The weather in Abu Dhabi is expected as expected IPL 2026 mini-auction It will start tomorrow, December 16. With Franchise War chests – especially loaded for teams Kolkata Knight Riders (₹ 64.3 CR) and Chennai super kings (₹ 43.4 Cr) – only 77 available slots to fill and competition will be fierce. Like global stars Cameron Green and Wanindu Hasaranga It will take note, history proves that it is the premium Indian players who dictate the strategic flow of the auction and ignite the most explosive bidding wars. As teams look to plug crucial gaps in their inner core, some Indian cricketers with unique and in-demand skills are perfectly poised to break the bank and become the headline stories of the day.
5 Indian players who can trigger a bidding war in the IPL 2026 auction
1) Ravi Bishnoi
A tough IPL 2025 season (over 10 economy rates), Bishnoi remains the most valuable Indian spin features available. The high base price of ₹ 2 crore reflects the strategic value franchises place on the young, indoor wrist-spinner. Notably, the Indian wrist-spinner, who can be reliable wicket-takers in the middle overs, is a structural necessity for almost every team. In addition, Bishnoi has shown his ability to have a few Indian spinners a tactical Ace in PowerPlay.
Teams like CSK, playing on a spin-friendly pitch and needing a long-term Indian option and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)Needing to balance their attacks with a wicket-taking spinner, PACE is expected to enter a fierce bidding war.
2) venkatesh iyer
Venkatsh Iyer’s release by KKR after his high-priced season (₹ 23.75 Cr) shocked many. But the base price of ₹ 2 crore still puts it in the top bracket, underscoring its perceived value. There is a dearth of an Indian batsman who can open the middle order or emerge while offering fifty seam bowling. Iyer’s versatility allows a team to adjust their entire batting line-up without using an outside slot.
KKR may try to buy him back at a lower price, they will face stiff competition. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)a significant wallet and the need to strengthen the middle order forces and Royal Paintings Bengaluru (RCB)Those who were keen on him earlier and demanded more Indian batting depth are likely to increase his price.
Read: 5 Foreign players, franchises can target in IPL 2026 Auction ft. Cameron Green
3) prithvi shaw
After being unsold in the last auction, Prithvi Shaw has been registered at a modest ₹ 75 lakh and has been placed in the opening set of particularly closed batsmen. A recent domestic form revival for Maharashtra, including a strong Ranji trophy, has put him in the limelight. Key to an explosive India to maximize PowerPlay, teams will target it, a strategy that is not discussed in modern T20 cricket. A career IPL strike rate is a proven asset.
As one of the first players, he will benefit from teams that need a key to their full bag and an open key. former team, Delhi Capitals (DC)reportedly keen to re-acquire KKR, which needs a bigger purse and a dynamic Indian opener, is a prime candidate to trigger a bidding war that could easily push up its price.
4) Sarfaraz Khan
Like Shaw, Sarfaraz khan is featured in the initial set of closed fighters, registering at a very attractive base price of 75 Lakh. His domestic record is undeniable: a first-class average of 63 and recent white-ball heroics. Franchises need Indian batsmen who can handle the middle-order pressure, spin and pace with death. Sarfaraz offers a rare combination of form and power, especially in the context of filling the No. 4 or No. 5 slot.
His low base price is almost certain to be ignored as his teams prioritize his current form over his inconsistent IPL past. Teams who have secured their top order and are now working as an experienced, in-form Indian middle-order anchor Gujarat Titans (GT) or SRH – will manage their bid expecting to receive a price in the large bracket.
5) Akash Madhwal
Akash Madhwal’s base price in the no-look category makes him the highest value-for-money premium asset in the auction list. His defining moment remains a record-breaking 5/5 in the IPL 2023 Eliminator. Indian pacers who can execute reliably in the death overs are the rarest asset in the IPL. Madhwal has proven his ability to perform in high-pressure knockout scenarios.
When it’s in Rajasthan Royals (RR) In 2025, it is worth more than its modest base price. Teams short on top-class Indian pacers or those looking to add highly effective Indian depth to their bowling unit will find him a steal. Every team, especially kings of punjab (pbks) and DC will be vie for him. Expect an exponential jump in his bid as he is a top undrafted talent who could earn a mega deal.
Read: 5 Stars who can secure the IPL 2026 mini auction by triggering a bidding war
