach. The move signals a long-term vision beyond IPL 2026.

CSK Likely Playing XI:

Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Karthik Sharma, MS Dhoni (WK), Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Matt Henry / Akeal Hosein, Khaleel Ahmed / Rahul Chahar

3. MI Choose Stability Over Splash

Mumbai Indians avoided bidding wars, instead backing their proven core led by Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. The return of Quinton de Kock adds experience without disturbing balance.

MI Likely Playing XI:

Quinton de Kock (WK), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sherfane Rutherford, Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Allah Ghazanfar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

4. RCB Trust Continuity as Defending Champions

Royal Challengers Bengaluru largely retained their championship-winning combination. The addition of Venkatesh Iyer strengthens the middle order while maintaining role clarity.

RCB Likely Playing XI:

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar (C), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal / Mangesh Yadav, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

5. SRH Lean on Overseas Firepower

Sunrisers Hyderabad doubled down on international match-winners, banking on Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Liam Livingstone, with Pat Cummins leading the side despite a relatively inexperienced domestic bowling unit.

SRH Likely Playing XI:

Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Aniket Verma, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Eeshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari / Harsh Dubey

6. GT Stick to a Balanced, Low-Risk Plan

Gujarat Titans stayed away from flashy buys, focusing instead on a stable, title-ready core featuring Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, and Kagiso Rabada.

GT Likely Playing XI:

Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

7. DC Build the Most Flexible Squad

Delhi Capitals assembled one of the most adaptable squads of IPL 2026. With multiple batting and bowling combinations, the side can tailor its XI to conditions and opponents.

DC Likely Playing XI:

KL Rahul (WK), Ben Duckett / Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel (C), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan

8. RR Double Down on Spin Strength

Rajasthan Royals reinforced their spin department, adding depth to complement stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jofra Archer, giving them multiple tactical options.

RR Likely Playing XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shubham Dubey, Donovan Ferreira, Shimron Hetmyer, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma

9. PBKS Back a Finals-Tested Core

After finishing runners-up in IPL 2025, Punjab Kings made minimal changes, showing faith in a settled group led by Shreyas Iyer.

PBKS Likely Playing XI:

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Mitchell Owen / Cooper Connolly, Azmatullah Omarzai / Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson, Vijaykumar Vyshak

10. LSG’s Finishing Woes Persist

Lucknow Super Giants boast strong pace resources and elite all-rounders, but concerns remain over finishing strength beyond Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran.

LSG Likely Playing XI:

Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Himmat Singh / Mukul Choudhary, Abdul Samad, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan

Final Word

The IPL 2026 auction has prominently showcased the identities of the teams—certain ones have been created for instant success while others are just thinking of the future. The season is round the corner and the projected playing XIs give a hint of the strength of each franchise in what is going to be another highly competitive IPL.