IPL Auction 2026: 10 big players teams may target this year
There are 350 players in this year’s IPL auction pool but only 77 slots to fill, making the battle even tougher. All 10 IPL teams are carrying ₹237.50 crore towards the auction on December 16 and how they use this money will decide which players will step up as the biggest stories of this season.
Also Read: IPL Auction 2026 Players List: 350 players to go under the hammer
Kolkata Knight Riders enter with the strongest purse (₹64.3 crore) after releasing high-value names like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer. The ₹43.4 crore Chennai Super Kings also need significant changes after parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja and releasing Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Matheesha Pathirana.
Also Read: KKR may break the bank to target top players
Further down the table are SRH (₹25.5 crore), Lucknow (₹22.9 crore), Delhi (₹21.8 crore), RCB (₹16.4 crore), Rajasthan (₹16.05 crore), Gujarat (₹12.9 crore) and Punjab (₹11.5 crore). Worth only Rs 2.75 crore, Mumbai Indians should shop wisely.
With so many changes and so much money spent on a few key options, let’s take a closer look at 10 players who could lead the IPL auction this year.
Cameron Green makes smart IPL Auction move
If there is a foreign name ready to brighten the first minutes of the auction, it is Cameron Green. Teams love his rare package – clean batting, lively pace, ability to finish matches – and his recent T20 form has further increased his appeal. At a time when KKR is looking for a new all-rounder, CSK is looking for a long-term option and SRH is looking for mid-range strength, Green enters a bidding zone where checkbooks are opening fast.
He was already a blockbuster buy once: Mumbai bought him for £17.5m in 2023 before trading him to RCB. He has scored 707 runs at a strike rate of 153.70 over two seasons, showing why teams won’t mind pushing the numbers again.
And here’s a clever twist: This time, Green listed himself as a hitter. That puts it in the first set, the most expensive stage of every auction, where teams’ purses are still full.
Also Read: IPL Auction 2026: 5 cricketers who can get highest bids
All eyes on Venkatesh Iyer in IPL Auction
Another familiar face that has come into the limelight is Venkatesh Iyer. In last year’s IPL Auction, everyone was stunned when KKR spent a whopping ₹23.75 crore on him; this was one of the most expensive purchases of the season. Venkatesh Iyer’s IPL season on the field hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations but his talents still make him one of the most valuable Indian all-rounders available.
His mix of big hits, useful medium pace and ability to complete innings ensures he won’t go unnoticed. KKR may even try to bring him back at a lower price, but they could be in contention again with RCB, who pursued him aggressively last year.
With ₹22.9 crore to spend, LSG may also enter the race to add a middle-order impact after releasing David Miller.
Also Read: IPL 2026 auction: 5 Indian batsmen in focus
Liam Livingstone: Powerful all-rounder in IPL Auction
If teams are looking for fireworks in death overs, accompanied by a few over spins, it becomes impossible to ignore Liam Livingstone. One of the few overseas players who can move directly to second base and still turn his arm, he fits the mold of the classic all-round finisher that IPL franchises aspire to.
He went to RCB for ₹8.75 crore last season, but the stakes may be higher this time. There are fewer players in his category in the mini IPL auction and the unexpected absence of Glenn Maxwell makes Livingstone an even more popular commodity.
Despite his inconsistent performance last year, his reputation as a game-changer keeps teams interested. We expect CSK, KKR, Punjab Kings and SRH to keep him firmly on their radar as they look for an overseas batsman who can turn the game around with a handful of balls and score a few runs when the skipper blinks.
Wanindu Hasaranga: Wanted spinner in IPL Auction
Wanindu Hasaranga will enter the IPL auction as one of the most sought-after spin options as teams know how rare a wicket-taking leg-spinner is in T20 cricket. Wanindu Hasaranga can finish matches in short bursts, break partnerships at will and can also make useful runs down the line. Wanindu Hasaranga’s ability to bowl in the middle over, where most bowlers struggle, makes him a top-notch buy.
With Chennai Super Kings needing a quality spinner in the IPL Auction after releasing Rachin Ravindra and Sunrisers Hyderabad looking for a partner to pair with their pace attack, Hasaranga is a natural fit. Royal Challengers Bengaluru may also try to bring him back.
Jake Fraser-McGurk: Exciting option in IPL Auction
Jake Fraser-McGurk is one of the most exciting young names in the IPL auction this year. His T20 run full of incredibly powerful batting, fearlessness and absurd strike rates has made him a fan favorite and observers’ dream.
Teams love players who can change the game with 12 possessions, and that’s exactly what Jake brings. In need of fresh, high-end firepower, the Kolkata Knight Riders may push hard for him. Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals may also be interested as both teams want aggressive openers who can dominate the power play.
Also Read: IPL 2026 auction: 5 overseas players in focus
Ravi Bishnoi – Big name and big money in IPL Auction
Ravi Bishnoi is expected to be one of the most expensive Indian names in the IPL auction as a quality Indian leg-spinner is gold. Ravi Bishnoi brings sharp jabs, quick arm variations and the ability to bowl to both left and right-handers without fear.
Ravi Bishnoi’s T20 consistency and calmness under pressure have propelled him into India’s white-ball plans and teams value players who can hold their nerve. Chennai Super Kings may go after him as they need a long-term return solution after Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement.
Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans also look like strong contenders as both want minor India options to balance their squad combinations. Bishnoi’s age, temperament and proven T20 record make him a key pick in the IPL auction.
Also Read: IPL 2026 Auction: 5 Indian bowlers in focus
Rachin Ravindra: Kiwi wonder at IPL Auction
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra’s appeal for the IPL auction has increased following his strong international debut. Teams love Rachin Ravindra’s versatility as he can open the batting, bat in the middle order and bowl left-arm spin. This combination is extremely rare.
Rachin Ravindra’s composure, clean batting and ability to handle both pace and spin make him a highly adaptable T20 option. Many teams are expected to make offers after Chennai Super Kings released him. Sunrisers Hyderabad may look at him as a flexible middle-order option, given that Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma will not replace their opening positions. Punjab Kings may also use him to balance their batting as the release of Josh Inglis has opened up a foreign void in the team. Rajasthan Royals may also enter the race for Rachin Ravindra in the IPL Auction as left-handed batting depth is something they are looking for.
Jason Behrendorff: The big name of the IPL Auction
Jason Behrendorff remains one of the most reliable left-arm new-ball bowlers in T20 cricket and that alone makes him a valuable name in the IPL auction. IPL teams always look for someone who can swing the ball early, deliver tight shots and offer a different angle.
Behrendorff has experience, discipline and a proven IPL track record. They may try to get him back as Mumbai Indians have released a few players and need a reliable player abroad. Gujarat Titans may also bid as they need the left-arm pacer after relying heavily on the right-arm pacer for two seasons. Sunrisers Hyderabad, who like specialists for certain roles, may also consider him.
Quinton de Kock: SA veteran at IPL Auction
South Africa’s experienced wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock remains a top-order T20 opener and will be among the biggest names in the IPL auction. De Kock’s 45-ball 90 in the last T20 match against India on Indian soil proves that he still remains a valuable asset even after coming out of retirement.
Quinton de Kock’s record speaks for itself; Fast starts, clean shots and the experience of not slipping the ball while holding the ball in high pressure matches. IPL Teams in need of a left-handed opener will be particularly keen.
While Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have Rishabh Pant and Phil Salt respectively, it will not be a surprise if the IPL teams select Quinton de Kock in the auction. Rajasthan Royals may also want to move on for Quinton de Kock after trading Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings.
Ben Duckett: The player who made a difference in the IPL Auction
England’s Ben Duckett offers something different at the IPL auction: a busy, innovative left-hander who plays spin superbly and can bat anywhere in the top four. While Duckett is not a stereotypical muscular batsman, his sweeping strokes, reverse swing and touch delivery make him a great player for the Indian pitches.
Duckett can even take wickets, making him a great option. IPL teams who want a stabilizer who can turn the strike while scoring at a good pace will look closely at him. Chennai Super Kings can consider releasing Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra as a flexible batting option that can open their batting. Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals may also target him as both need left-handed batting depth and someone who can back up their tough run chases. In fact, KKR are also looking at an opener and a wicketkeeper and have a huge IPL purse to bid high on.
