The stage is set for a strategic battle of wits and wallets as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction gets ready to unfold in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16. A final list of 350 cricketers, featuring a strong contingent of 240 Indian players, will go under the hammer. In a late addition, seasoned South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has been included, adding more firepower to the roster.
The Road to the Final Auction List
The journey to this final shortlist has been a process of rigorous filtration. Initially, a massive pool of 1,390 players threw their hats in the ring. This number was first pruned to 1,005 before the final 350 players were shortlisted for the main event. The ten franchises will engage in a bidding war to fill a total of 77 available slots. Notably, out of these, 31 positions are reserved for overseas players, setting the scene for intense competition for international stars.
High-Profile Names and Budget Constraints
The auction will kick off with two notable Indian batters: Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan, both carrying a base price of Rs 75 lakh. Shaw, a regular feature in the IPL from 2018 to 2024, surprisingly went unsold in the last season. Sarfaraz Khan has been absent from the league since 2021, making his return a point of interest. The overseas section boasts heavyweights like Australia's Cameron Green and Jake Fraser-McGurk, New Zealand's Devon Conway, and South Africa's David Miller. All four have set a premium base price of Rs 2 crore.
With most teams operating on limited budgets and several slots to fill, the spotlight is expected to shine brightly on Indian uncapped players who offer value and potential. Here's a look at five such talents who could spark bidding wars.
Five Uncapped Indian Players to Watch
Prashant Veer: This 20-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh is a left-handed batter and an orthodox spin bowler. Having represented his state in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he comes with a modest base price of Rs 30 lakh and could attract significant interest for his dual skills.
Auqib Nabi (Auqib Dar): A fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir, Nabi has honed his death-over bowling skills. He impressed in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, claiming 15 wickets in just seven matches while maintaining an economy rate under eight. His experience as a net bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad adds to his appeal.
Krains Fuletra: A left-arm wrist-spinner from Saurashtra, Fuletra was a net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad last season. He was nearly signed as a replacement for Adam Zampa and comes highly recommended by Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat.
Ravi Singh: This 24-year-old left-handed wicketkeeper-batter has emerged as a reliable T20 player for Railways. His match-winning knock against Vidarbha in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy caught the eye of numerous scouts. With a base price of Rs 30 lakh, he is viewed as a valuable backup option with finishing skills and wicketkeeping ability.
Kartik Sharma: At just 19, Sharma is a feared lower-order finisher known for clearing the ropes with ease. In 12 T20 matches, he has smashed 334 runs at a staggering strike rate of 164 The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi promises to be a calculated affair. Franchises must balance their pursuit of established stars like de Kock and Miller with the smart acquisition of promising, cost-effective domestic talent. The performances of uncapped players in tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy have provided crucial scouting data, making this auction a critical juncture for team building ahead of the next edition of the world's premier T20 league.Strategic Bidding on the Horizon
