Insertion of the past India thoroughly Vijay shankar In the category of unopened players for IPL 2026 mini-auction It became one of the most unexpected talking points leading up to the December 16 event. Despite having previously represented India in both Odis and T20IS, his reclassification has generated considerable interest among fans and franchises alike.
Why did Vijay Shankar decide to enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction as an inexhaustible player?
Shankar’s ability to list himself as an uncapped player, 12 ODIS and 9 T20IS, is governed by an IPL arrangement introduced in the 2025 season. This rule applies specifically to Indian players and allows them to be classified as previously untouchable if two conditions are met: Firstthe player has not started in the starting XI for India in any format, Tests, ODIS or T20IS, in the last five calendar years preceding the auction year; and Secondthe player must not hold a current BCCI central contract.
Shankar’s last appearance for the Indian National side was during the 2019 World Cup (Last ODI: June 2019, Last T20I: February 2019). During the 2026 auction, it will be comfortable outside the five-year cutoff and will not have a central contract, perfectly meeting the criteria. This arrangement was noted, first resorting to legends Ms dhoni and veteran pacer Sandeep Sharmaenabling them to be kept at specific silent pay levels and setting a clear precedent for Shankar’s current classification.
IPL 2026 Auction Outlook and Vijay Shankar’s financial appeal
Shankar, along with other local names, enters the auction pool in the seventh set, all dedicated to unopened all-rounders. Kamlesh nagarkoti and Mahavan lomror. A base of minimum Rs 30 Lakh is a critical factor in its franchise application. A modest campaign, including the final form Tripura in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after his release Chennai Super Kings (CSK)doesn’t position it as a marquee signature, the low base price minimizes the risk for any potential buyer.
At 34, his value is already as a right-handed batsman who can lock down a reliable medium-pacer in big-match IPL situations and his versatility as an all-rounder, offering critical squad depth and balance. For teams looking to fill in economical, experienced Indians without impacting their budget, Shankar represents an attractive, low-cost option. His unproven status, albeit inconsistent, track record makes him an interesting and viable option for the upcoming bidding war in Abu Dhabi.
Read: IPL 2026 Auction: Players with highest base price of INR 2 crore – Venkatsh Iyer Cameron Green
