IPL 2026 Auction: Full Squads, Biggest Buys & Team Balance

IPL 2026 Auction Overview

The IPL 2026 mini auction in Abu Dhabi has officially reshaped the league, with all 10 franchises filling their remaining slots and finalising squads for the new season. A total of 77 players were picked up as teams collectively spent well over ₹200 crore to fix gaps in their batting, bowling, and all‑rounder departments.cricbuzz+3​

The headline story was Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings going all‑in for star names, while traditionally aggressive teams like Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings had to be more selective due to tighter purses.sports.ndtv+1​

Biggest Buys of the IPL 2026 Auction

The mini auction once again proved that “mini” is only a label, with multiple players crossing the ₹10 crore mark.mykhel+1​

Key high‑value signings:

• Cameron Green to Kolkata Knight Riders for around ₹25.2 crore, breaking records for an overseas all‑rounder and underlining KKR’s intent to replace the power of Andre Russell.sports.ndtv+1​
• Matheesha Pathirana also to KKR for approximately ₹18 crore, giving them a death‑overs specialist with pace and variation.olympics+1​
• Several Indian names, including a high‑priced uncapped wicketkeeper and in‑form domestic all‑rounders, triggered bidding wars as teams looked for long‑term value rather than pure star power.news18+1​

For bettors and fantasy players, these price tags are important signals: franchises usually give long ropes to expensive signings, meaning more chances to bat, bowl, and earn bonus points.

Full IPL 2026 Squads: Big Picture

Complete squad lists are best checked on official score portals, but a few clear patterns stand out across the 10 teams.firstpost+3​

• Most sides have gone for 22–25‑member squads, with a mix of 7–8 overseas slots and a strong core of Indian players.thefederal+1​
• There is a clear shift toward pace and finishing power; teams willing to spend heavily on all‑rounders who can clear the ropes at the death and bowl two or three overs.espncricinfo+1​
• Spinners are still valuable, but the 2026 strategies show more interest in wrist‑spin, mystery spin, and utility bowlers who can bat at No.7 or No.8.bbc+1​

Linking to an external stats page or embedding simple tables for each franchise’s full squad is a good way to add depth without duplicating long lists.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): High‑Budget Rebuild

KKR entered the auction with the largest purse and used it aggressively.news24online+1​

Squad direction:

• Replacing Andre Russell’s role with Cameron Green as a seam‑bowling, power‑hitting all‑rounder.mykhel+1​
• Strengthening death bowling and middle‑overs control with Matheesha Pathirana and other pace options.olympics+1​

Team balance verdict:

• Batting depth looks strong from top to No.7, especially if Indian finishers click.
• Bowling attack has variety but depends heavily on new signings staying fit over a long tournament.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Investing in the Future

Chennai Super Kings focused on young domestic talent rather than only global stars.news18+1​

Key moves:

• Splashing huge amounts on two uncapped Indian players, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, with combined spending above ₹28 crore.sports.ndtv+1​
• Retaining their experienced core while refreshing the middle order and spin reserves.

Team balance verdict:

• CSK’s top order and spin department remain solid, but a lot will depend on how quickly their high‑priced Indian youngsters adapt to pressure.
• The squad looks balanced for home conditions, with room to adjust XI combinations based on pitches.

Mumbai Indians (MI): Smart Buys with Limited Purse

Mumbai Indians had one of the tightest purses in the room and were expected to have a quiet auction.news24online+1​

Strategy highlights:

• Targeting value picks instead of marquee names to fill specific roles such as backup openers and support pacers.hindustantimes+1​
• Retaining a strong core batting group, meaning they did not need to chase every big ticket name.

Team balance verdict:

• MI’s first‑choice XI remains dangerous, especially in batting, but the bench is a little thinner than other teams.
• For betting analysis, injuries to key bowlers could quickly affect their odds due to less depth.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): All‑In on Power

RCB once again look like a side built around batting firepower.espncricinfo+1​

Auction focus:

• Spending aggressively on a couple of impact batters and a seam‑bowling all‑rounder.hindustantimes+1​
• Adding younger Indian pacers to support their frontline quicks.

Team balance verdict:

• Top order appears explosive but still slightly top‑heavy; if early wickets fall, middle‑order pressure returns.
• Bowling attack is improved but not the deepest, which can matter on flat surfaces.

Other Teams: Quick Balance Notes

• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Continued to invest in overseas pace and middle‑order power, keeping their template of aggressive bowling and flexible batting.sportscafe+1​
• Rajasthan Royals (RR): Strengthened spin and middle‑overs bowling, plus grabbed an in‑demand Indian leg‑spinner.sportscafe+1​
• Delhi Capitals (DC): Focused on all‑round balance and Indian top‑order depth rather than blockbuster names.firstpost+1​
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT): Targeted role‑specific players—finishers, left‑arm options, and backup keepers—to keep their squads tactically flexible.thefederal+1​
• Punjab Kings (PBKS): Took a few high‑risk, high‑reward swings at power hitters, continuing their philosophy of explosive but inconsistent line‑ups.sportscafe+1​

What the IPL 2026 Auction Means for Bettors

For Mahakal Book users and other bettors, the auction provides critical data points long before the first ball is bowled.fortismedia+1​

Things to consider:

• Squad depth vs star power: Teams with balanced squads typically offer more consistent betting value than those relying on two or three stars.
• Role clarity: Players bought for specific roles (death bowling, finisher, anchor) usually get clearer opportunities than those who float without a defined job.
• Venue fit: Check how new recruits fit home ground conditions (spin‑friendly or pace‑friendly) before backing them for season‑long markets.

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Conclusion: Who Won the IPL 2026 Auction?

The IPL 2026 auction confirmed that KKR and CSK were willing to take the biggest risks, Mumbai stayed conservative, and the rest tried to quietly plug gaps ahead of a long season. Early on, KKR and CSK will attract a lot of betting attention because of their high‑profile signings, but teams with deeper, calmer squads may offer better value over the entire tournament.firstpost+2​

As the league approaches, bettors should revisit these squads, track pre‑season form, and combine auction insights with venue conditions and match‑ups to make smarter decisions for IPL 2026.