This Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The Abu Dhabi mini-auction is a battleground where youth often dictates the narrative. Teams typically wait for fresh, high-ceiling talent to draft for the future. However, the official player list suggests that experience and local pedigree still hold strong appeal. Standing among hundreds of young guns and stars in the making, they are ready to prove that everything is just a few passing or already passing 37 passing or already passing 37 series.
These five players, a mix of local stalwarts and international veterans, bring a wealth of experience, unmatched skills and the quiet hunger of crypteers looking for the ultimate shot in the world’s most competitive T20 league.
5 Biggest Players in IPL 2026 Auction
1. Jalaj Saxena (Age: 39)
At 39, Jalaj is the oldest player for the UPL 2026 auction, proving that a star can keep the dream of a domestic record alive. An all-rounder, Saxena is an undisputed titan of Indian first-class cricket. He is the first Indian cricketer to reach 6000 runs and 400 wickets in the monumental Ranji Trophy. In the shortest formats, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, it makes him a very reliable utility player.
For limited-overs IPLs, for franchises like Punjab Kings, his low base price (₹ 40 lakh) and his dual threat as a reliable spinner and a solid middle-order Batsman make him an excellent, cost-effective backup option for any team looking to bolster their Indian core.
2. Karan Sharma (Age: 38)
Karn has been a quiet constant in the IPL landscape for over a decade. The lit spinner from Uttar Pradesh has represented some of the most successful franchises and carries a select reputation as a ‘cup winner’, being part of multiple IPL winning squads. With 83 wickets in 90 IPL matches, his strength lies in his ability to maintain a tight economy and take wickets in the crucial middle overs. His batsmen with subtle variations in PACE and Flight is an original operator.
After being released by Mumbai Indians, Karn enters the auction with a base price of 30 Lakh. His extensive experience across diverse team environments and pressure situations has made him an ideal, low-cost option for teams in need of an experienced Indian spinner while performing well.
3. Umesh Yadav (Age: 38)
An experienced Indian International Fast Bowler, Umesh has been a fixture in the IPL since 2009. Known for his refined pace and ability to swing the new ball, Umesh is one of the most experienced PACE exponents in the league. With 144 wickets from 148 FIRST matches, his career saw him deliver match-winning spells for teams like Delhi and Kolkata. While his form has seen minor fluctuations, his explosive pace and ability to provide early breakthroughs remain undeniable.
Umesh opted for a high base price (₹ 1.5 crore) reflecting his confidence in his pace. Groups looking for a big Indian fast bowler to lead the attack on PowerPlay will spark a bidding war for a role he excels at, a bidding war for the veteran.
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4. Richard Gleeson (Age: 38)
England’s Gleeson embodies the tenacious spirit that made his Under-34 international debut. The right-arm fast medium bowler is noted for hitting hard lengths and dealing decisive cutters. Gleeson has a reputation for performing in global franchise leagues and has shown that he can deliver under pressure in short but impressive IPL spells with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. His highlight reel includes some of the best Indian dilation work in his early international broadcasts.
Listed at a base price of ₹ 75 lakh, Gleeson is an attractive option for franchises looking for a big foreign pacer, especially for those who want a bowler who can hit the deck hard and offer subtle change in the middle and death overs.
5. Dwaine Pretorius (Age: 37)
The South African all-rounder is a proven asset in T20 Cricket, bringing a rare combination of top-order batting power and an excellent swing bowling, particularly at the death. A key player for Chennai Super Kings, Pretorius has experience thriving in the demanding, high-stakes atmosphere of the IPL. Bowling focused on smart cutters and seam changes make it a tough proposition for even the best bowlers.
With a base price of ₹ 1 crore, Pretorius is a hot commodity for his all-round skills. The outside death bowler and power hitter fills a special niche that few teams will strive to secure to balance their XI.
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