The IPL 2026 auction is coming soon! Many big cricket stars will be up for sale. Teams are getting ready to buy new players and build stronger squads.
This year’s auction will be exciting because some really famous players might change teams. Let’s look at the top stars who could be available.
Big Names Expected In The IPL 2026 Auction
Here are 12 top players who might be in the IPL 2026 auction:
| Player Name | Current Team | What They Do | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | Batsman + Keeper | India |
| Glenn Maxwell | Punjab Kings | Batsman + Bowler | Australia |
| Ishan Kishan | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Batsman + Keeper | India |
| Venkatesh Iyer | Kolkata Knight Riders | Batsman + Bowler | India |
| Mohammed Shami | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Fast Bowler | India |
| Rashid Khan | Gujarat Titans | Spin Bowler | Afghanistan |
| David Miller | Lucknow Super Giants | Batsman | South Africa |
| Faf du Plessis | Delhi Capitals | Batsman | South Africa |
| Liam Livingstone | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Batsman + Bowler | England |
| Quinton de Kock | Kolkata Knight Riders | Batsman + Keeper | South Africa |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Rajasthan Royals | Batsman | West Indies |
| Tilak Varma | Mumbai Indians | Batsman | India |
1. Rishabh Pant – The Big Star
Rishabh Pant is the biggest name that might enter the auction. Lucknow bought him for INR 27 crore last year, making him the most expensive player ever. But things didn’t go as planned.
Pant is an Indian wicketkeeper who can bat anywhere in the order. He can change games with his bold hitting. Many teams will fight hard to get him if he’s available. Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore could all try to buy him.
2. Glenn Maxwell – The Australian Power Hitter
Glenn Maxwell from Australia had a tough season with Punjab in 2025. Punjab might let him go, and that means he’ll be in the auction.
Maxwell can bat fast and bowl spin. He’s won many matches for different teams over the years. Teams looking for middle-order power will want Maxwell. His experience in T20 cricket makes him valuable.
3. Ishan Kishan – The Young Keeper
Ishan Kishan scored his first IPL hundred last season. He made 354 runs for Hyderabad. Now, Hyderabad might release him.
Kishan is young and can keep wickets too. He opens the batting and hits hard from the start. His old team, Mumbai, might try to bring him back. Other teams will also bid high for this talented player.
4. Venkatesh Iyer – The Expensive Flop?
Kolkata paid almost INR 24 crores for Venkatesh Iyer in 2025. But he didn’t play well at all. Now Kolkata might be thinking about letting him go.
Iyer bats in the top order and bowls medium pace. Many teams believe he just had one bad season. If he comes to auction, teams like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai might take a chance on him at a lower price.
5. Mohammed Shami – The Experienced Bowler
Mohammed Shami is one of India’s best fast bowlers. He played for Hyderabad in 2025. If Hyderabad releases him, every team will want him.
Shami bowls fast and takes wickets in the powerplay and death overs. Teams weak in bowling will bid heavily for him. Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan could all try to get Shami.
6. Rashid Khan – The Spin Wizard
Rashid Khan from Afghanistan is a superstar spinner. He played for Gujarat for many years. If Gujarat lets him go, it will shock everyone.
Rashid can bowl in any situation and also hits boundaries when batting. He’s one of the best T20 spinners in the world. Any team would love to have him. Expect a bidding war if Rashid enters the auction.
7. David Miller – The Finisher
David Miller from South Africa is called “Killer Miller” for a reason. He finishes games when his team needs him most. Lucknow might release him after a poor 2025 season.
Miller bats in the middle and lower order. He hits sixes when the pressure is highest. Teams looking for a strong finisher will fight to get Miller. His calm head in tough moments makes him special.
8. Faf du Plessis – The Leader
Faf du Plessis is an experienced South African batter. He played for Delhi in 2025. Delhi might let him go to make room for younger players.
Faf usually opens the batting and scores steady runs. He’s also been a captain for other teams. His leadership and batting make him attractive to teams that need an anchor. Bangalore or Punjab might want him back.
9. Liam Livingstone – England’s Big Hitter
Liam Livingstone didn’t shine for Bangalore in 2025. Bangalore is expected to release him. But many teams still rate him highly.
Livingstone smashes sixes, bowls spin, and can change games quickly. One bad season doesn’t erase his talent. Mumbai and Lucknow both need middle-order power. They’ll likely bid for Livingstone.
10. Quinton de Kock – The Overseas Keeper
Quinton de Kock from South Africa is a quality wicketkeeper-batsman. Kolkata might release him to try different overseas players.
De Kock opens the batting and gives fast starts. He’s consistent and rarely fails. Teams needing an overseas keeper-opener will want him. His experience in IPL makes him a safe choice.
11. Shimron Hetmyer – The Caribbean Striker
Shimron Hetmyer from the West Indies played for Rajasthan. He’s a middle-order batter who hits fearlessly. Rajasthan might let him go to try new players.
Hetmyer is aggressive and can finish innings in a few overs. Teams looking for firepower down the order will bid for him. His strike rate and power-hitting are his biggest strengths.
12. Tilak Varma – The Rising Indian Star
Tilak Varma is a young Indian talent who played for Mumbai. Mumbai might surprisingly release him to rebuild their squad.
Tilak bats in the middle order and has shown great skills. He’s young and has a bright future. If available, every team will try to get him. Young Indian players are always in high demand because teams need them in their playing eleven.
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Conclusion: Big Players Will Be At The IPL 2026 Auction
The IPL 2026 auction promises big drama and surprises. With stars like Rishabh Pant, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Shami possibly available, teams have tough choices to make.
Some players will get huge contracts. Others might go for less than expected. Young talents will get chances to shine. Experienced players will find new homes.
One thing is sure – the auction will change the IPL landscape completely. New combinations will form. Some teams will become stronger. Others might struggle.
Let’s wait and watch which team builds the best squad. The auction is where champions are made!
FAQs
Nothing is confirmed yet. Teams haven’t announced their final release lists. These are just expected names based on reports and team situations.
Cameron Green might be the most expensive player in the IPL 2026 auction.
Teams can bid for players they release. This happens sometimes when teams regret their decision or want to buy the player at a lower price.
Each team gets a fixed budget. They must build their entire squad within that amount. Teams carefully plan how to spend on different players.
The auction will be shown live on Star Sports channels and JioHotstar. Check official IPL announcements for exact details closer to the date.
