IPL 2026: Top 5 players to watch out for in the auction

Abu Dhabi is all set to host the IPL 2026 mini-auction on December 16, 2025, as all teams will look for quality additions to build a strong squad for the upcoming season. A total of 359 players will be available in the auction, with a maximum of 77 slots to be filled. However, some significant names in the final list will be closely watched during the auction.

Here are the top 5 players to watch out for in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Cameron Green

This Australian all-rounder could be one of the biggest attractions at the upcoming auction. Considering his impact with both bat and ball, Cameron Green is expected to trigger a bidding war among franchises. 

He has played 29 IPL matches so far — 16 for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023 and 13 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024. Green has scored 707 runs at an average of 41.58 and a strike rate of 153.69. With the ball, he has taken 16 wickets at an economy of 9.07. He will be available at a base price of INR 2 crore.

2. Matheesha Pathirana

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans were surprised when the franchise decided not to retain Matheesha Pathirana. His slingy action makes him a unique fast-bowling option. Over the last four IPL seasons with CSK, Pathirana picked up 47 wickets in 32 matches at an economy of 8.68. 

However, the 2025 season was not ideal for him. Despite taking 13 wickets in 12 matches, he conceded runs at an economy of 10.13. Still, franchises are likely to show strong interest in him. Pathirana is available for INR 2 crore. 

3. Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer entered IPL 2025 after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a massive INR 23.75 crore and was named vice-captain. But the season turned out to be a disappointing one. He scored only 142 runs in seven innings, including one fifty, and an injury ruled him out of the latter part of the tournament. 

KKR released him ahead of the 2026 season. In 62 IPL matches for KKR, Iyer has scored 1468 runs, including 12 fifties and one century. He has also taken three wickets in nine innings, although he has bowled just one over in the last three IPL seasons. Iyer’s base price is INR 2 crore.

4. Liam Livingstone

England all-rounder Liam Livingstone won the IPL title with RCB in 2025, but the franchise decided not to retain him after an underwhelming season. In 10 innings, he scored only 112 runs and picked up two wickets in five bowling innings. 

Overall, Livingstone has played 49 IPL matches, scoring 1051 runs and taking 13 wickets. Given his power-hitting and all-round ability, he remains a strong option for any franchise. Livingstone is available for INR 2 crore. 

5. Josh Inglis

The 30-year-old Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis could attract attention at the auction. He played for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025 and scored 278 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 162.57, including one fifty. 

Despite his performances, PBKS chose not to retain him. Inglis is now expected to find a new franchise for the upcoming season. His base price is INR 2 crore.

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