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NEW DELHI: The list of players registered for the IPL 2026 mini auction is around the corner, and it already promises a strong pool of talent. Several high profile overseas names are expected to feature, while only a few Indian players have put their names forward.
The auction, set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, is expected to see several players attract massive bids from franchises looking to strengthen their squads.
Also READ: IPL auction countdown begins as 1,355 players register for 77 slots
Here are standout players likely to earn big in the upcoming auction:
1. Cameron Green
Australia’s promising all-rounder, Cameron Green, brings a lot of firepower with the bat and can be crucial with the ball in the middle overs. Having represented Mumbai Indians in 2023 and RCB in 2024, Green has already shown his ability to dominate IPL matches. His aggressive batting and handy bowling make him a complete package for any team.
Franchises like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to go big for him as they look to build their squads around a strong core. With 33 IPL matches under his belt, 36 wickets, and a batting average of 41.59 in T20 cricket, Green is poised to be one of the auction’s most sought-after all-rounders.
2. Ravi Bishnoi
Young and talented, Ravi Bishnoi was a workhorse in the Lucknow Super Giants spin department but was surprisingly released after an ordinary season. The right-arm leg-spinner brings significant T20 experience, with clever variations and a quick action that makes him a dependable option in the middle overs.
Franchises like SRH or RR are likely to pursue him aggressively, and he could easily fetch 10-plus crores given his domestic value and proven IPL track record. In 77 IPL matches, he has taken 72 wickets at an average of 31.07, maintaining a strike rate of 22.68, highlighting his ability to consistently trouble batsmen.
3. Jamie Smith
English sensation Jamie Smith has impressed globally with his aggressive batting and elegant strokeplay. A handy wicketkeeper as well, Smith adds versatility to any squad and can anchor or accelerate the innings as needed. His T20 strike rate of 144.31 makes him a dangerous middle-order presence.
Chennai Super Kings, looking to rebuild their core, are likely to target him. With 97 T20 matches and 1,687 runs at an average of 24.44, Smith offers both power and finesse, making him one of the top overseas prospects for IPL 2026.
4. Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone’s explosive batting makes him one of the most valuable players in T20 cricket. With Glenn Maxwell opting out of the auction, Livingstone becomes an even bigger attraction as he offers similar value with brutal power hitting and the ability to bowl useful overs. He was part of RCB last season and had an ordinary run, but his experience and versatility ensure he will still command strong interest.
His IPL strike rate of 158.77 highlights his impact potential. With 49 IPL games and over 1,000 runs, he remains one of the most dangerous middle-order hitters available. Given the lack of power hitters in the auction pool, Livingstone could easily become one of the most expensive overseas picks this season.
5. Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana entered the IPL with strong hype with Chennai Super Kings, bringing a Malinga-like action and the promise of becoming a long term death overs weapon. Though he delivered phases of sharp yorkers, inconsistency in control and too many extras led CSK to release him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Pathirana’s numbers underline his value. He has 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches with a strong average of 21.62 shows how dangerous he can be in shorter formats. His ability to bowl fast, attack the stumps and restrict runs at the death makes him a likely target for franchises such as Delhi Capitals, who need a specialist finisher with the ball.
