The IPL 2026 mini auction, held in the UAE on Tuesday, produced high drama, surprise snubs and a historic moment as Australian all-rounder Cameron Green emerged as the marquee buy, reshaping Kolkata Knight Riders’ plans for the season ahead. With the next IPL scheduled from March 26 to May 31, 2026, franchises arrived with defined strategies—and KKR left having made the boldest statement.
Cameron Green: The Auction’s Defining Moment
The spotlight firmly belonged to Cameron Green, who became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history after Kolkata Knight Riders snapped him up for ₹25.20 crore following an intense bidding war.
Green triggered fierce competition between Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, with KKR eventually outlasting their rivals. Although he was listed among batters—something Green later attributed to a managerial oversight—it was his all-round value that drove the price sky-high.
Capable of batting anywhere in the order, clearing the ropes with ease and bowling at speeds touching 140 km/h, Green fits perfectly into KKR’s vision. Having previously played for Mumbai Indians in 2023 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024, Green missed the previous IPL season due to a back injury but has since been cleared to bowl, significantly boosting his appeal.
For KKR, the move signals a long-term commitment to building a powerful core around elite multi-dimensional players.
Big Names, Bigger Surprises
The mini auction also threw up several unexpected outcomes. Prithvi Shaw, widely tipped to attract interest, went unsold at a base price of ₹75 lakh. India batter Sarfaraz Khan also found no takers after the Green bidding concluded.
New Zealand international Rachin Ravindra, a former Chennai Super Kings player, failed to draw bids, while England all-rounder Gus Atkinson remained unsold despite entering the auction at a base price of ₹2 crore.
Delhi Capitals, however, made a smart move by securing South African finisher David Miller at his base price of ₹2 crore, strengthening their middle order.
Late Auction Developments and Squad Reinforcements
As the auction progressed, several uncapped Indian players were left disappointed. Atharva Taide, Anmolpreet Singh, Abhinav Tejrana, Yash Dhull and Abhinav Manohar all went unsold, reflecting franchises’ preference for experience and defined roles over potential alone.
One of the most gripping bidding battles of the day unfolded for spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Initially contested by Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, the bidding intensified before CSK bowed out at ₹6 crore. Sunrisers Hyderabad then entered the race and pushed the price to ₹7.20 crore, but eventually Rajasthan Royals clinched Bishnoi, bolstering their spin arsenal.
In the pace department, South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje was snapped up by Lucknow Super Giants at his base price of ₹2 crore, a potentially astute acquisition given his express speed and international pedigree.
KKR Continue Aggressive Overseas Push
Kolkata Knight Riders continued to dominate proceedings by further strengthening their overseas core. Alongside Cameron Green, KKR also acquired Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, backing his raw pace and unique slingy action.
The 22-year-old was released by Chennai Super Kings after an underwhelming season, but franchises remain convinced about his high ceiling. Known for his low-arm release and ability to target the block-hole at high speeds, Pathirana was a key figure in CSK’s title-winning 2023 campaign, where he claimed 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of eight. At the international level, he has taken 31 wickets in 21 T20Is, making him a calculated gamble for KKR.
KKR also strengthened their batting firepower by signing New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Finn Allen for ₹2 crore, underlining their intent to build an explosive, multi-skilled squad around their record buy.
Mixed Fortunes for Star Names
England’s Jonny Bairstow, who entered the auction at a base price of ₹1 crore, surprisingly went unsold, as did Afghanistan wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Indian players K.S. Bharat and Deepak Hooda also failed to attract interest.
In contrast, Mumbai Indians reunited with Quinton de Kock, securing the South African opener at his base price of ₹1 crore, adding experience and stability to their top order.
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a strong domestic investment, signing Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore, reinforcing their all-round depth ahead of the 2026 season.
Clear Signals Ahead of IPL 2026
As the curtains fell on the mini auction, a clear trend emerged—elite all-rounders, express pace and proven T20 match-winners remain the most prized assets. Kolkata Knight Riders’ record-breaking move for Cameron Green set the tone for the season, while late smart buys across teams added further intrigue.
With squads now largely settled, attention shifts to execution when IPL 2026 gets underway on March 26, where these auction-day gambles will be put to the ultimate test on the field.
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