As the dust settled on the IPL 2026 mini-auction, it marked a rare and historic moment for the league. For the first time ever, all the 10 franchises managed to fill every available slot, with all 77 positions taken by the end of the event. It was a clear sign of careful planning, aggressive bidding and growing depth in talent pools across countries. With the IPL 2026 expected to begin on March 26 and conclude on May 31, teams have now locked in their squads and turned their focus toward on-field execution.
Here is a closer, simplified look at the biggest and most talked-about buys from a memorable auction night, highlighting why these players attracted such strong interest.
1. Cameron Green (Kolkata Knight Riders – ₹25.2 crore)
The headline act of the auction was Australian all-rounder Cameron Green who lived up to expectations by commanding massive bids. Mumbai Indians started the process at his base price, with Rajasthan Royals quickly joining the race. As the price climbed into double digits, Chennai Super Kings stepped in aggressively. Eventually, Kolkata Knight Riders outbid everyone, securing Cameron Green for ₹25.2 crore, the highest ever price paid for an overseas player in the IPL history. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a prized asset.
2. Matheesha Pathirana (Kolkata Knight Riders – ₹18 crore)
KKR continued their spending spree by landing Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana. Known for his slingy action and deadly Yorkers, Matheesha Pathirana saw early interest from Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. As the bidding intensified, Kolkata entered at a high point and showed clear intent. Despite a late push from LSG, KKR sealed the deal at ₹18 crore, making him one of the most expensive bowlers of the auction.
3. Kartik Sharma (Chennai Super Kings – ₹14.2 crore)
One of the biggest surprises of the auction was the price fetched by young wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma. Fresh off an impressive Ranji Trophy debut century, Kartik Sharma caught the attention of several teams. What began as a modest bidding war soon turned intense, with multiple franchises seeing long-term potential. Chennai Super Kings stayed calm and patient, eventually signing him for ₹14.2 crore, signalling strong faith in his future.
4. Prashant Veer (Chennai Super Kings – ₹14.2 crore)
Another investment in youth came in the form of Prashant Veer, a 20 years old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh. Known for his fearless hitting and a high T20 strike rate, Prashant Veer attracted early interest from Lucknow and Mumbai. As the bidding escalated, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad joined the race. CSK ultimately won the battle, matching Kartik Sharma’s price at ₹14.2 crore and reinforcing their focus on grooming young match-winners.
5. Liam Livingstone (Sunrisers Hyderabad – ₹13 crore)
Often described as one of the smartest buys of the auction, England all-rounder Liam Livingstone was picked late during the accelerated rounds. Despite his reputation as a powerful and versatile player, the bidding started quietly. Once teams sensed value, competition increased. Sunrisers Hyderabad made a decisive move and secured Liam Livingstone for ₹13 crore, adding explosive batting and handy bowling to their squad.
6. Mustafizur Rahman (Kolkata Knight Riders – ₹9.2 crore)
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman emerged as another unexpected but impactful purchase. Known for his clever variations and death-over control, he drew interest from Delhi and Chennai before Kolkata stepped in. KKR edged past CSK with a slightly higher bid, picking him up for ₹9.2 crore and strengthening their bowling depth.
7. Josh Inglis (Lucknow Super Giants – ₹8.6 crore)
Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, known for his all-round skill set and adaptability, attracted solid interest. Sunrisers Hyderabad showed early intent but Lucknow Super Giants stayed firm and eventually secured him for ₹8.6 crore. His ability to play multiple roles adds flexibility to LSG’s lineup.
8. Auqib Nabi (Delhi Capitals – ₹8.4 crore)
One of the feel-good stories of the auction was Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi. Starting from a low base price, Auqib Nabi’s consistency and potential saw his value rise steadily. Multiple teams entered the bidding before Delhi Capitals closed the deal at ₹8.4 crore, marking a significant leap for the young fast bowler.
9. Ravi Bishnoi (Rajasthan Royals – ₹7.2 crore)
Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi found a new home with Rajasthan Royals. The bidding saw competition from Chennai and Hyderabad before Rajasthan sealed the deal. Known for his pace, control and wicket-taking ability, Ravi Bishnoi’s signing adds a strong Indian spin option to RR’s attack.
10. Jason Holder (Gujarat Titans – ₹7 crore)
West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder rounded off the list of notable buys. With his experience, leadership and ability to contribute in both departments, Holder attracted interest from Chennai Super Kings before Gujarat Titans stepped in and secured him for ₹7 crore.
Overall, the IPL 2026 mini-auction reflected bold strategies, rising faith in young Indian talent and continued demand for proven international stars. With squads now complete, the stage is set for another thrilling IPL season filled with fresh combinations and renewed ambitions.
