IPL 2026 Auction The competition in Abu Dhabi on December 16 witnessed high drama as teams spent ₹ 215.45 crore on 77 players during intense bidding wars. Kolkata Knight Riders While the franchise was enjoying itself, it dominated the headlines by breaking records Capitals of Delhi and Mumbai Indians smartly targeted value options in the wallet conscious market
Cameron Green has emerged as the most expensive buy from the IPL 2026 Auction
Cameron Green He broke records as the most expensive foreign player ever by joining KKR for ₹ 25.20 crore after a fierce battle with CSK who bid up to ₹ 25 crore. Sri Lankaof Matheesha Pathirana Despite LSG’s interest, he chased KKR for ₹18 crore, underscoring their aggressive overseas strategy. CSK were stunned by the uncapped Indians Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma at ₹14.20 crore each, tops for unlimited buys and shows confidence in local talent. Other major expenses include Liam Livingstone (SRH, ₹13 crore), Mustafizur Rahman (KKR, ₹ 9.20 crore) and Josh English (LSG, ₹ 8.60 crore), the overall costs are sky high, highlighting the all-round demand.
Top 5 Steal Deals from IPL 2026 Auction
- David Miller (Delhi Capitals, ₹ 2 crore)
The South African complementary powerhouse has been reduced to a base price with no competing bids, a major coup for DC after LSG released him after 2025. David Miller 3,077 IPL runs from 141 matches at a strike rate of 138.60, including a century and 13 fifties, plus Gujarat Titans fame. At 36, his experience at the death (average 35.77) bolsters DC’s bargain-basement lineup.
- Akeal Hosein (Chennai Super Kings, ₹2 crore)
CSK’s first purchase was a West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein at a basic price, ideal for spin-friendly Chepauk after a solitary SRH outing last season. Hosein’s accuracy thrives in T20 leagues like PSL and BBL, offering control and variety to CSK’s attack. This steal increases their rotation depth without the auction frenzy
- Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians, ₹ 1 crore)
MI used half of their purse of ₹2.75 crore to buy back the explosive opener at a base price of KKR 2,025 (152 runs in 8 games). Quinton de Kock‘s IPL legacy shines with over 3,300 runs, two centuries and starring roles in MI’s 2019-20 titles. His power play aggressiveness and holding skills add left-handed balance on a tight budget
- Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals, ₹75 lakh)
After going unsold twice and missing out on IPL 2025 altogether, DC recalled the dasher in the third round at a base price. Prithvi Shaw‘s 1,892 IPL runs at a strike rate of 147.46 underlines his explosive opening potential despite the recent domestic revival. DC is bringing back high-risk, high-reward top talent at a bargain price.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants, ₹2 crore)
The Sri Lankan leg-spinner all-rounder went unsold before LSG bought him at base price and regained spin after his release. Ravi Bishnoi. Wanindu Hasaranga He boasts 332 T20 wickets at an economy of 17.46, with a strike rate of 142.53 making him a dual threat.Rajasthan Royals release LSG gets a proven T20 specialist from global leagues for middle-order stability and wickets.
These steals represent mega-buys that have proved shrewd auction wins in the booming IPL market. Franchises have set up exciting 2026 battles in the cash-rich league, prioritizing experience and hype.
Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete list of unsold players with base price
