Decoding teams which can target Indians with 2 Cr base price during IPL 2026 auction

Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)

The excitement around the IPL 2026 auction is steadily growing as franchises prepare for a high-intensity bidding war in Abu Dhabi. The auction will take place on December 16, 2025. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will enter the auction with the biggest budget of ₹64.30 crore, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) follow closely with ₹43.40 crore.

In the IPL 2026 auction list, only two Indian players have set a base price of ₹2 crore: Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi. Both players were released by their respective franchises ahead of the auction, and both are expected to be in high demand.

Venkatesh Iyer was released by the KKR ahead of the upcoming season. On the other hand, Ravi Bishnoi was released by LSG. In this article, let's take a look at the why Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi will be in high demand and the teams that can target them.

1. Venkatesh Iyer

Why teams will invest heavily in Venkatesh Iyer

(Venkatesh Iyer's IPL batting)

Despite a disappointing IPL 2025 season with the KKR, Venkatesh Iyer remains one of the most attractive options in the auction.

What works strongly in his favour is his success at No. 3, where he averages 43.23 with a strike rate close to 170. Indian batters who can anchor an innings while accelerating when required are rare, so the IPL teams will want to spend big for that reliability.

(Venkatesh Iyer's batting stats at no 3 in IPL)

Teams that could target him

• KKR: The 2024 Champions could consider buying him back at a much lower price than last year’s ₹23.75 crore. It is important to mention that in IPL, he has only played for KKR and has made 1,468 runs at a strike rate of 137.32 in 62 matches.
• DC: The Delhi-based franchise also looks like a strong contender to get Venkatesh Iyer ahead of IPL 2026. Having released top-order batters Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis and with a healthy purse and a need for stability, they can also go Iyer. Another solid reason that DC can target him as an opener is because of his decent record. Opening for KKR, the star player has played 22 innings and made 556 runs at a strike rate of 122.20. 

2. Ravi Bishnoi

(Ravi Bishnoi's SMAT 2025 stats)

Why Ravi Bishnoi remains in high demand

Lucknow Super Giants’ decision to release Ravi Bishnoi surprised many, especially given his reputation as one of India’s premier young leg-spinners. Although IPL 2025 was not his best season statistically, he played in 11 matches and bagged 9 wickets at an economy of 10.83.

Indian leg-spinners who can bowl fast through the air, control the middle overs, and attack both right- and left-handers are rare. Bishnoi has shown strong form in domestic T20s as well, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In the T20 tournament, he has taken 9 wickets in seven innings at an economy rate of 8.73.

With ₹2 crore base price, Bishnoi is expected to trigger a bidding war, especially among teams desperate for a dependable Indian spinner who can deliver immediately and grow into a long-term match-winner.

Why RCB and SRH Could Go All-In for Ravi Bishnoi

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB may look to upgrade their spin department. Despite backing Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya, the lack of middle-over wickets was a concern for them in IPL 2025. Bishnoi offers greater consistency, wicket-taking ability, and control. So RCB can target Ravi Bishnoi in IPL 2026 mini-auction.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH are in even greater need of a frontline spinner. Their pace attack is strong, but the absence of a reliable wicket-taking spinner has hurt them in crucial phases. And ahead of IPL 2026, they have also released Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa, so in this case, Bishnoi fits perfectly into SRH’s bowling department.

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