IPL 2026 Auction: Top Players Likely to Be Key Targets for All 10 Franchises — In Pictures

In the IPL 2026 mini-auction slated for December 16, 2025 at Abu Dhabi, a total of 359 players' names have been put on the final list that consists of players from different nationalities, 245 domestic and 114 foreign players. Since there are total of 77 slots open for players across the teams with 31 being for foreigners, it is already assumed that the teams will be making small innovations rather than entirely changing their squad.

The one-day event will witness divergent purse sizes where Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take a big amount of ₹64.3 crore for a probable restructuring of their team while on the other hand, Mumbai Indians (MI) will just have ₹2.75 crore and hence, will only be able to make small adjustments. Due to the limited supply and few top-tier match-winners available, many stars with their names would lead to bidding wars.

Below is the list of players expected to be the top-end targets at the IPL 2026 auction:

1. Cameron Green

The auction will be marked by the world's best all-rounder Australia’s Cameron Green, who is going to be the most costly player of the auction. His mixture of super hitting and world-class bowling makes him an exceptional asset. Among KKR and CSK, there are other teams who will surely try to buy him.

2. Liam Livingstone

Livingstone of England, who has been inconsistent recently, still is one of the best T20 all-rounders with his strong six-hitter skills and spin bowling (both off-spin and leg-spin). Thus, he still is one of the most wanted T20 all-rounders for the market.

3. Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi, who is a wrist-spinner and has been demoted from LSG, is said to be the player getting great finds. His capability of taking wickets during the middle overs qualifies him to be the most wanted Indian player for many teams.

4. Matheesha Pathirana

The Sri Lankan fast bowler with the sling action Matheesha Pathirana, who is famous for his outstanding death bowling, will be one of the most wanted overseas temps. Despite being injured, teams that are not good at final-overs execution will fight hard for his services.

5. Venkatesh Iyer

One of the two Indians only with a base price of ₹2 crore is Venkatesh Iyer who can provide left-handed batting and effective seam bowling. He may be trying to return to KKR, while other teams will also participate in the contest.

6. David Miller

South African David Miller who is known for his finishing abilities is still a hot property at the auction. Teams who need an experienced lower-order match-winner will go after him.

7. Wanindu Hasaranga

The best spinner of Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga comes with not only with wicket-taking ability but also the ability of being the last batter to score. The teams who are looking for a strike spinner will be fighting for him.

8. Quinton de Kock

Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has a base price of ₹1 crore but his value will be much higher than this by the time of auction. He provides explosive starts and reliable keeping making him the complete T20 package.

9. Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra of New Zealand is a unique all-rounder who every team would like to invest in for a longer time. His left-hand batting and left-arm spin make him a good option for a franchise's long-term strategy.

10. Matt Henry

The New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry is anticipated to have a constant interest from the teams who are wishing to strengthen their international fast-bowling contingent. He is still a safe operator during the powerplay and middle overs.