Hardly a week is left for the IPL 2026 auction and teams are already deep into their planning. IPL Auction upcoming in Abu Dhabi on 16th December.
All franchises have their think-tanks ready, strategies are all set and for many players this auction could be turning point in their cricketing journey in terms of career and financial terms .
Every auction has a few names that were on radars and earn big money . This year will be no different. Big money will be spent and some players could become overnight stars. Here are a few players to watch closely before the auction starts.
Cameron Green
Cameron Green is easily one of the most demanded names ahead of this year’s auction.
A proper 3D player like him brings balance to any IPL side. Someone who can bat in the top order, can bowl 135+ constantly and contribute in the field teams love that package. KKR is the most expected team to go for Cam Green this year and it won’t be surprise if he has play for KKR because of the kind of purse KKR has before the IPL 2026 Auction.
Green last played IPL in 2024 for RCB and played a big role in their journey to the playoffs. He missed IPL 2025 due to injury, but that hasn’t reduced his value at all. With a base price of 2 crore and registered as a pure batter, Green is expected to come early in the auction. Once his name comes up, franchises won’t think twice before going big. He is clearly seen as a long-term investment.
Liam Livingstone
Livingstone had a mixed IPL 2025.
He played an important knock for RCB in the final and was part of their title-winning campaign, but overall his season was below his own standards.
Still, players like Livingstone always remain relevant. In the absence of players like Maxwell and Russell from now on , he offers a different kind of impact. He can hit sixes at will and also give you a few overs of spin. On his day, he can completely change the game, and that’s why teams will stay interested in him. A big performer in T20 blast. If players like him makes you 3-4 matches a season then , you have got your perfect returns for the investment.
Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer was the third most expensive player in IPL history after KKR bought him for 23.75 crore.
Venky Iyer had a disaster of a season last and he was labelled as one of the costliest flops.
But writing him off after one bad season would be unfair. Venkatesh has already proven that he can do well at the top of the order and has the ability to contribute as an Indian all-round option. One season doesn’t define a player. The 2026 auction could be a fresh start for him.
David Miller
David Miller is a clutch player, simple as that.
He didn’t meet expectations last season with LSG, but his quality cannot be questioned and we have seen that for his International side as well for his former IPL teams Like GT and Punjab Kings .
Miller has shown multiple times that he can turn matches in just a few overs. Teams always look for finishers who can handle pressure, and Miller fits that role perfectly. He might not go for crazy money, but he will be an important name on the auction table.
Cooper Connolly
Cooper Connolly is an interesting pick.
He has been a consistent performer in the BBL and offers teams a development option. No baggage, no pressure just raw potential.
He can bat in the top order, adjust in the middle order and also bowl left-arm orthodox. At just 23 years old, Connolly has shown flashes of his ability many times in the BBL. It will be intriguing to see teams play a gamble and earn a high potential player for future as well like him .
Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi is a serious T20 bowler.
Having played for Punjab Kings and LSG, he has already built a reputation as an attacking spinner.
At one point he was the top-ranked T20I bowler, and that itself shows his ability. Teams need quality spinners and Bishnoi is someone they can rely on. Teams can’t ignore someone like Bishnoi , they dont have many alternatives either . He may not be the most expensive buy, but expect multiple bidders.
Auqib Nabi
Aaqib Nabi is one of the most exciting uncapped talented players in the Indian domestic circuit right now.
Coming from Jammu and Kashmir and consistently performing against strong domestic teams shows his calibre.
Fast bowlers who can deliver consistently are always in demand in the IPL. Aaqib Nabi is definitely one of the Indian uncapped players to watch out for in this auction.
