IPL 2026 Auction Countdown Begins as Teams Reveal Their Real Plans
Right now, all eyes in the cricketing world are firmly fixed on the IPL 2026 mini auction, and the buildup itself is already feeling like a high-stakes match. With the auction scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, franchises have officially locked in their retained players, released big names, and revealed how much money they still have to play with. What has become clear is that every team is entering this auction with a very different mindset, shaped by purse size, squad balance, and long-term vision.
Kolkata Knight Riders are walking into the auction room with the biggest smile. They hold the largest remaining purse at ₹64.30 crore and have 13 slots to fill, including six overseas spots. This gives them enormous flexibility, and it is being seen as a golden opportunity to reshape the squad aggressively. On the opposite end, Mumbai Indians find themselves in a tight corner. With just ₹2.75 crore left and five slots to fill, their focus is expected to be on smart bargains rather than headline-grabbing buys.
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Chennai Super Kings created the loudest buzz during the retention window. Some massive names were released, including Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, moves that surprised many fans. Those decisions were later softened by strategic trades, but CSK still head into the auction with ₹43.40 crore and nine available slots. It is being widely believed that experience and balance will remain their top priorities as the Dhoni-era philosophy continues.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have taken a more measured approach. With ₹16.40 crore and eight open slots, the emphasis appears to be on filling specific gaps rather than overhauling the squad. Sunrisers Hyderabad, holding ₹25.50 crore and ten slots, are expected to stay active, especially when it comes to strengthening their bowling attack.
Delhi Capitals look relatively settled after retaining a strong core led by KL Rahul and Axar Patel. They have ₹21.80 crore to work with and eight slots remaining, which should allow them to add depth without panic. Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Lucknow Super Giants are entering with limited but focused budgets, suggesting that targeted buys rather than bidding wars will define their strategies.
Rajasthan Royals, after an aggressive trading window, now have ₹16.05 crore and nine slots to fill. Their challenge will be balancing star power with squad depth. Overall, the stage is perfectly set. With uneven purses, varied team needs, and overseas slots in high demand, the IPL 2026 auction promises drama, surprise bids, and decisions that could shape the next season long before the first ball is bowled.
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