If you thought IPL auctions had already reached their peak in terms of drama, suspense, and eye-watering price tags, then IPL Auction 2026 politely asked you to think again. This year’s mini-auction felt less like a conventional marketplace and more like a high-stakes poker table, where franchises locked eyes, purses lay wide open, and reputations were firmly on the line. From Cameron Green smashing overseas price records to Chennai Super Kings splurging heavily on uncapped Indian talent, the auction delivered twists that no pre-match analysis could have fully predicted.
In this comprehensive breakdown, we walk you through the Full list of sold and unsold players in IPL Auction 2026, unpack the biggest bidding wars, explain why certain high-profile stars went unsold, and explore how these high-stakes decisions could reshape the league in the seasons to come.
IPL Auction 2026: Setting the Stage for a Blockbuster
The IPL Auction 2026 unfolded with 369 players in the auction pool, 77 slots waiting to be filled, and a massive cumulative purse of ₹237.55 crore. All ten franchises entered the room with sharply contrasting strategies. Some came armed with deep pockets and glaring gaps, while others showed restraint, ready to strike only when value screamed louder than hype.
Abu Dhabi played host to the event, but the echoes of raised paddles travelled far beyond the venue. Fans followed every moment live, analysts rushed to revise predictions, and social media erupted with each unexpected bid. This was not merely squad building—it was brand building, future planning, and at times, calculated risk-taking bordering on audacity.
The First Hammer Drop: David Miller Opens the Account
The first name under the hammer often sets the tone, and in IPL 2026, that honour went to South Africa’s powerhouse batter David Miller. In a move that surprised many, Delhi Capitals snapped him up at his base price of ₹2 crore. There was no bidding war, no extended drama—just a clean, efficient purchase.
In an auction later dominated by fireworks, Miller’s calm acquisition felt like the quiet before a storm. Delhi knew exactly what they were getting: a proven finisher, a player calm under pressure, and a seasoned leader in the dressing room.
Cameron Green IPL Auction 2026: The Record-Breaking Moment
If one moment defined the auction, it was Cameron Green’s sale. Listed as a specialist batter, the Australian star triggered a bidding war that escalated faster than a T20 run chase. Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings all jumped into the fray, but KKR refused to blink.
At a staggering ₹25.20 crore, Green became the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history. Let that sink in. A player listed purely as a batter commanding such a fee speaks volumes about his perceived value—versatility, youth, international pedigree, and marketability rolled into one.
For KKR, this was more than filling a slot. It was a statement buy, a bold declaration of ambition.
Why Some Big Names Went Unsold: The Auction’s Silent Shock
Every IPL auction comes with heartbreak stories, and 2026 was no exception. Jake Fraser-McGurk, Devon Conway, Prithvi Shaw, and Sarfaraz Khan all went unsold. On paper, it felt baffling. In reality, it highlighted a clear shift—franchises are prioritizing role-specific needs over reputation alone.
The absence of bids for Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan raised eyebrows, but insiders suggest teams are closely monitoring fitness levels, recent form, and squad balance. Importantly, unsold does not mean unwanted forever. History has shown that several players find homes later through replacements or supplementary drafts.
Venkatesh Iyer IPL Auction 2026: From Gold Rush to Reality Check
Last season, Venkatesh Iyer fetched a massive ₹23.75 crore. This year, he went for ₹7 crore. Same player, dramatically different market dynamics. Royal Challengers Bengaluru outbid KKR, GT, and LSG to secure his services, but the reduced price told a bigger story.
This wasn’t a downgrade in talent—it was a recalibration of value. Franchises appeared cautious, weighing recent form and role clarity. For RCB, however, this could prove to be a masterstroke, securing an experienced Indian all-rounder at a fraction of his previous cost.
Matheesha Pathirana IPL Auction 2026: KKR’s Bowling Jackpot
If Cameron Green was the headline act, Matheesha Pathirana was undoubtedly the show-stealer. Former CSK gem, Pathirana became the centre of a fierce tug-of-war before KKR clinched him for ₹18 crore.
His slingy action, death-over expertise, and remarkable composure under pressure make him a rare T20 bowling asset. For KKR, pairing Pathirana with their existing attack could redefine their bowling unit for years to come. This wasn’t just a purchase—it was an investment in sustained dominance.
Ravi Bishnoi and the Spinner’s Premium
Leg-spinners continue to command a premium in the IPL, and Ravi Bishnoi reinforced that trend. Rajasthan Royals secured him for ₹7.20 crore, making him the costliest spinner of IPL Auction 2026.
In a format where middle-over control often decides matches, Bishnoi’s accuracy and wicket-taking ability justify every rupee. Rajasthan clearly identified him as the missing puzzle piece in their bowling setup.
CSK’s Big Gamble on Uncapped Indians
Chennai Super Kings stunned everyone by spending a whopping ₹28.40 crore on two uncapped Indian players—Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, each bought for ₹14.20 crore. Two uncapped players becoming joint-costliest buys in IPL auction history is no small statement.
CSK’s philosophy has always focused on long-term grooming. In Veer, they see a dynamic all-rounder; in Kartik Sharma, a wicketkeeper-batter with explosive potential. This was not reckless spending—it was calculated belief.
Auqib Nabi’s Fairytale Rise
From a base price of ₹30 lakh to a final bid of ₹8.40 crore, Auqib Nabi’s journey was straight out of a cricketing fairytale. Sunrisers Hyderabad outbid Delhi Capitals to secure the Jammu and Kashmir pacer, whose raw pace and bounce impressed scouts.
Moments like these underline why IPL auctions matter. They don’t just reward stars—they create them.
Wicketkeepers in Focus: Hits and Misses
Despite KKR’s need for a specialist wicketkeeper-batter, England’s Jamie Smith went unsold. Instead, KKR opted for Finn Allen at his base price of ₹2 crore, choosing pragmatism over risk.
Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock’s return to Mumbai Indians for ₹1 crore felt almost poetic. Sometimes, reunions make more sense than fresh starts.
Fast Bowlers: Pace Pays, But Selectively
While stars like Matheesha Pathirana and Anrich Nortje found buyers, several fast bowlers—including Matt Henry, Akash Deep, and Spencer Johnson—went unsold. Franchises were selective, prioritizing death-over specialists and proven IPL performers over sheer pace.
Spinners and the Waiting Game
The absence of bids for Rahul Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman highlighted how saturated the spinner market has become. Teams are no longer hoarding spinners—they’re searching for specific, match-winning skill sets.
Uncapped Talent: Where Futures Are Forged
From Ashok Sharma to Yash Raj Punja, the uncapped segments quietly shaped team depth and future potential. These names may not trend today, but they could very well headline tomorrow.
Full List of Sold and Unsold Players in IPL Auction 2026: Summary Insight
Across all categories—batters, all-rounders, wicketkeepers, pacers, and spinners—the auction reflected a clear shift. Data-driven decisions, role clarity, and long-term vision now outweigh star power alone.
What This Auction Means for IPL 2026 and Beyond
The IPL Auction 2026 was not just about filling squads—it was about redefining value. Cameron Green’s record, Pathirana’s premium, and CSK’s uncapped splurge signal a league unafraid to rewrite its own norms.
Teams like KKR and CSK walked away as headline-makers, but the real winners will only be revealed once the season begins.
Read More: Matheesha Pathirana IPL Auction 2026: Why KKR Paid ₹18 Crore for a Death-Overs Star
Conclusion
Ultimately, IPL Auction 2026 reminded us why this league remains unmatched. It is unpredictable, emotional, strategic, and sometimes brutal. Careers were transformed in minutes, reputations faced reality checks, and fans witnessed more than transactions—we witnessed stories of belief, risk, and ambition.
Once the dust settles and the spreadsheets close, the real auction begins under floodlights. Because in the IPL, every crore spent is judged not at the podium, but between the boundary ropes.
