The IPL franchises are getting ready for the auction after turning in their retention lists. As per the latest information, a total of 1355 players have signed up for the IPL mini auction, amongst them, 45 cricketers have set their base price at ₹ 2 crores
With the IPL teams thinking of ways to win over the mini auction, there is a list of four 2Crore players who can be on the top of the list as the most expensive buys for the upcoming 2026 season.
Cameron Green
Cameron Green can be one of the most expensive IPL 2026 auction buys for the following reasons.
Past IPL record: Cameron Green has been a consistent performer in the IPL. After the 2023 season, where he was instrumental in taking Mumbai Indians into the playoffs, he was presented as an all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bangalore during the tournament. To date, he has scored a total of 707 runs at a staggering average of 41.59 and a superb strike rate of 153.70.
All-round expertise and high demand: Cameron Green is an up-and-coming all-rounder and with the retirement of Andre Russell, he is one of the most famous multi-dimensional players entering the IPL auction roster. He is a versatile batter and his ability to contribute with bat and ball may lead to several IPL franchises targeting him thus, making him one of the possible most expensive buys in the mini auction.
Franchises that might eye Cameron Green – KKR, CSK, LSG
Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer can be one of the most expensive IPL 2026 auction buys for the following reasons.
Domestic batter with experience and solid stats: It is important to note that even though Venkatesh Iyer was a complete flop for Kolkata Knight Riders with the bat, he is still one of the players with good numbers in IPL. All in all, the left-handed player has scored a total of 1468 runs in the event with an average of 29.96 and a strike rate of 137.32.
. More significantly, he is a domestic batter that has been auctioned in the IPL who has also performed well in the tournament before.
Great stats at 3: Venkatesh Iyer has been very fruitful coming in at number three with a total of 562 runs for an average of 43.23 and a strike rate of 168.77. This is indeed the ideal batting position for him, and thus, teams that require a true number three batter can go to any lengths to acquire Iyer.
Mysterious teams that can be after Venkatesh Iyer: RR (because they have let go of Nitish Rana), KKR (could catch him for a price lower than 23.75 Cr), DC.
Liam Livingstone
Why Liam Livingstone can be an extremely costly IPL 2026 auction buy
Current form and all-round skills: Liam Livingstone is a batsman playing in the middle order; however, he can also take up the role of leg-spin bowler. After being released by RCB, Livingstone came out with outstanding form for various franchises in T20 leagues, making 571 runs at an average of 51.9 and an impressive strike rate of 168.9 and also took 13 wickets in 16 matches.
Fewer rivals: Since Glenn Maxwell has pulled out of the IPL mini auction, Liam Livingstone will not have many quality options left for the franchises to pick. Thus, the shortage in the number of overseas spin-bowling allrounders at the auction might turn out to be a profitable deal for the English superstar.
Teams that can target Liam Livingstone – CSK, PBKS, SRH.
Wanindu Hasaranga.
Why Wanindu Hasaranga can be one of the most expensive IPL 2026 auction buys
Impressive performance in IPL 2025: Wanindu Hasaranga was not able to perform at the level required with his batting in the IPL 2025. Nevertheless, he was the go-to bowler for the Rajasthan Royals, getting eleven wickets with a strike rate of 22 in return. Thus, the franchises might want to raise their paddle for the Sri Lankan player because of his all-round ability coupled with the recent IPL performance.