The IPL 2026 player auction was a one-day mini-auction held on December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The mini auction allowed the 10 franchises to fine-tune their squads following the previous year's mega-auction. With 77 slots available across the teams, including 31 for overseas players, a total of 359 shortlisted players-comprising 246 Indians and 113 overseas-were up for bidding. All slots were eventually filled, with the franchises collectively spending around ₹215.45 crore.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged as the dominant force, entering with the largest remaining purse and making the most headline-grabbing purchases. Australian all-rounder Cameron Green fetched a record-breaking ₹25.20 crore, becoming the most expensive
overseas player in IPL auction history after an intense bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana also joined KKR for ₹18 crore, marking the highest price ever paid for a Sri Lankan player.
Uncapped Indian talents stole much of the spotlight, with Chennai Super Kings investing heavily in youth. Uttar Pradesh's Prashant Veer and Rajasthan's Kartik Sharma, both wicketkeeper-batters with impressive domestic striking ability, were acquired by CSK for ₹14.20 crore each, setting a new benchmark for uncapped players. Auqib Nabi, the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, was bought by Delhi Capitals for a whopping ₹8.40 crore as well.
Amid the cash-spending frenzy, there have still been a number of smart, underwhelming buys, which may prove to be extremely significant during the course of the season. A number of names went at base price, perhaps surprisingly, and they may go on to cause mayhem.
IPL 2026 Auction: Top Base Price Buys in Mini Auction
Here are 7 base price buys, who can do wonders for their team in the IPL 2026.
Sarfaraz Khan
Team: Chennai Super Kings
Price: ₹75 lakh
Sarfaraz Khan was bought at his base price at the flag end of the auction. CSK may have spent very low for the Indian player, but he can be an asset for them. The India player showcased his might with a recent 73 off 22, and he can cause mayhem with the bat.
David Miller
Team: Delhi Capitals
Price: ₹2 crore
One of the decorated IPL players, South African David Miller is a wonderful buy at that price. The southpaw can be the finisher DC require and thus is an excellent addition for that money.
Rachin Ravindra
Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
Price: ₹2 crore
Amid the KKR spending spree, Rachin Ravindra came at a base price! The New Zealand batter is a fantastic addition to the side, who can not just hone the opening role, but can roll his arms with his spin bowling as well. In Kolkata conditions, Ravindra is a top signing indeed.
Wanindu Hasaranga
Team: Lucknow Super Giants
Price: ₹2 crore
Wanindu Hasaranga may not have been the best in the IPL, but the Sri Lanka all-rounder is a world-class player. Hence, LSG getting him at that price is nothing less than a coup. Even the signing of Anrich Nortje was a great business for them as well.
Quinton de Kock
Team: Mumbai Indians
Price: ₹1 crore
Quinton de Kock was the biggest piece of business for Mumbai Indians in the auction, and the South African is a perfect buy for them. De Kock is expected to make a strong mark for the Paltans as he returns to his old abode.
Ben Duckett
Team: Delhi Capitals
Price: ₹2 crore
The Englishman coming at his base price was another smart business from the Capitals. Duckett is known for his blitzkrieg with the bat and DC will be ecstatic to get him at that price. The 31-year-old has a T20I strike rate of 153, surely that says something!
Jacob Duffy
Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Price: ₹2 crore
Jacob Duffy was a fantastic addition for RCB in the IPL 2026 auction. The pacer is a sensational signing at his base price, who won't just be a backup to Josh Hazlewood, but can be a proper competition for the Australian pacer in the RCB ranks.
