The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction promises to be highly dynamic to acquire potential and highly proven players in the squad.
Out of 1,390 registered players, only 350 of them were shortlisted, which includes 240 Indians and 110 overseas.
The focus now shifts towards the talented Indian cricketers who are now set to go under the hammer during the mini-auction on December 16 (Tuesday).
Here is a detailed analysis of those five Indian players— including a mix of veterans and domestic cricket stars, who are likely to be the essence of the auction strategy for several franchises.
1. Venkatesh Iyer (Fast Bowling All-Rounder)
All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is one among those forty players who were shortlisted for a base price of INR 2 crore.
After being released by his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the 30-year-old is one of the highly sought-after talents, not just for his batting skills, but also his dual potential as a medium pacer.
Especially, in modern T20 cricket, the multi-talented players’ role opens up a new depth in the batting and bowling line-up.
According to reports, there could be aggressive bidding for the pace bowling all-rounder from multiple franchises, including Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Also, other contenders are keen to bolster their middle order with Iyer’s inclusion, given his ability to anchor the innings and play destructive knocks at the death overs.
2. Ravi Bishnoi (Spin Bowler)
Ravi Bishnoi is yet another Indian player who enters the auction pool with a base price worth INR 2 crore.
In the previous edition, his former franchise, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), retained him for INR 11 crore.
However, his release has opened a new opportunity for Chennai Super Kings, who are searching for a long-term spin leader after parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja.
Here are the main reasons that highlight why Bishnoi’s skills could prompt the five-time champions to acquire him for a high price tag:
- Sharp Googlies.
- Expertise in T20 cricket.
- High-quality spin bowler and long-term asset to lead spin bowling attack.
- Lethal spin attack is favorable to CSK’s spin-bowling pitches.
3. Akash Deep (Fast Bowler)
With a base price of INR 1 crore, Akash Deep proves the higher demand for wicket-taking Indian pacers in T20 cricket.
Having been acquired by Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, the Indian speedster was released after succumbing to injury, which ruled him out of a few matches in that season.
However, franchises would be keen to secure his services based on his raw fast bowling talent rather than prioritizing his history of injuries.
Speaking about the Indian pitches, a pacer like Akash, who can bowl at a speed above 140 km/hr, can prove to be lethal in the powerplay, given his ability to swing with the new ball. This is one such rare criterion that franchises would be keen on.
At the same time, the competition promises to be fiercer, as LSG is likely to acquire him back in the squad for a more reasonable price.
The 28-year-old is predicted to reach a valuation worth INR 8 crore to 10 crore as other teams like Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) aim to strengthen their pace bowling attack.
4. Sarfaraz Khan (Right-Handed Batsman)
Having been a consistent run-machine in domestic cricket, Sarfaraz Khan is known for his classy batting style. The middle-order batter’s proven skills as a hard-hitter against spinners could prove to be an explosive X-factor.
To amplify the momentum in the middle overs of the innings, teams like the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) emerge as the potential contenders.
Although he enters the auction with a base price of INR 75 lakh, his final price is expected to surge around INR 5 crore to 10 crore as he is certain to be a game-changing batter for his team.
5. Prithvi Shaw (Right-Handed Batsman)
Once widely believed to be the future of Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw was one among those unsold players in last year’s mega auction due to his inconsistent form, fitness concerns, and lack of opportunities.
With an INR 75 lakh base price, the fortunes seem to be turned towards the 26-year-old. Shaw’s remarkable comeback after working hard on his fitness has dominated domestic cricket with consistent batting performances.
As the right-handed batter rediscovered his explosive batting style, he could be a promising, destructive opener that prompts multiple franchises to show interest in him.
With CSK, LSG, and KKR aiming to fill the opening batter’s slot, Shaw’s bid is estimated to start at INR 1 crore and can soar upto INR 7 to 8 crore.
His expected price not only reflects his cricketing skills, but also a reminder to the franchises on creating a high-impact potential in the batting order.