The IPL 2026 mini-auction once again showed why it is one of the most exciting events in world cricket. With every franchise entering the auction with different needs and budgets, bidding wars broke out for several top players. The auction was held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, and all 10 teams completed their squads within the 25-player limit.
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green emerged as the biggest buy, going to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. Close behind was Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who was also snapped up by KKR for ₹18 crore.
Based on the most expensive buys at the IPL 2026 auction (both capped and uncapped), here is a look at the strongest possible playing 12.
Openers
Pathum Nissanka (DC- ₹4 crore)
Criterion
As opener
Innings
77
Runs
2306
Average
31.59
Strike Rate
126.49
(Pathum Nissanka's stats as opener for SL)
Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹4 crore. He has been in excellent form. In the ILT20 2025, he scored 223 runs in four matches, including three fifties, at a strike rate of nearly 196.
In T20 internationals, Nissanka has opened in 77 innings, scoring 2306 runs at an average of 31.59. He is known for giving steady starts and accelerating when required, making him a reliable T20 opener.
Venkatesh Iyer (RCB- ₹7 crore)
Criterion
As opener
Innings
22
Runs
556
Average
27.80
Strike Rate
122.20
(Venkatesh Iyer's stats in IPL as an opener)
Venkatesh Iyer, bought by RCB for ₹7 crore, brings flexibility and power at the top. He has played his entire IPL career with KKR until now and has featured in 62 IPL matches, scoring 1468 runs at a strike rate of 137.32.
As an opener, he has scored 556 runs in 22 innings. Iyer’s ability to bat aggressively and also contribute as a part-time bowler adds balance to the playing XI.
Middle Order and All-Rounders
Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Liam Livingstone, Kartik Sharma (WK), Prashant Veer, Jason Holder, Auqib Nabi
Batting at No.3 in the IPL, Green has scored 482 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 158. He can bat anywhere from opener to No.6 and offers a crucial fast-bowling option.
Josh Inglis (LSG- ₹8.6 crore)
Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis was picked by LSG for ₹8.6 crore. Known for his attacking style, Inglis scored 278 runs in 11 innings in IPL 2025. Despite availability concerns, his power-hitting makes him a valuable middle-order option.
Liam Livingstone (SRH- ₹13 crore)
England’s power-hitter Liam Livingstone joined Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹13 crore. Though IPL 2025 was quiet, he bounced back strongly in other leagues.
In ILT20 2025-26, he scored at a strike rate of 172, and in the T20 Blast 2025, he averaged 52 with a strike rate of 176. Livingstone’s six-hitting ability and part-time spin make him a match-winner.
Kartik Sharma (WK) (CSK- ₹14.2 crore)
Kartik Sharma became the most expensive uncapped Indian player, bought by CSK for ₹14.2 crore. He impressed in the Punjab T20 with 457 runs at a strike rate of 168, and followed it up with 445 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kartik adds explosive batting depth to the middle order.
Prashant Veer (CSK- ₹14.2 crore)
Left-arm spin all-rounder Prashant Veer from Uttar Pradesh offers balance. In the UPT20, he scored 320 runs and took eight wickets, striking at 155. He also performed well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His ability to control the middle overs with both bat and ball makes him ideal for this XI.
Jason Holder (GT- ₹7 crore)
West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, bought by Gujarat Titans for ₹7 crore, adds experience. He is a proven wicket-taker, a safe fielder, and a dependable lower-order batter who can finish games or steady an innings.
Bowlers
Matheesha Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman/Ben Dwarshuis, Ravi Bishnoi
Matheesha Pathirana (KKR- ₹18 crore)
One of the biggest buys, Matheesha Pathirana joins KKR for ₹18 crore. Known for his slingy action and deadly yorkers, he is now among the most expensive pacers in IPL history. He is a proven death-overs specialist.
Mustafizur Rahman, bought by KKR for ₹9.2 crore, is famous for his cutters and slower balls. He previously earned ₹6 crore for just three games in IPL 2025. Alternatively, Ben Dwarshuis offers a left-arm angle, new-ball swing, and clever variations, giving teams tactical flexibility.
Ravi Bishnoi (RR - ₹7.20 crore)
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi was bought for ₹7.20 crore. Known for his sharp googlies, Bishnoi is a wicket-taking option in the middle overs and is also an outstanding fielder.
Strongest Playing 12 Of Costliest Players In IPL 2025 Auction
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Venkatesh Iyer and Cameron Green (Source: AFP)
