The upcoming IPL auction 2026 promises drama, tactics, and a few bidding wars, with franchises entering the room with very different priorities and purse sizes. From teams looking for just one final piece to others rebuilding almost from scratch, here’s a humanized breakdown of where each side stands and what they’ll be eyeing on auction day.
Chennai Super Kings.
Auction Purse: ₹43.4 crore
CSK walk into the auction with a calm sense of control. Their top-order is largely settled, and the bowling unit doesn’t need major surgery—just smart touch-ups. The biggest concern lies in the lower-middle order, where there’s a visible gap before MS Dhoni potentially comes in at No.8. Two quality batters are a must.
Cameron Green will be on their radar, though competition could drive his price up quickly. Liam Livingstone feels like a very “CSK” pick, and a high-intent Indian batter could also join the yellow brigade. A spin-bowling all-rounder who can bat, possibly Prashant Veer or Mahipal Lomror, could be seen as the long-term Jadeja insurance.
Delhi Capitals
Auction Purse: ₹21.8 crore
Delhi already have a competitive core but are short on openers. KL Rahul could return to the top, yet DC will still want at least one starter and backups. With overseas slots open, players like Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, or Tim Seifert are realistic options. An Indian opener such as Tushar Raheja and a backup spinner would nicely round off the squad.
Gujarat Titans.
Auction Purse: ₹12.9 crore
GT are nearly settled, with just one real hole in the XI. After trading Sherfane Rutherford, they need an explosive No.5 or No.6. If their top three fail to fire, middle-order firepower becomes crucial. Liam Livingstone, Jordan Cox, or even an uncapped wildcard could be the solution.
Kolkata Knight Riders.
Auction Purse: ₹64.3 crore
KKR enter with the biggest purse—and the biggest problems. They need at least six players and almost an entire functioning XII. Expect them to re-sign Venkatesh Iyer at a lower price and possibly go all-in for Cameron Green. Openers, domestic spinners, and a starting wicketkeeper are absolute priorities.
Lucknow Super Gaints.
Auction Purse: ₹22.95 crore
LSG are stacked with Indian pacers but lack lower-order hitters. One overseas finisher and maybe an overseas quick could add balance. An Indian spinner to support or rotate with Ravi Bishnoi is also on the wishlist.
Mumbai Indians.
Auction Purse: ₹2.75 crore
MI are almost done before they begin. With a near-perfect squad, they’ll likely just fill one overseas slot and add a youngster at base price.
Punjab Kings.
Auction Purse: ₹11.5 crore
Fresh off a finals appearance, PBKS can target premium Indian talent. With Josh Inglis gone, a replacement like Tim Seifert or Tim Robinson could be considered.
Rajasthan Royals.
Auction Purse: ₹16.4 crore
RR have a strong batting core and quality seamers, but fitness concerns linger. A genuine all-rounder and solid backups—especially uncapped Indians—will be their main focus.
Royal Challengers Bengalore.
Auction Purse: ₹16.05 crore
RCB’s title-winning XI is intact. Now it’s about future-proofing: domestic backups and a reserve overseas finisher behind Tim David.
Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Auction Purse: ₹25.5 crore
SRH boast a brutal batting lineup but need an Indian fast bowler after trading away Mohammed Shami. A reliable finisher and backup openers could complete a well-rounded squad.
