IPL 2026 Auction Preview: What Each Team Needs and Who They’ll Chase on December 16

The IPL 2026 auction on December 16th Abu Dhabi has already set all ten franchises to prepare and reshape their teams for the forthcoming season. There is a total reshuffle at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) whereas, on the other hand, teams like Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are likely to remain quiet during the auctions as they have already established their cores and have little budget left. Here’s an extensive analysis of the status of each team and the major gaps they will work to fill.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Purse remaining: ₹43.40 crore

Slots left: 9 (4 overseas)

CSK will give priority to signing a high-profile overseas all-rounder or/but finisher considering their last failure to secure Liam Livingstone. The release of Matheesha Pathirana implies that the team will focus on overseas pace—unless they can get him back at a cheaper rate. Since there is no Indian player with the same qualities as Ravindra Jadeja, CSK might still support young local talents like Prashant Veer who caught the notice of the franchise during trials.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Purse remaining: ₹21.80 crore

Slots left: 8 (5 overseas)

DC’s biggest concern is finding a consistent opener to partner KL Rahul, with Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk out of the picture. They also require back-up pacers, given the injury histories of Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan. With Mohit Sharma retired, DC may also seek an overseas middle-order batter or an all-rounder.

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Purse remaining: ₹12.90 crore

Slots left: 5 (4 overseas)

GT have a largely stable unit but need middle-order hitters after the departure of Sherfane Rutherford and Rahul Tewatia's long injury layoff. With Shahrukh Khan out of form, GT may also target a finisher. They could explore options for an overseas pace partner for Kagiso Rabada and might look for a spin-bowling all-rounder due to Rashid Khan’s inconsistent recent form.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Purse remaining: ₹64.30 crore

Slots left: 13 (6 overseas)

KKR enter the auction with one of the biggest purses. They urgently need an overseas wicketkeeper-opener after letting go of Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. With Andre Russell retiring and joining the support staff, Cameron Green is expected to be their prime target. They will also look for at least two overseas fast bowlers and an Indian wicketkeeper unless they rely on Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Purse remaining: ₹22.95 crore

Slots left: 6 (4 overseas)

LSG’s priority is replacing David Miller with a strong overseas finisher. With injuries to Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan, they need Indian pace back-ups. After Ravi Bishnoi’s exit, they will also scout for a quality spinner, despite having left-arm options in Shahbaz Ahmed and Manimaran Siddharth.

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Purse remaining: ₹2.75 crore

Slots left: 5 (1 overseas)

MI have the smallest purse and a largely complete squad. They need inexpensive Indian options, ideally a batting all-round left-arm spinner, a domestic top-order batter, and a left-arm pacer. With only ₹2.75 crore to play with, MI are expected to stay quiet unless they spot bargain picks.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Purse remaining: ₹11.50 crore

Slots left: 4 (2 overseas)

PBKS have most bases covered but need a middle-order disruptor, ideally someone in the mould of Josh Inglis, who was released. They also require an overseas spin-bowling all-rounder to replace Glenn Maxwell and a back-up overseas quick. With a low purse, PBKS are expected to take a measured approach.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Purse remaining: ₹16.05 crore

Slots left: 9 (1 overseas)

RR’s top priority is signing a quality wristspinner to pair with Ravindra Jadeja. With their sole overseas slot available, they may target an international specialist or invest in emerging talent like Yash Punja. They may also try to re-sign Ashok Sharma after his strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Purse remaining: ₹16.40 crore

Slots left: 8 (2 overseas)

RCB needs a foreign pace bowler to back up the injured Josh Hazlewood and a middle-order batsman as a replacement for Liam Livingstone. Moreover, the team might have to rely on more Indian pacers, as Yash Dayal is currently sitting out.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Purse remaining: ₹25.50 crore

Slots left: 10 (2 overseas)

Sunrisers Hyderabad is in search of a seasoned spinner to back up the existing duo of Zeeshan Ansari and Harsh Dubey, and a reliable pacer who can take the place of Mohammed Shami. They might go after defensive bowlers and all-rounders as well as a middle-order batsman after the two players, Wiaan Mulder and Abhinav Manohar, are released.