The air in Abu Dhabi is thick with anticipation as the IPL 2026 mini-auction is set to begin tomorrow, December 16th. With franchise war chests loaded—especially for teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (₹64.3 Cr) and Chennai Super Kings (₹43.4 Cr)—and only 77 available slots to fill, the competition will be fierce. While global stars like Cameron Green and Wanindu Hasaranga will command attention, history proves that it is the premium Indian players who dictate the auction’s strategic flow and ignite the most explosive bidding wars. As teams look to plug crucial gaps in their domestic core, some Indian cricketers, possessing unique and high-demand skill sets, are perfectly poised to break the bank and become the headlining stories of the day.
5 Indian players who can trigger a bidding war in the IPL 2026 auction
1) Ravi Bishnoi
Despite a challenging IPL 2025 season (Economy Rate over 10), Bishnoi remains the most valuable Indian spin property available. His high base price of ₹2 Crore reflects the strategic value franchises place on a young, capped wrist-spinner. Notably, Indian wrist-spinners who can be reliable wicket-takers in the middle overs are a structural necessity for almost every team. Furthermore, Bishnoi has shown the ability to bowl in the powerplay, a tactical ace few Indian spinners possess.
Teams like CSK, playing on a spin-friendly pitch and needing a long-term Indian option, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who need to balance their pace attack with a wicket-taking spinner, are expected to enter a fierce bidding war.
2) Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer’s release by KKR after a high-price season (₹23.75 Cr) shocked many. However, his base price of ₹2 Crore still puts him in the top bracket, highlighting his perceived value. The scarcity of a left-handed Indian batting all-rounder who can open or anchor the middle order while offering handy seam bowling is immense. Iyer’s versatility allows a team to adjust their entire batting line-up without using an overseas slot.
While KKR may attempt to buy him back at a lower price, they will face stiff competition. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with a substantial purse and a need to bolster their middle-order power, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who were keen on him previously and require more Indian batting depth, will likely push his price further.
Also READ: 5 overseas players that franchises can target in IPL 2026 Auction ft. Cameron Green
3) Prithvi Shaw
After going unsold in the last auction, Prithvi Shaw has registered at a modest ₹75 Lakh and is notably placed in the opening set of Capped Batters. His recent domestic form revival for Maharashtra, including a strong Ranji Trophy run, has put him back in the spotlight. Teams needing an explosive Indian opener to maximize the Powerplay, a strategy that is non-negotiable in modern T20 cricket, will target him. His career IPL strike rate is a proven asset.
As one of the first players up, he will benefit from teams having their full purse and a clear, immediate need for an opener. His former team, Delhi Capitals (DC), is reportedly keen to re-acquire him, while KKR, with the biggest purse and a need for a dynamic Indian opener, are prime candidates to launch a bidding war that could easily push his price.
4) Sarfaraz Khan
Like Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan is featured in the initial Capped Batters set, registering at a very attractive base price of ₹75 Lakh. His domestic record is undeniable: a First-Class average of over 63 and recent white-ball heroics. Franchises desperately need Indian batters who can handle the pressure of the middle-order, rotate strike, and accelerate at the death. Sarfaraz offers a rare combination of composure and power, especially in the context of filling the crucial No. 4 or No. 5 slot.
His low base price is almost certain to be ignored as teams prioritize his current form over his inconsistent IPL past. Teams that have secured their top-order and now seek an experienced, in-form Indian middle-order anchor—such as Gujarat Titans (GT) or SRH—will drive his bidding, expecting him to fetch a price in the big bracket.
5) Akash Madhwal
Akash Madhwal’s base price in the Uncapped category makes him the ultimate value-for-money high-potential asset on the auction list. His defining moment remains his record-breaking 5/5 spell in the IPL 2023 Eliminator. Indian pacers who can execute yorkers reliably in the death overs are the rarest asset in the IPL. Madhwal has proven his ability to perform in high-pressure knockout scenarios.
While he was with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2025, his value far exceeds his modest base price. Teams that miss out on the top-tier Indian pacers, or those looking to add high-impact Indian depth to their bowling unit, will see him as a steal. Every team, especially Punjab Kings (PBKS) and DC, will vie for him. Expect an exponential jump in his bidding, as he is a top uncapped talent who could land a mega deal.
Also READ: 5 uncapped stars who can trigger a bidding war in IPL 2026 mini auction
