IPL Auction 2026 Highlights: KKR splurge record sum on Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana; Uncapped players strike gold

Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his insights on one of the most talked-about moments of the IPL 2026 mini-auction: the intense bidding for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. The Kolkata Knight Riders ultimately secured Green for a record Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas signing in IPL history. However, Ashwin believes the Chennai Super Kings missed a golden opportunity.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin suggested that KKR could have played a more patient game in the bidding war. “If KKR had been slightly patient, like some other franchises, like Punjab, took their time with the bidding, then I think CSK would have let go of Cameron Green much earlier. KKR felt that CSK bid on Green because they had to,” he said.

Despite the high price tag, Ashwin praised Green as a generational talent. “I felt Cameron Green would have been a great addition to CSK. I think they missed a trick, according to me. Whatever is said and done, it is not about the price point. Green is a generational talent, and it is a brilliant acquisition for KKR,” he added.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth was left stunned by the price tag attached to Matheesha Pathirana at the IPL 2026 auction, with the Sri Lankan fast bowler going for a whopping INR 18 crore. The former India captain described Pathirana as a “hit-and-miss” option, pointing out that his recent performances did not fully justify such aggressive bidding.

While Pathirana’s raw pace and unique action made him one of the most sought-after names at the auction, Srikkanth felt Kolkata Knight Riders were wise to hedge their bets by also bringing in Mustafizur Rahman as cover. In his view, the move offered balance, especially given Pathirana’s inconsistent showing last season.

Srikkanth also questioned why franchises chased Pathirana so hard despite his ordinary IPL 2025 campaign, drawing parallels with other high-profile players who quickly fell out of favour after just one lean season. His comments added fuel to the debate over whether reputation and potential are outweighing recent form at the IPL auction table.

Mumbai Indians quietly pulled off one of the smartest moves of the IPL 2026 mini auction by signing Quinton de Kock for just Rs 1 crore. The experienced South African brings instant quality and depth to the top order, strengthening an already settled batting unit. Ravichandran Ashwin praised the call, pointing out how MI capitalised while others hesitated. Along with a few sensible additions to the squad, Mumbai Indians have come out of the auction looking sharper, deeper, and even more dangerous than before.

Chennai Super Kings secured Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan for his base price of Rs 75 lakh at the IPL 2024 mini-auction on Tuesday, a move that came on the back of his breathtaking form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The 27-year-old’s acquisition followed closely after his explosive 22-ball 73, an innings that proved to be both timely and emotionally charged for the middle-order batter.

Sarfaraz had initially endured a nervy wait after going unsold in the early rounds of the auction, but CSK eventually brought him on board as their sixth signing of the day. The late call clearly meant a great deal to the Mumbai-born batter, who did not hide his gratitude towards the five-time champions.

Taking to social media shortly after the auction, Sarfaraz posted a heartfelt message, writing: “Thank you so much, CSK, for giving me new life.”

The former Delhi Capitals player has been one of the standout performers in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, underlining his case with consistent and aggressive run-scoring. In six innings so far, Sarfaraz has piled up 256 runs at a remarkable average of 64.00, striking at an imposing rate of 182.85 — numbers that reflect both his form and his ability to dominate attacks in the shortest format.

CSK’s decision to back Sarfaraz adds further depth to their batting unit and offers the right-hander a fresh opportunity to revive his IPL career with a franchise known for backing players and extracting the best out of them.

Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Robin Uthappa has asserted that the speculation surrounding MS Dhoni’s future can finally be put to rest, predicting that the IPL 2026 season will be the 44-year-old captain’s last as a player. Speaking after CSK’s auction, Uthappa pointed to the franchise’s clear focus on nurturing young talent as a signal that Dhoni is preparing to transition into a mentorship role.

“I think the writing is on the wall. This is clearly going to be MS Dhoni's last season. No more conjecture, no more speculation,” Uthappa told JioHotstar. “All the signs point towards that when you look at the investment in youth and the kind of teams they have picked since last year.”

CSK’s auction strategy reinforced this shift in philosophy. Of the Rs 41 crore spent on nine players, an overwhelming Rs 28.4 crore — nearly 60% of the total purse — was allocated to just two uncapped youngsters. Teenage keeper-batter Kartik Sharma was bought for Rs 14.20 crore, while 20-year-old left-arm spin all-rounder Prashant Veer fetched a similar price, making both among the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.

Uthappa believes that Dhoni will continue to play a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of CSK stars, even as Ruturaj Gaikwad takes greater responsibility as captain. This strategic investment in youth reflects a long-term vision for the franchise beyond Dhoni’s playing days.

As the saying goes, tough times don’t last — tough people do. Few stories from the IPL mini auction on Tuesday captured that spirit better than Delhi batter Sarthak Ranjan’s journey, which took a defining turn when Kolkata Knight Riders picked him up for Rs 30 lakh in Abu Dhabi.

The moment the bid came through, Sarthak’s father — Rajesh Ranjan, better known as Pappu Yadav — took to X with an emotional post. “Ab Sarthak ke naam se banegi humari pehchaan (Now people will know us by Sarthak’s name),” wrote the influential Bihar politician, a six-time Member of Parliament. The comment also alluded to the family’s long political legacy, with Sarthak’s mother Ranjeet Ranjan having served as a three-time MP.

For Sarthak, however, carving out an identity of his own has never been easy.

Growing up under the shadow of high-profile parents, the young batter often found himself defined more by his surname than his performances. Despite consistent runs in Delhi’s age-group circuit and years of quiet grind, recognition at the senior level was slow to arrive.

So far, Sarthak has featured in just two first-class matches, four List A games and five T20s for Delhi — numbers that hardly reflect the weight of work he has put in behind the scenes. Yet, those close to the setup have long spoken of his heavy scoring at junior levels and his persistence in pushing for a breakthrough.

Tuesday’s auction moment, modest in price but rich in symbolism, marked a personal milestone. For the first time, Sarthak Ranjan’s cricketing journey stood on its own — not as the son of prominent politicians, but as a player valued by an IPL franchise on merit.

Scenes of pure, unrestrained joy unfolded across Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Tuesday evening after local cricketer Auqib Nabi Dar clinched a life-changing Rs 8.40 crore deal with Delhi Capitals at the IPL auction. The moment his name was called, celebrations burst out of his home in Sheeri town and spilled into the streets — quickly finding their way onto social media.

Videos from outside Nabi’s residence went viral within minutes, capturing a neighbourhood transformed by emotion and pride. Dhols echoed through the winter air as locals danced, cheered and chanted, turning the usually quiet lanes of north Kashmir into a carnival-like scene. With a power cut in place, mobile phone flashlights illuminated the gathering, adding to the raw, spontaneous nature of the celebrations.

As news of the breakthrough spread, friends, relatives, neighbours and well-wishers thronged the Dar household, eager to be part of a moment many described as historic for the region. Sweets were distributed, prayers were offered and embraces were exchanged, as the family soaked in a milestone years in the making.

The atmosphere was thick with emotion — relief after repeated disappointments, disbelief at the scale of the achievement and overwhelming happiness that one of their own had finally broken through on the biggest stage. For many in attendance, Nabi’s rise was not just a personal triumph but a symbol of hope for aspiring cricketers across Jammu and Kashmir.

Auqib Nabi had almost grown indifferent to IPL auction days, having endured rejection after rejection despite consistently strong returns in domestic cricket. At 29, however, persistence finally paid off on Tuesday when Delhi Capitals snapped him up for Rs 8.4 crore, making him the most expensive cricketer ever from Jammu and Kashmir.

Nabi’s rise is remarkable not just for the price tag, but for the path he has taken to get there. Growing up in Baramulla, he played only informal, tennis-ball cricket until the age of 17. That he has gone on to become one of the most sought-after medium pacers in the domestic circuit speaks volumes about both his resilience and the steady improvement in Jammu and Kashmir’s cricketing infrastructure over the past decade.

Unlike Umran Malik, the other headline-grabbing fast bowler from the region known for raw pace, Nabi has carved out his identity in a different mould. He is not express or explosive, but a tireless workhorse who relies on discipline, control and subtle variations, going about his job without fuss. It is that reliability, rather than sheer speed, that has made him such a valuable asset.

Recognition beyond the domestic circuit has also been slow to come. India ‘A’ call-ups have eluded him, and heading into this season, Nabi consciously chose to temper his expectations. Rather than be weighed down by what hadn’t happened, he focused on doing what he could control — performing consistently whenever he got the ball.

On Tuesday, that long wait ended in dramatic fashion, turning years of quiet perseverance into a breakthrough moment that resonated far beyond the auction room.

The chilly early December weather did little to dampen spirits in Sheeri village of Baramulla, north Kashmir, as locals celebrated one of their own achieving cricketing fame. Auqib Nabi, the 29-year-old pacer affectionately known as the ‘North Kashmir Express,’ became the region’s latest sporting sensation after being bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.4 crore at the IPL mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Residents from Sheeri and neighbouring areas gathered outside Nabi’s two-storey home to witness the momentous occasion. The usually quiet village erupted in celebration, with men dancing to traditional drumbeats while women sang Kashmiri folk songs. The jubilant scenes lit up the village streets, even as freezing temperatures gripped the region — Srinagar recorded minus 2.9 degrees Celsius on Monday.

With a scheduled power cut leaving parts of Sheeri without electricity, revelers continued their celebrations using mobile phone lights. Groups of youngsters paraded along the main road, drumming and chanting in joyous unison, keeping the festive spirit alive late into the evening.

For the people of Sheeri, Auqib Nabi’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a source of pride for the entire community, symbolising the heights local talent can reach despite the challenges of the region. The village’s outpouring of emotion highlighted the deep connection between sport and community, and Nabi’s rise to IPL prominence has firmly etched him into the hearts of cricket fans in north Kashmir.

Nearly 15 years ago, Manoj Sharma made a quiet but life-defining decision: he would pour everything he had into turning his son into a cricketer. His own playing ambitions had ended at district level, but the dream never faded. On Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, that long journey found its moment of validation.

At the IPL mini-auction, Kartik Sharma’s fearless, free-flowing batting had already drawn attention across franchises. When the bidding began, it escalated rapidly before Chennai Super Kings stunned the room by committing a staggering Rs 14.20 crore to secure the 19-year-old — one of the biggest splurges of the day and among the highest ever for an uncapped player.

For Kartik, the joy went beyond the headline figure. Those close to the family revealed that his first thought after the hammer fell was not personal glory, but relief — the chance to help his father clear long-standing debts. A local cricket administrator said the family had accumulated liabilities of around Rs 27–28 lakh over the years, expenses incurred while backing Kartik’s cricketing journey through coaching, travel and equipment.

The scale of the turnaround was staggering. Kartik entered the auction with a base price of just Rs 30 lakh and walked out with a deal worth more than 47 times that amount. From years of financial strain to instant security, the auction transformed not just a career, but an entire household’s future in a matter of minutes.

For Manoj Sharma, Tuesday was the culmination of sacrifice and belief. For Kartik, it marked the beginning of a new chapter — one where raw talent, family faith and opportunity finally converged on the sport’s biggest stage.

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was widely tipped to command the top price at the IPL mini-auction on Tuesday, and the bidding unfolded exactly along those lines. Kolkata Knight Riders went all in to secure Green for Rs 25.20 crore, making him the third-most expensive player in IPL auction history and the costliest overseas signing the league has ever seen.

Yet, for all the attention Green attracted, his record-breaking deal was not the defining story of an auction held in Abu Dhabi.

That honour belonged to a group of uncapped and largely unknown Indian cricketers who walked into the auction as anonymity figures and walked out as overnight millionaires. As Lord Byron once wrote, “I awoke one morning and found myself famous,” and Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma, Auqib Nabi and several others experienced a similar transformation.

Before the paddles went up, they were journeymen plying their trade in domestic cricket and regional T20 leagues, earning modest paycheques and little spotlight. By the end of the day, they had become the newest symbols of the IPL’s unmatched promise — life-changing contracts secured in a matter of minutes.

The frenzied bidding for these uncapped players underlined a clear shift in franchise thinking, with teams placing growing faith in raw potential and long-term value rather than established reputations alone. While Green’s price dominated headlines, the 2026 IPL auction will ultimately be remembered as the night when the uncapped — and in some cases, unheard — stole the show and redefined the narrative.

Breaking the bank as they look to rebuild from the ground up, Kolkata Knight Riders made the loudest statement at the IPL mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, splurging a record Rs 25.20 crore to sign Australian all-rounder Cameron Green and Rs 18 crore to secure Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana.

KKR’s aggressive approach headlined an action-packed auction that saw all 10 franchises spend a combined Rs 215.45 crore on 77 players, with as many as 369 cricketers going under the hammer.

Green’s signing rewrote the record books. The Australian surpassed compatriot Mitchell Starc, who fetched Rs 24.75 crore in 2023, to become the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history after KKR outbid Chennai Super Kings in a fierce contest. However, under the league’s overseas player regulations, Green’s match-season salary will be capped at Rs 18 crore, with the remaining amount directed to the BCCI’s player development programme.

Despite relatively modest IPL numbers — 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 appearances for Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru — Green attracted huge interest, validating the hype that surrounded him ahead of the auction. KKR managing director Venky Mysore said the franchise was pleased with the outcome, underlining Green’s value as a long-term all-round option.

Alongside their marquee buys, KKR also strengthened their squad depth by signing Tejasvi Dahiya for Rs 3 crore, Finn Allen for Rs 2 crore, Tim Seifert for Rs 1.50 crore, Akash Deep for Rs 1 crore and experienced Indian batter Rahul Tripathi for Rs 75 lakh, signaling a clear intent to reset and reshape their roster for the coming season.

India batter Prithvi Shaw experienced an emotional rollercoaster at the IPL 2026 auction on Tuesday, making a swift U-turn on social media after initially going unsold before being picked up by Delhi Capitals in a late bid.

Shaw entered the auction with a base price of Rs 75 lakh but failed to attract buyers in the opening session. His name resurfaced in the accelerated round of unsold players, yet once again no franchise raised a paddle. Shortly after, the 26-year-old took to Instagram, posting a story that read “It’s Ok” alongside a heartbreak emoji, reflecting his disappointment at the unfolding events.

However, the narrative changed dramatically towards the end of the auction when Delhi Capitals revived Shaw’s name for a third time and secured his services. Within six minutes of his earlier post, Shaw deleted the heartbreak story and replaced it with a reshare of DC’s official welcome post, featuring a picture of him taking a selfie with captain Axar Patel.

“Back to my family,” Shaw wrote with a heart emoji, underlining his surprise and relief at returning to the franchise he represented from 2018 to 2024. The timing of the post captured the sudden shift in emotions that often defines IPL auction day.

Shaw, who smashed the fastest double century in Ranji Trophy history in October, has played five Tests and six ODIs for India since debuting in 2018. After starting his domestic career with Mumbai, he recently moved to Maharashtra and continues his quest for a sustained comeback at the highest level.

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green created history at the Indian Premier League auction on Tuesday, becoming the most expensive overseas player ever bought in the league. Green sparked a fierce bidding war in the opening set of players before former champions Kolkata Knight Riders secured him for a staggering Rs 25.2 crore ($2.77 million) in Abu Dhabi.

In rupee terms, Green surpassed the previous overseas record of Rs 24.75 million rupees, also paid by Kolkata for fellow Australian Mitchell Starc at the 2024 auction. However, due to currency fluctuations, Starc’s price last year was higher in dollar value at $2.98 million. Under the IPL’s new “maximum fee” rule, Green’s salary is capped at Rs 18 crore, with the remaining amount going to the BCCI.

“Very happy. He was someone we were focused on,” said KKR chief executive Venky Mysore. “He adds a lot to our team as a young all-rounder. We know what he brings with both bat and ball.”

Green, 26, is now the third most expensive player in IPL history behind India’s Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. He has scored 707 runs in 29 IPL matches and is currently featuring in the Ashes.

Elsewhere, Chennai Super Kings snapped up uncapped Indians Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.2 crore each, while Delhi Capitals landed fast bowler Auqib Nabi for Rs 8.4 crore. The 19th IPL season begins on March 26.

Kolkata Knight Riders dominated the IPL 2026 auction, making two major signings by buying Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a record Rs 25.20 crore and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore. Green became the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history after a fierce bidding war with Chennai Super Kings. KKR also pursued Venkatesh Iyer before Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured him for Rs 7 crore.

Other notable moves saw Delhi Capitals sign David Miller for Rs 2 crore, Mumbai Indians re-sign Quinton de Kock for Rs 1 crore, and Lucknow Super Giants acquire Anrich Nortje, while Devon Conway and Spencer Johnson remained unsold.

The IPL 2026 player auction began in Abu Dhabi with 350 players available and no marquee sets in the mini-auction. Kolkata Knight Riders dominated proceedings by signing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for Rs 25.20 crore, making him the costliest overseas player and the third-most expensive buy in IPL history. KKR also secured Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore, a record for a Sri Lankan player. Delhi Capitals picked up South African batter David Miller at his base price of Rs 2 crore and spent Rs 8.40 crore on uncapped Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi. Chennai Super Kings invested heavily in youth, acquiring uncapped Indians Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer for Rs 14.20 crore each. The IPL 2026 season will run from March 26 to May 31.

Prithvi Shaw goes to DC for the base price of Rs 75 lakh.

Zak Foulkes goes to CSK for the base price of Rs 75 lakh.

Tom Banton goes to GT for the base price of Rs 2 crore.

Adam Milne goes to RR for Rs 2.4 crore.

Kuldeep Sen joins RR for the base price of Rs 75 lakh.

Vicky Ostwal goes to RR for Rs 30 lakh.

Prithvi Raj goes to GT for Rs 30 lakh.

Luke Wood goes to GT for base price of Rs 75 lakh.

Vihaan Malhotra goes to RCB for base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Kanishk Chouhan goes to RCB for base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Kyle Jamieson goes to DC for the base price of Rs 2 crore.

And that brings an end to today's IPL auction.

Rejected at last year’s IPL auction, Delhi batter Tejasvi Singh Dahiya rebuilt his game under a strict, gurukul-style training regime in Bhopal. Son of two schoolteachers, the fearless six-hitter responded with discipline and power-hitting exploits in the Delhi Premier League. His perseverance paid off when Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for Rs 3 crore, offering the 23-year-old a chance to convert sacrifice and flair into an IPL breakthrough.

Coming in with the base price of Rs 50 lakh, Edwards has garnered interest from CSK, GT, and SRH. And SRH pick him up for Rs 3 crore.

And that brings us to the end of the second round of the accelerated auction.

Coming in at the base price of Rs 2 crore, Josh Inglis has garnered immense interest in the bidding room. However, LSG seal the deal at Rs 8.60 crore.

Lungi Ngidi joins DC for the base price of Rs 2 crore.

Mayank Rawat joins MI for the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Pravin Dubey joins PBKS at the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Sahil Parakh joins DC at the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Vishal Nishad joins PBKS at the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Brijesh Sharma joins RR at the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Dwarshuis joins the auction with a base price of Rs 1 crore. Punjab Kings and CSK had entered the bidding war earlier. But as things stand, the war is now between GT and PBKS. The current bid for the Aussie has gone beyond Rs 4 crore. Punjab win the bidding war at Rs 4.40 crore.

Jordan Cox joins RCB for the base prize of Rs 75 lakh.

With the base price of Rs 1 crore, Rahul Chahar has entered the mini-auction, now garnering some good amount of interest in the bidding room. His price has already passed Rs 4 crore. It is between Chennai and Punjab at the moment. CSK take him in for Rs 5.20 crore.

Akash Deep joins KKR for base price of Rs 1 crore
Matt Henry joins CSK for base price of Rs 2 crore
Shivam Mavi joins SRH for base price of Rs 75 lakh

Deepak Hooda is next. His base price is set at Rs 75 lakh. He goes unsold.

Liam Livingstone is the next player. SRH and GT have initiated a bidding war. His current bid crosses Rs 5 crore. And soon, it crosses Rs 10 crore.

Livingstone joins SRH for 13 crore.

JFM goes unsold.

The next is Sarfaraz Khan. CSK have opened bidding. They pick him for the base price of Rs 75 lakh.

Chennai Super Kings have secured Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer at record-breaking prices in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. This move follows Ravindra Jadeja's trade to the Rajasthan Royals.

CSK acquired uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.2 crore, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped Indian player in IPL history.

Prashant Veer, an all-rounder from UP, matched Sharma's price tag after an intense bidding war between multiple teams. CSK ultimately secured him for Rs 14.20 crores.

"Fair reflection, as the game evolved, we may have been slow to evolve with it. Halfway through tournament we made a big shift. Saw players we got in as reserves, with them there was a big shift in what we needed to do. We identified we needed to shift. Work we did halfway through has enabled us to continue that work now," Fleming said.

"We've been watching Kartik for some time. He was with that last year. We needed that skillset of Prashant after the Jadeja trade," Fleming added.

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green joined Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 25.20 crores, becoming the third-most expensive player in IPL history and the most expensive overseas player ever.

The bidding for Green saw intense competition between Rajasthan Royals and KKR. CSK joined later, pushing the price above Rs 20 crores, but KKR secured Green with a final bid of Rs 25.20 crores.

Green's T20I career includes 521 runs in 21 matches at an average of 32.56 and a strike rate of 160.30. He has scored six fifties and taken 12 wickets at an average of 23.35.

In his overall T20 career, Green has accumulated 1,334 runs in 63 matches with an average of 33.35 and a strike rate of 151.07. His record includes one century, seven fifties, and 28 wickets.

Green's IPL experience spans the 2023 and 2024 seasons with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He scored 707 runs in 29 matches at an average of 41.58, including one century and two fifties.

Despite the Rs 25.2 crore winning bid, Green's earnings for IPL 2026 will be capped at Rs 18 crore.

IPL 2026 mini-auction saw key players Cameron Green, Ravi Bishnoi, and Prashant Veer being acquired for record prices. They shared their thoughts on JioHotstars' 'Match Centre Live Auction 2026', along with Lucknow Super Giants' Global Director Tom Moody discussing team strategy.

Cameron Green, who joined Kolkata Knight Riders as an all-rounder, expressed his thoughts about the new opportunity: "I'm really excited to be part of Kolkata for this year's IPL. I'm looking forward to getting to Eden Gardens, soaking in the atmosphere, and hopefully having a great season together."

Ravi Bishnoi secured a position with Rajasthan Royals as their new spinner and shared his excitement about playing for his home team.

"There's nothing better than getting the opportunity to play for your home team. Bowling alongside Ravindra Jadeja will mean a lot to me — it will be a huge learning experience because there is so much to learn from him. He has been playing for such a long time and is one of the best all-rounders in this format, not just in India but overall. I'm really looking forward to learning from him. We also have a very supportive wicket at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The long boundaries there will definitely help us in this IPL," Bishnoi added.

Chennai Super Kings welcomed their new recruit Prashant Veer, who expressed his enthusiasm about joining the team.

"I'm happy to be joining Chennai Super Kings because MS Dhoni is there. The way he bats in the lower order, his mindset, the way he talks, how he controls his body and stays so focused — there is so much to learn from him. Batting in the lower order is not easy, but what he has done is special. Even if I can learn four or five percent from him, it will be very useful for me," he added.

Lucknow Super Giants' Global Director of Cricket Tom Moody added: "We're very pleased. The auction is always a dynamic and unpredictable environment, but we planned well and have executed our strategy so far. We needed a high-paced overseas bowler and a wrist-spinner, and Wanindu Hasaranga brings that edge. We're thrilled with those two picks, especially getting them at base price, which we certainly didn't expect."

Moody also addressed concerns about the team's fast-bowling lineup and injury management: "We do have a lot of quality fast bowlers, but a few of them are currently coming back from injuries, so managing them over the next couple of months will be critical. Hopefully, we can have all our Indian fast bowlers fit and ready to go. That would really complete the circle for us. Having Bharat Arun as our fast-bowling coach is a huge plus — he knows the Indian pace talent extremely well, and his work with these young players will be very beneficial."

Lucknow Super Giants have achieved their auction goals by acquiring their targeted international players at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The team successfully secured Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje through a strategic bidding process.

During JioHotstar's 'Match Centre Live Auction 2026', team co-owner Sanjiv Goenka shared insights about their auction performance.

"We are very close to our primary targets," he said. "Our key objectives were to secure one quality international leg-spinner and one reputed international fast bowler. Wanindu Hasaranga was our first-choice leg-spinner, and for the fast-bowling option, it was between Matheesha Pathirana and Anrich Nortje. We are delighted to have acquired two players who were part of our shortlisted three, so we are extremely happy with how the auction has unfolded."

The team attempted to acquire Matheesha Pathirana but lost the bid to Kolkata Knight Riders. Goenka explained their position on the matter: "Yes, our captain and vice-captain were both very keen on Matheesha Pathirana, as was I. We were also very interested in Anrich Nortje. Pathirana was our priority, and we went up to Rs 17.8 crore, which was our absolute limit — we didn't have the purse to go beyond that. When Anrich Nortje came up later, we were pleasantly surprised and delighted to secure him at the base price. So overall, it was a very considered, concerted, and well-thought-out decision."

Atharva Ankolekar has amassed interest, with MI coming up with the opening bid. Mumbai Indians take him for the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Praful Hinge goes to SRH for the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Krains Fuletra joins SRH for the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Sarthak Ranjan joins KKR for the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Daksh Kamra joins KKR for the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

That's it for the first round of the accelerated auction. We will be back for the second round of the accelerated auction shortly.

KKR and PBKS have initiated the bidding war. Coming in at the base price of Rs 2 crore, Connolly goes to PBKS at Rs 3 crore, becoming their first buy of the min-auction today.

Dan Lawrence, Taskin Ahmed, Richard Gleeson, Alzarri Joseph, and Riley Meredith all go unsold.

Arora goes to SRH for Rs 1.50 crore.

Ravi Singh has garnered enough interest in the bidding room. He goes to RR for Rs 95 lakh.

Sakib Hussain goes to SRH for Rs 30 lakh.

Mohammad Izhar goes to MI for Rs 30 lakh.

Onkar Tarmale goes to SRH for Rs 30 lakh.

Before this, both Vicky Ostwal and Mayank Rawat, at the base price of Rs 30 lakh, remain unsold.

As for Mangesh Yadav, following the bidding war between RCB and SRH, Mangesh Yadav goes to RCB for Rs 5.20 crore.

Salman Nizar goes unsold.

Akshat Raghuwanshi initiates a bidding war. LSG and SRH are locked in a battle for the player. The price has already gone past Rs 2 crore. LSG bring him in at the price of Rs 2.20 crore.

Satvik Deswal joins RCB for Rs 30 lakh. Aman Khan joins CSK at the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

DC and CSK kick off a bidding war for Mustafizur Rahman, who comes into the auction with the base price of Rs 2 crore. With paddles going up continuously, the bid for the Bangladeshi international has gone past Rs 7 crore. KKR and CSK are currently in the fray.

KKR pocket Mustafizur at Rs 9.20 crore.

Chetan Sakariya, Kuldeep Sen, and Waqar Salamkheil all go unsold.

Dangerous Kiwi batter Tim Seifert goes to KKR for Rs 1.5 crore, which was his base price too.

Adam Milne goes unsold next. Lungi Ngidi also gets unsold.

The West Indies all-rounder's price has already gone past Rs 5 crore. GT and CSK are the two teams interested in him. After intense bidding, Holder goes to GT for Rs 7 crore.

After that, Daryl Mitchell goes unsold. Dasun Shanaka also goes unsold.

The next on the list is Matt Short. CSK pick him up for the base price of Rs 1.5 crore.

KKR open the bidding and secure his services for the base price of Rs 75 lakh.

Sean Abbott goes unsold with the base price of Rs 2 crore.

Michael Bracewell remains unsold, same as Ben Dwarshuis.

CSK make bid for Jason Holder, who comes with the base price of Rs 2 crore. GT have joined in.

Sediqullah Atal goes unsold.

Pathum Nissanka, with the Rs 75 lakh, garners some attention in the hall. The price is moving upward for the Sri Lankan. It has already passed Rs 3 crore. DC and KKR are currently going after Nissanka. Delhi Capitals get him at Rs 4 crore.

The IPL 2026 auction began slowly in the uncapped players' category before taking a dramatic turn when Chennai Super Kings acquired Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for a record-breaking Rs. 14.20 crore each.

The initial phase featuring uncapped batters saw no successful bids, with all six players - Aarya Desai, Yash Dhull, Abhinav Manohar, Anmolpreet Singh, Atharva Taide, and Abhinav Tejrana - going unsold.

Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Auqib Dar sparked an intense bidding war, ultimately securing an Rs. 8.4 crore deal with Delhi Capitals after outbidding Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and SunRisers Hyderabad.

Prashant Veer generated interest from five teams before being secured by five-time champions CSK.

In the all-rounders category, Shivang Kumar received the only notable bid of Rs. 30 lakh from SRH. The remaining players - Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Tanush Kotian, Mahipal Lomror, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Vijay Shankar, Sanvir Singh, and Eden Tom - found no buyers.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kartik drew attention from five teams - MI, LSG, KKR, SRH, and CSK - eventually matching Veer's price as Chennai Super Kings secured his services.

The duo of Veer and Kartik surpassed the previous record held by Avesh Khan, who was purchased by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs. 10 crore in IPL 2023, becoming the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.

Among other wicketkeepers, Mukul Choudhary and Tejasvi Singh were acquired by LSG and KKR for Rs. 2.6 crore and Rs. 3 crore respectively. Ruchit Ahir, Vansh Bedi, and Tushar Raheja remained unsold.

In the bowling category, fast bowlers Sushant Mishra, Ashok Sharma, Naman Tiwari, and Kartik Tyagi secured contracts with RR, GT, LSG, and KKR respectively.

The spinner category saw three successful bids with Yash Raj Punja and Vignesh Puthur going to RR, while Prashant Solanki joined KKR. IPL veteran Karn Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya, Shivam Shukla, and Afghanistan's Wahidullah Zadran failed to attract any bids.

Kartik Sharma’s rise from a five-year-old with a plastic bat in Agra to a Rs 14.20 crore IPL signing by Chennai Super Kings is a story of talent, grit and belief. Trained by Lokendra Singh Chahar and inspired by Deepak and Rahul Chahar, Kartik developed into a fearless six-hitter and later added wicketkeeping to his game.

His power-hitting, shaped by relentless practice under his father Manoj’s guidance, caught the attention of multiple IPL franchises. At just 19, Kartik remains grounded, grateful to his mentors, and focused on fulfilling his ultimate dream, playing for India in all formats.

Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble has offered his perspective on Kolkata Knight Riders' acquisition of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for Rs 25.2 crore at the IPL 2026 Auction.

"I would like to see him play the opening slot for KKR. I think, in terms of a finisher, KKR already have a decent line-up. They have Rinku Singh, for instance," Kumble said on JioStar.

Green has demonstrated his capabilities in T20 internationals, scoring 521 runs in 21 matches with an average of 32.56 and a strike rate of 160.30, including six fifties and 12 wickets.

In T20 matches overall, Green has accumulated 1,334 runs in 63 games, maintaining an average of 33.35 and a strike rate of 151.07, with one century and seven fifties.

During his IPL stint with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2023 and 2024, Green scored 707 runs in 29 matches at an average of 41.58 and took 16 wickets.

"I don't think they utilised their resources well last season. If you compare it to the season when they won the trophy, it was a similar kind of line-up. Yes, of course, Shreyas Iyer, the skipper, was missing and Mitchell Starc, the key fast bowler, was also missing," Kumble added.

"However, if you look at the kind of batting depth they had -- Ramandeep Singh, Rovman Powell and Rinku Singh; these are all capable and experienced batters who can operate in the No. 5, No. 6, finisher roles. So I feel, they don't need a Cameron Green to do that job."

Kumble suggested a specific batting position for Green in the KKR lineup, adding, "I would rather see him at the top of the order, either opening or at No. 3, depending on where Ajinkya Rahane wants to bat. Sunil Narine could drop down to No. 6 or No. 7 or even act as a floater."

Regarding Royal Challengers Bengaluru's acquisition of Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore, Kumble expressed his thoughts: "Venkatesh Iyer is a smart buy for RCB -- we spotted him in yesterday's mock auction too. IPL is months away, so RCB needs reliable backups. Despite KKR's poor utilisation last season, his left-handed batting will thrive at Chinnaswamy."

Iyer's IPL record shows 1,468 runs at an average of 29.12 and a strike rate exceeding 137, including one century and 12 fifties in 56 innings.

In T20 matches, Iyer has scored 3,179 runs in 144 games with an average of 34.18 and claimed 55 wickets.

In the current Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, Iyer has scored 211 runs in 11 matches with two fifties.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have acquired Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy in the IPL 2026 auction. The team secured Iyer for Rs seven crores and Duffy for Rs two crores.

RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat shared his thoughts during the auction: "Slightly unusual auction. For us, we have got a pretty settled team. This auction is about developing the squad. And we need injury covers. We have lined up two guys experienced in their own right. To get Venky and Duffy for the price we got - happy. Duffy is a bargain. For us, it is about strengthening the squad and have competition for places."

Head coach Andy Flower expressed his satisfaction: "It is two years running we've battled KKR for Venky--we both rate him highly, so it's great to have him on board. We met him, chatted, and loved his competitive spirit, smarts, and leadership qualities for the dressing room and field. Looking forward to working with him."

Venkatesh Iyer has demonstrated consistent performance in IPL, scoring 1,468 runs at an average of 29.12 and a strike rate exceeding 137. His record includes one century and twelve fifties in 56 innings.

In the previous season with KKR, who bought him for Rs 23.75 crores, Iyer managed 142 runs in seven innings with an average above 20 and one fifty.

His T20 career statistics show 3,179 runs in 144 matches at an average of 34.18 and a strike rate of 138.63. He has scored one century, 18 fifties, and taken 55 wickets.

In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26, Iyer has scored 211 runs in 11 matches with an average of 26.37 and two fifties.

Jacob Duffy has had an impressive year in T20 internationals, claiming 35 wickets in 21 matches at an average over 15, including three four-wicket hauls.

Duffy leads the international cricket wicket-takers list in 2025 with 72 wickets in 35 matches. His average stands above 17, with three four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls.

In his overall T20 career, Duffy has taken 178 wickets in 156 matches at an average over 24, including two five-wicket hauls and seven four-wicket hauls.

Kolkata Knight Riders' CEO Venky Mysore has explained their decision to invest heavily in Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, stating it aligned with their planned budget range. The acquisition follows their strategy of bringing in a young all-rounder after appointing a power coach.

Kolkata Knight Riders secured Cameron Green for Rs. 25.20 crore during the Indian Premier League 2026 auction at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

"Well, first of all, we're very happy. This is something that we were really focused on and hoping for. Always fingers crossed because of the auction, anything can happen. I think we were quite happy with the price at which we got him. He adds immense value to the squad, and with Andre Russell coming on board as our new power coach, having a young all-rounder with IPL and international experience is ideal. Given his impact with both bat and ball and the conditions at Eden, we couldn't be happier with the outcome," he said.

Mysore clarified that they would not have pursued Green if the price had exceeded their auction strategy limits, adding, "You know, there was always a concern that it had gone higher. What would we have done? I think the fact is that we were very keen but not so attached. So, at some level, if we felt that it could affect the rest of the auction, we would have let him go. And so, fortunately, that didn't happen. It came within the range that we were looking at. So, extremely happy with that. I think he adds a lot to our team."

Regarding Chennai Super Kings' involvement in the bidding after Rajasthan Royals withdrew at INR 12 crore, Mysore shared his perspective.

"There were no surprises. We all tried to prepare as well as possible. The surprise was Rajasthan coming in with their purse to bid. So, we knew that it was maybe to warm up the room or whatever it was. But that's okay. That happens, and that's absolutely fine. But no, no surprises at all. We fully expected CSK to come. And try their best to get it to a level that would have worked for them, perhaps. But we were just happy to have that one more bid that allowed us," he further added.

Mysore endorsed the IPL's regulations on foreign player limits and the 18-crore salary cap, noting, "I think the rule, BCCI/IPL have made it in their wisdom on capping it at 18 crore. I think that's what you were talking about. From our standpoint, I don't think there is any concern in that regard. Whether it had gone to the player or gone this way, this is something that's an outflow for the franchise. So, we are okay. We are okay with that. And I don't think it changes anything as far as the auction is concerned."

When asked about Venkatesh Iyer's lower auction price compared to his previous value, Mysore explained: "You know, it's so difficult to sort of give an answer to that. Because a lot of it is, you know, we did go for him, and then how all of these things work. But he has been a terrific player for us. He will be dearly missed. It's just one of these things that happens in an auction. When you're faced with an auction, you have opportunities to sort of think about your strategy. And if that strategy is taking you in a slightly different direction, sometimes these are things that happen. Not for the first time or the last time for us, or for that matter, other teams as well. So, it's a bit sad for us. But that's the way all of these things go."

Discussing their auction strategy, Mysore revealed: "We have an amazing think tank. We've had to sort of hit a reset button for different reasons. Abhishek Nayar is the head coach. Dwayne Bravo is the mentor. Shane Watson, assistant coach. Tim Southee, and now we have a new power-coach (Andre Russell) as well. I think the brain trust figured it out. I think they consider so many factors in our conditions. What kind of structure will allow us to be a very competitive team. We just felt last year we were missing out on a couple of areas. And so, based on that, I think that we have more work to do in the auction. But I think it's been a good start for us."

Mumbai Indians have secured South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock at his base price of Rs 1 crore in the Indian Premier League auction, with head coach Mahela Jayawardene expressing satisfaction over the acquisition.

"We were lucky (laughs). Quinny (Quinton de Kock) was part of MI in most of the franchises and also in the past," Jayawardene said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"Wanted to ensure we have depth in that crucial spot at the top of the order. Gives us flexibility in the playing XI."

De Kock's previous stint with Mumbai Indians was notable, where he played 43 matches and accumulated 1,329 runs at an average of 34.08 and a strike rate of 131.32, including 10 fifties.

The South African keeper recently came out of white-ball international retirement to rejoin his national team.

In T20 internationals, de Kock has amassed 2,706 runs in 99 matches for South Africa, averaging 30.40 with a strike rate exceeding 139. His record includes one century and 17 half-centuries, making him South Africa's highest run-scorer in T20Is.

His overall T20 career statistics show 11,543 runs in 416 matches, with an average of 30.94 and a strike rate over 138, including seven centuries and 76 fifties.

In the IPL, de Kock has represented multiple teams including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders.

His IPL career spans 115 matches with 3,309 runs at an average of 30.63 and a strike rate above 134. He has scored two centuries and 24 fifties in the tournament.

His last IPL season with Kolkata Knight Riders was challenging, scoring 152 runs in eight matches at an average of 21.71 and a strike rate of nearly 130. His highest score was 97 not out.

De Kock has previously won an IPL title with Mumbai Indians.

The IPL 2026 mini-auction began on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, with 350 players available. There were no marquee sets, and capped batters featured first. Cameron Green emerged as the biggest buy, with Kolkata Knight Riders signing the Australian all-rounder for Rs 25.20 crore, making him the costliest overseas player in IPL history.

David Miller joined Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore, while Matheesha Pathirana became the most expensive Sri Lankan player at Rs 18 crore, also picked by KKR. Domestic batters Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold despite strong recent performances.

The IPL 2026 season will run from March 26 to May 31.

After this when we return for the next phase, we will begin the accelerated auction.

Yash Raj Punja is the next player with the base price of Rs 30 lakh. Rajasthan Royals bring him in for Rs 30 lakh.

KKR seal the services of Prashant Solanki for the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Vignesh Puthur goes to Rajasthan Royals for the base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Karn Sharma is the next player with the base price of Rs 50 lakh. He goes unsold.

The last player in the set is Kartikeya Singh. He, at the base price of 30 lakh, goes unsold.

With the base price of Rs 30 lakh, Sushant is garnering good amount of interest in the bidding hall. KKR and RR are the two teams going for the player. RR pick him up for Rs 90 lakh.

RR, DC, and LSG are in the fray for the pacer. LSG seem pretty confident with their bidding. The bid touches Rs 1 crore. And at that same price, LSG pick him up. Naman Tiwari will be playing for LSG next season.

Up next, Akash Madhwal goes unsold.