IPL 2026 Auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 delivered high drama, with teams spending ₹215.45 crore on 77 players across intense bidding wars. Kolkata Knight Riders dominated headlines by breaking records, while franchises like Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians smartly targeted value picks amid a purse-conscious market.
Cameron Green emerges as the most expensive buy from IPL 2026 Auction
Cameron Green shattered records as the priciest overseas player ever, joining KKR for ₹25.20 crore after a fierce battle with CSK, who bid up to ₹25 crore. Sri Lanka‘s Matheesha Pathirana followed at ₹18 crore to KKR, underlining their aggressive overseas strategy despite LSG’s interest. CSK stunned with uncapped Indians Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma at ₹14.20 crore each, tying the highest for uncapped buys and signaling faith in domestic talent. Other big spends included Liam Livingstone (SRH, ₹13 crore), Mustafizur Rahman (KKR, ₹9.20 crore), and Josh Inglis (LSG, ₹8.60 crore), pushing total spends sky-high while highlighting all-rounder demand.
Top 5 best steal deals from IPL 2026 Auction
- David Miller (Delhi Capitals, ₹2 crore)
South Africa’s finishing powerhouse landed at his base price with no competing bids, a massive coup for DC after LSG released him post-2025. David Miller brings 3,077 IPL runs at a 138.60 strike rate from 141 matches, including a century and 13 fifties, plus Gujarat Titans glory. At 36, his death-over expertise (average 35.77) bolsters DC’s lower order at bargain value.
- Akeal Hosein (Chennai Super Kings, ₹2 crore)
CSK’s first buy was the West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein at base price, ideal for spin-friendly Chepauk after his lone 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 enhances their spin depth without auction frenzy.
- Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians, ₹1 crore)
MI used half their ₹2.75 crore purse to reclaim the explosive opener at base price, despite his lean 2025 KKR stint (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 2019-2020 titles. His powerplay aggression and keeping skills add left-hand balance to a tight budget.
- Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals, ₹75 lakh)
After going unsold twice and missing IPL 2025 entirely, DC recalled the dasher in the third round at base price. Prithvi Shaw‘s 1,892 IPL runs at 147.46 strike rate highlight his explosive opening potential, despite recent domestic resurgence. DC regains a high-risk, high-reward top-order talent cheaply.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants, ₹2 crore)
The Sri Lankan leg-spin all-rounder went unsold initially before LSG snapped him at base price, rebuilding spin after releasing Ravi Bishnoi. Wanindu Hasaranga boasts 332 T20 wickets at 17.46 economy, with a 142.53 batting strike rate, making him a dual-threat post-Rajasthan Royals release. LSG gains a proven T20 specialist from global leagues for middle-order stability and wickets.
These steals contrast mega-buys, proving smart auctioning wins in IPL’s escalating market. Franchises prioritized experience and upside over hype, setting up intriguing 2026 battles in the cash rich league.
