The countdown to the IPL 2026 has begun, with franchises preparing for another high-stakes day in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
A total of 359 players have been shortlisted, and while big overseas names always draw attention, Indian players continue to command the biggest bids year after year.
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With team combinations largely settled after retentions, the focus this time will be on quality Indian options who can slot straight into playing XIs or provide long-term value.
Based on base prices and recent demand, here’s a look at the Indian names expected to dominate the auction headlines.
Most expensive Indian players at IPL 2026 mini-auction
| Player | Team | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Prashant Veer | Chennai Super Kings | 14.20 crore |
| Kartik Sharma | Chennai Super Kings | 14.20 crore |
| Auqib Dar | Delhi Capitals | 8.40 crore |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Rajasthan Royals | 7.20 crore |
| Venkatesh Iyer | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 7.00 crore |
Most expensive Indian players in IPL auction history
| Player | Team | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | Lucknow Super Giants | 27.00 crore |
| Shreyas Iyer | Punjab Kings | 26.75 crore |
| Venkatesh Iyer | Kolkata Knight Riders | 23.75 crore |
| Arshdeep Singh | Punjab Kings | 18.00 crore |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Punjab Kings | 18.00 crore |
Related links:
- Glenn Maxwell to Faf du Plessis: Big names missing from the IPL 2026 mini-auction
- Full list of players registered for Indian Premier League mini-auction
- IPL 2026 Auction: Date, Players List, Rules & Mini-Auction Preview
- All the latest cricket news