IPL 2026 auction: Shaw to KKR; Sarfaraz unsold? Fate of capped Indian players predicted

Prithvi Shaw might be sold; doubts over Sarfaraz's IPL future [Source: AFP]

The much-awaited IPL 2026 auction players' list has been released. While Quinton de Kock, among 34 others, has made a wildcard entry into the auction pool, some renowned players like Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell won't feature in the marquee event. 

A total of 16 capped Indian players have registered for the mini auction. As the IPL mini auction approaches, here we analyse to decode the fate of these Indian cricketers ahead of the 2026 season. 

Sarfaraz Khan (base price - 75 lakhs)

Why Sarfaraz Khan might go unsold in IPL 2026 auction

• Despite showing remarkable consistency in red-ball cricket, Sarfaraz Khan has yet to live up to the expectations in the IPL.
• Overall, the Mumbai batter has managed 585 runs in 37 innings at a modest average of 22.50 and a sub-par strike rate of 130.58. He has been given enough opportunities, yet the results haven't come in his favour. His past returns might discourage the IPL franchises from bidding for him in the auction. 

Predicted IPL 2026 fate - unsold

Prithvi Shaw (base price - 75 lakhs)

Why Prithvi Shaw might be sold in IPL 2026 auction

• Prithvi Shaw struggled with poor form and didn't find a bidder in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, the Mumbaikar is in scintillating form, having amassed 470 runs in the Ranji Trophy at an average of 67.14. 
• Shaw has also been impressive in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 183 runs at a blistering strike rate of 160.53. His dynamic batting and red-hot form could be the reasons why Shaw might get an IPL team in the mini auction. 

Teams that might target Prithvi Shaw- KKR, LSG

Deepak Hooda (base price - 75 lakhs)

(Deepak Hooda in IPL since 2023)

• As evidenced by the above stats, Deepak Hooda has been a proven failure in the IPL since the 2023 season. Despite getting ample opportunities, Hooda hasn't proven his mettle and his persistent rough patch in the league could make him one of the unsold players for the upcoming season. 

Predicted IPL 2026 fate - unsold

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Venkatesh Iyer (base price - 2 crores)

Venky Iyer in action [Source: AFP]

• Swashbuckling southpaw Venkatesh Iyer was the most expensive pick in the IPL 2025 auction. Although his non-performance cost him his place in the KKR squad, Iyer's excellent record at number three and the quest for an experienced Indian batter could prompt the franchises to raise the paddle for him. 

Teams that might target Venkatesh Iyer- DC, KKR, RCB

KS Bharat (base price - 75 lakhs)

• KS Bharat played his final IPL season way back in 2022. His acceleration issues and lack of consistency in the format might go against him, as none of the franchises are expected to bid for Bharat in the auction. 

Predicted IPL 2026 fate - unsold

Akash Deep (base price - 1 crore)

• Ace Indian speedster Akash Deep is a clever operator of the new ball. He can seam the ball both ways and can be a threat to the opposition. 
• Although Akash Deep has sustained a few injury setbacks of late, his new-ball bowling and reputation could be the reasons some franchises could bid for him in the mini auction. 

Teams that can target Akash Deep: KKR, SRH, LSG

Shivam Mavi (base price - 75 lakhs)

• Young pacer Shivam Mavi went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Although he's a promising prospect, Mavi's proneness to injury might discourage the franchises to raise the paddle for him in the auction. 

Predicted IPL 2026 fate - unsold

Ravi Bishnoi (base price - 2 crores)

Ravi Bishnoi in action [Source: AFP]

• Ravi Bishnoi is a proven performer in the IPL, having bagged 72 wickets at an economy of 8.22. Although he had a rare off season with LSG, Bishnoi's reputation and knack for picking wickets can help him bag a lucrative deal in the IPL mini auction. 

Teams that can target Ravi Bishnoi: RR, SRH, CSK

Rahul Chahar (base price - 1 crore)

• Rahul Chahar used to be an integral part of the Mumbai Indians squad. However, as his performance started to dip, Chahar found himself on the sidelines in the IPL. So, it's unlikely that the right-arm leg-spinner will attract any bidder for himself in the auction. 

Predicted IPL 2026 fate - unsold

Mayank Agarwal (base price - 75 lakhs)

• Experienced Karnataka batter Mayank Agarwal joined RCB as a replacement player for the IPL 2025 season. His stint was brief yet impactful; as he struck 95 crucial runs at a strike rate of 148.44. 
• So, considering his experience, IPL 2025 returns and reduced base price, some teams might bid for Agarwal, aiming to sign him as a backup top-order option. 

Teams that can target Mayank Agarwal: RCB, RR, KKR

Rahul Tripathi (base price - 75 lakhs)

• Rahul Tripathi had a miserable IPL 2025 stint with CSK. Overall, the batter managed only 55 runs at an average of eleven. That said, Tripathi has had a decent IPL career, scoring 2291 runs at a strike rate of 137.85. So, teams which need an Indian top-order batter might raise the paddle for him. 

Teams that can target Rahul Tripathi: RCB, GT

Chetan Sakariya (base price - 75 lakhs)

• Chetan Sakariya offers left-arm angle and a decent death-bowling option to the IPL teams. The young seamer has bagged 12 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at an impressive strike rate of 14. So, his current form might help him crack a good deal in the auction.

Teams that can target Chetan Sakariya: RR, SRH, LSG

Kuldeep Sen (base price - 75 lakhs)

• Young Indian pacer Kuldeep Sen is known for his express pace and ability to hit the deck hard. However, the fast bowler's injury concerns and recent form (1 wicket in 4 matches in MPT20) might go against him in the IPL auction. 

Predicted IPL 2026 fate - unsold

Umesh Yadav (base price - 1.5 Crore)

• Umesh Yadav is 38 and has bagged nine wickets in his last 15 IPL outings. He has kept a base price as high as INR 1.5 crores, which is why he might not get into any IPL team for the 2026 season. 

Predicted IPL 2026 fate - unsold

Navdeep Saini (base price - 75 lakhs) 

• Veteran fast bowler Navdeep Saini used to be a potent threat, especially in the middle and death overs. However, his dip in form and inconsistency could be the reason why he might go unsold in the auction. 

Predicted IPL 2026 fate - unsold

Sandeep Warrier (base price - 75 lakhs)

• Kerala's Sandeep Warrirr has set a base price of INR 75 lakhs. The medium pacer hasn't had a great IPL career, managing only eight wickets at an economy of 9.04. As there will be plenty of options, Warrior might not attract a bidder in the mini auction. 

Predicted IPL 2026 fate - unsold

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