The IPL 2026 auction recently took place in Abu Dhabi, with franchises splurging on both overseas stars and Indian players. A total of ₹215.45 crore was spent on 77 players, highlighting the importance of domestic talent in the league.
Surprisingly, it was the Indian uncapped players who fetched bigger bids than the capped stars at the auction, showcasing the value placed on performing well in domestic cricket.
Here are the top five most expensive Indian players from the IPL 2026 auction:
#5 Rahul Chahar/Mangesh Yadav
Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for ₹5.2 crore, while uncapped all-rounder Mangesh Yadav was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the same amount. Chahar has a good track record in the IPL, while Yadav adds variety to RCB’s pace attack.
#4 Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer, an India all-rounder, was bought by RCB for ₹7 crore. Despite a lackluster season in IPL 2025, RCB showed faith in his abilities, especially after his impressive performance in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
#3 Ravi Bishnoi
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi was a sought-after player at the auction, eventually being picked up by Rajasthan Royals for ₹7.2 crore. With a decent run in the SMAT 2025-26 season, Bishnoi is expected to make an impact for his home team.
#2 Auqib Nabi Dar
Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar emerged as the second-most expensive Indian player, joining Delhi Capitals for ₹8.4 crore. Known for his consistent performances in domestic cricket, Dar is a valuable addition to the DC squad.
#1 Prashant Veer/Kartik Sharma
Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma stole the show at the auction, becoming the joint most expensive uncapped players in IPL history. Both players were acquired by Chennai Super Kings for a whopping ₹14.2 crore each, showcasing the franchise’s confidence in their potential.
Overall, the IPL 2026 auction was a mix of big-name signings and promising young talent, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. With franchises investing heavily in domestic players, the league continues to provide a platform for budding cricketers to showcase their skills on a grand stage.
