IPL auction 2026: IPL teams' squad rating and auction performance review

Kaushik Kashyap

IPL 2026 auction. [Source - ipl.com]IPL 2026 auction. [Source - ipl.com]

The IPL auction 2026 has concluded, with all franchises finalising their squads for the upcoming season. As teams gear up for the challenge ahead, here is a report card analysing their auction strategy, key additions, areas covered, and remaining concerns after the IPL 2026 auction.

A total of 156 players went under the hammer with 76 players being sold and 80 players remaining unsold. A total of ₹215 Crores was spent among the 76 players wiith Cameron Green taking the biggest chunk of ₹25.20 Crores as he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) auction rating after IPL 2026 mini auction

What looks strong:

  • Defending champions secured a balanced squad with depth across batting and bowling.
  • Top-order reinforcement with Venkatesh Iyer (₹7 crore) could slot in at number three, adding firepower and experience. They also got a power packed pace hitter in Jordan Cox for the middle-order.
  • Pace attack depth boosted by Jacob Duffy, the tall New Zealand quick, who can back up Josh Hazlewood or start in conditions that favor seam.
  • Bowling variety improved with Mangesh Yadav (left-arm pacer, ₹5.2 crore) and Satvik Deswal (left-arm wrist spinner), giving the team options in both pace and spin departments.
  • Click here to see RCB's full squad for IPL 2026.

Possible concerns:

  • Could have considered an additional domestic proven wicket-taking spinner as an alternative to Suyash Sharma for more spin depth.

Overall take:

 RCB executed their auction very well, covering almost all bases from batting to bowling. Minor concerns aside, this squad looks ready to defend their title. Auction performance: 8.5/10.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) auction rating after IPL 2026 mini auction

What looks strong:

  • With the biggest purse, KKR made a marquee signing in Cameron Green, who is set to bat at the top and provide all-round value.
  • Explosive opening options in Tim Seifert and Finn Allen give KKR multiple aggressive combinations at the top.
  • Death bowling was a clear focus, with Matheesha Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman adding proven closing ability and variation.
  • Indian batting depth strengthened through the addition of Rahul Tripathi, with Tejasvi Singh adding further domestic depth.
  • Click here to see KKR's full squad for IPL 2026.

Possible concerns:

  • Slightly limited Indian firepower at the top order, which could put extra pressure on the overseas batters early on.

Overall take:

Kolkata Knight Riders executed an outstanding auction, addressing key gaps while adding star power and depth across departments. Minor concerns aside, this looks like one of the most complete squads. Auction performance: 9/10.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) auction rating after IPL 2026 mini auction

What looks strong:

  • Addressed their spinner shortage by securing Ravi Bishnoi (₹7.2 crore), a proven wicket-taker who can anchor the spin attack.
  • Added pace depth with overseas backup Adam Milne for Jofra Archer and domestic option Kuldeep Sen, giving flexibility in the fast-bowling department.
  • Emerging domestic talent like Yash Punja and Vignesh Puthiur provide wrist-spin options, while Brijesh Sharma, a pacer who adds variations, keeper-batter backup Ravi Singh and top-order batter Aman Rao strengthen squad balance.
  • Click here to see RR's full squad for IPL 2025.

Possible concerns:

  • Both Jofra Archer and Adam Milne are injury-prone, so the pace department could be tested.
  • Ravi Bishnoi needs to step up after below-par seasons in the last couple of years.

Overall take:

Rajasthan Royals executed a smart auction, solving their spin problem and adding depth in both pace and batting. If key players stay fit and Bishnoi regains form, this squad looks well-balanced for multiple conditions. Auction performance: 7/10.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) auction rating after IPL 2026 mini auction

What looks strong:

  • Batting depth strengthened with domestic stars like Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer (closest Ravindra Jadeja alternatives in Indian domestic), two of the best emerging talents in the country.
  • Overseas pace options include Matt Henry as an all-phase pacer, Matt Short for pace hitting power, and Zak Foulkes who excels with the new ball and can contribute lower down the order.
  • Spin department covered with Akeal Hosein and Rahul Chahar complementing Noor Ahmad.
  • Click here to see CSK's full squad for IPL 2026.

Possible concerns:

  • Death bowling appears reliant on Nathan Ellis, with Henry and Foulkes likely to be used in specific conditions rather than consistently.
  • Indian spin department may struggle for consistency if Noor does not come well; Rahul Chahar does not appear a convincing leg-spin option at the price paid.

Overall take:

CSK executed a calculated auction, blending youth with overseas experience across all departments. If the spinners hold and death bowling performs, the squad remains a strong contender. Auction performance: 7.5/10.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) auction rating after IPL 2026 mini auction

What looks strong:

  • Batting firepower massively boosted with Liam Livingstone (₹13 crore), adding experience and explosiveness to an already strong line-up.
  • Domestic talent depth strengthened with Salil Arora (keeper-batter), Krains Fuletra (left-arm wrist spinner), and international picks like Shivam Mavi followed by underrated tall Aussie pace-bowling all-rounder Jack Edwards.
  • Spin options improved with left-arm wrist spinners Fuletra and Shivang Kumar, plus Amit Kumar providing proper leg-spin variety.
  • Click here to see SRH's full squad for IPL 2026.

Possible concerns:

  • New ball attack could still be a concern; SRH might have benefited from adding a proven strike bowler like Auqib Dar to strengthen early overs.

Overall take:

SRH executed a solid auction, enhancing batting and spin depth while adding promising domestic talent. If the new ball attack holds up, they could be formidable, but early-over wickets may remain a test. Auction performance: 8/10.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) auction rating after IPL 2026 mini auction

What looks strong:

  • Batting firepower enhancement with Josh Inglis (₹8.60 crore), the headline buy of their auction, adding aggression and flexibility to the top and middle order.
  • Indian batting depth strengthened with Akshat Raghuvanshi and Mukul Chaudhary, giving LSG more domestic options with the bat.
  • Spin department significantly upgraded with Wanindu Hasarang.
  • Pace attack adds raw speed and aggression with Anrich Nortje and left-arm option in Naman Tiwari, bringing genuine fast-bowling firepower.
  • Click here to see LSG's full squad for IPL 2026.

Possible concerns:

  • Overseas balance could be an issue; LSG might have benefited from investing more in a proven overseas finisher.

Overall take:

Lucknow Super Giants walked away with a solid auction haul, improving their batting depth, spin quality, and pace attack. The squad looks competitive, though finishing depth remains a slight concern. Auction performance: 7.5/10.

Delhi Capitals (DC) auction rating after IPL 2026 mini auction

What looks strong:

  • New-ball bowling significantly strengthened with Auqib Nabi (₹8.40 crore), forming a potent pair with Mitchell Starc up front.
  • Overseas batting recruitment looks spot on, with Ben Duckett and David Miller adding left-handed options across the top and middle order.
  • Pace depth improved with Lungi Ngidi as an all-phase bowler and Kyle Jamieson providing accurate right-arm medium pace and bounce.
  • Future batting potential secured with Sahil Parakh, an underrated young left-handed top-order batter.
  • Click here to see DC's full squad for IPL 2025.

Possible concerns:

  • Death bowling remains an area of concern; despite depth, DC lacks a proven death bowling specialist as a cover for T Natarajan.

Overall take:

Delhi Capitals had a strong auction, addressing most of their key needs with quality overseas and Indian additions. If the death bowling holds up, this squad looks well equipped to challenge consistently. Auction performance: 8.5/10.

Mumbai Indians (MI) auction rating after IPL 2026 mini auction

What looks strong:

  • With a limited purse, MI made a smart headline move by bringing back Quinton de Kock (₹1 crore), reviving the proven opening combination with Rohit Sharma.
  • Domestic batting depth added through young talents Danish Malewar and Mayank Rawat, strengthening the Indian core.
  • Bowling variety improved with left-arm pacer Mohammad Izhar and spin-bowling all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar, who also provides late-order hitting.
  • Click here to see MI's full squad for IPL 2026.

Possible concerns:

  • MI still lack an uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter who can finish games down the order whenever needed.

Overall take:

Mumbai Indians maximised their limited budget, focusing on familiarity, youth, and role-based additions. While a few gaps remain, especially in the finishing department as backup, the squad looks competitive. Auction performance: 8/10.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) auction rating after IPL 2026 mini auction

What looks strong:

  • Punjab Kings had a quiet but focused auction, with their highest bid being Ben Dwarshuis (₹4.40 crore), adding left-arm pace and all-phase bowling options.
  • Overseas batting option in Cooper Connolly powers the batting line-up and offering a strong chance of featuring in the playing XI.
  • Spin department strengthened by Vishal Nishad, whose mystery spin adds a wicket-taking element in the middle overs.
  • Click here to see PBKS' full squad for IPL 2026.

Possible concerns:

  • PBKS could have targeted a left-handed Indian batter to add more firepower and balance to the batting line-up.

Overall take:

Punjab Kings kept things simple and role-based, addressing specific needs without overspending. While the squad looks balanced, despite the minor concern. Auction performance: 7.5/10.

Gujarat Titans (GT) auction rating after IPL 2026 mini auction

What looks strong:

  • Gujarat Titans made their biggest investment of the auction by signing Jason Holder (₹7 crore), a smart addition who suits home conditions, strengthens the pace attack, and adds power down the order.
  • Indian pace depth improved with Ashok Sharma, a genuine quick capable of touching 150 kmph, adding raw speed and aggression.
  • Click here to see GT's full squad for IPL 2026.

Possible concerns:

  • GT still appear short on middle-overs batting firepower, with a lack of impact hitters who can control and accelerate through that phase.

Overall take:

Gujarat Titans had a measured auction, focusing on role-based additions rather than marquee names. While bowling looks well covered, the middle-order firepower remains a concern. Auction performance: 7/10.