With IPL 2026 preparations in full swing, all ten franchises have submitted their retention lists ahead of the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. While big names usually dominate the day, this year, the released uncapped Indian players could fetch big contracts.
The mini-auction typically sees teams targeting high-quality domestic talent, as franchises look to strengthen their Indian core without overspending their limited purse. Uncapped players fit well as they provide long-term value and balance
to the squad. But with several teams holding sizeable purse amounts, competition for in-form domestic performers is expected to be intense.
Here are the top 5 released uncapped Indian players likely to fetch big money at auction
5. Abhinav Manohar
Abhinav Manohar will be a released uncapped Indian player whom franchises view as a potential high-value buy. The Karnataka batter has the natural six-hitting ability, seen in his breakthrough unbeaten 70 on debut in the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he rescued Karnataka in a tough chase. His performances earned him an INR 2.6 crore deal with the Gujarat Titans, followed by an INR 3.2 crore move to the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Though his IPL numbers so far are decent, with 292 runs in 27 matches, teams have not given him many opportunities. Manohar’s domestic exploits keep him in demand. Notably, he smashed 52 sixes in just 10 innings in the 2024 Maharaja Trophy, but, despite a difficult IPL 2025 and an illness-hit off-season, his lower-middle-order role makes him a strong contender to fetch big money at the auction.
4. Akash Madhwal
Akash Madhwal is one of the most interesting uncapped Indian players entering the IPL 2026 auction, and he could fetch a huge sum of money given his past performances. With 23 wickets in 17 IPL matches at a strike rate of 15.3, Madhwal has already displayed he can perform under pressure, especially with his memorable 5/5 in the IPL 2023 Eliminator.
What makes Madhwal a valuable buy is his ability to bowl with both the new and old ball. His abilities make him a dependable supporting pacer who can complement any attack. Teams like RCB and SRH, who need reliable Indian fast-bowling options, will view him as a good pick.
3. Mahipal Lomror
Franchises heading into the upcoming mini-auction are seeking strong, dependable Indian batters, and Mahipal Lomror stands out as one of the most attractive released uncapped options. The Rajasthan-born, despite limited opportunities in the IPL, has played 40 matches, scoring 527 runs at a strike rate of 141.28, displaying his ability to finish innings and play impactful cameos.
His domestic record includes over 2100 T20 runs at a strike rate close to 130. Although the Gujarat Titans released him after not giving him a single game last season, Lomror’s mix of power-hitting and experience across multiple franchises makes him an auction-friendly pick. With teams prioritising Indian middle-order stability, he could trigger an intense bidding contest.
2. Vignesh Puthur
Left-arm spinner Vignesh Puthur is among the released uncapped Indian players who could still fetch strong bids at the upcoming IPL mini-auction. Despite the Mumbai Indians letting him go due to an injury-affected season, the 23-year-old’s rare skillset keeps him strongly on the radar of spin-required franchises.
Puthur made a memorable IPL debut in 2025, bagging figures of 3/32 against CSK and finishing the season with six wickets in five matches at a strike rate of 12. His ability to turn the ball both ways and trouble established batters makes him a match-winning player. He displayed his brilliance even in local leagues, including his stint with Alleppey Ripples in the Kerala Premier League. Though injuries limited his appearances and led to his release, uncapped players with previous performances are auction favourites.
1. Karn Sharma
Veteran leg-spinner Karn Sharma is a strong contender to earn good money at the upcoming IPL mini-auction, especially as an uncapped Indian spinner. With teams like CSK and RCB searching for a reliable domestic leg-spinner, Karn’s name could be at the top of their mind.
Across his IPL career, Karn has picked 83 wickets in 90 matches, with the best coming in 2014 (15 wickets) and 2017 (13 wickets). Last year in IPL 2025, he claimed seven wickets in six matches for the Mumbai Indians, mostly coming as an impact player. Previously, he fetched INR 3.75 crore in the 2014 auction, then a record for an uncapped Indian. With franchises looking to strengthen their Indian core, especially in terms of spinners, the 38-year-old could see teams going aggressively after him.
