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Biggest Shockers of IPL Auction 2026: Unexpected Bidding Wars & Record Buys

ipl auction

In the cricketing world, there are some things which are celebrated by the fans. The Indian Premier League and things associated with it are followed by the fans. IPL auction is such an event, from a big auction in few years to a mini auction every year.

Fans follow and cheer for their favourite stars and teams. The IPL Auction is finished for the 2026 edition. It was one of the most exciting events for cricket fans which happened on December 16, 2025.

Some players became very rich in just a few minutes. Others who were expected to go for high prices did not get as much attention. You can also find more updates on 96.com app. We will look at the biggest shockers and record buys from this auction.

The New Record Breaker: Cameron Green

The biggest news of the day was about Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. Everyone knew he was a good player, but nobody expected him to go for such a huge amount. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) really wanted him. They fought hard in a bidding war against other teams.

In the end, KKR bought Cameron Green for a massive Rs 25.20 Crore. This makes him the most expensive overseas player in this auction. It is a new record. Green can bat well and bowl fast, which makes him very valuable. KKR fans are very happy, but some are shocked at the high price. This was definitely the highlight of the IPL Auction 2026.

KKR’s Big Shopping Spree

Kolkata Knight Riders did not stop with just Cameron Green. They came to the auction to buy the best players, no matter the cost. After spending so much on Green, they went after another superstar. They bought the Sri Lankan fast bowler, Matheesha Pathirana.

Pathirana is known for his unique bowling style. He was sold to KKR for Rs 18 Crore. This is another huge amount. With Green and Pathirana, KKR has spent a lot of their money. They also bought Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 9.20 Crore. It seems like KKR wants to build a team of superstars. Fans are calling this one of the most aggressive strategies in IPL bidding wars history.

The Rise of Uncapped Players

One of the best things about the IPL is how it helps young players. Players who have not played for their country yet are called “uncapped players.” In the IPL Auction 2026, these young stars earned big money.

The biggest surprise was Mangesh Yadav. He is a young Indian all-rounder. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) saw great talent in him. They bought him for Rs 5.20 Crore. For a player who is not very famous yet, this is a life-changing amount.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) also joined the party. They are known for picking smart players. This time, they spent a lot on Kartik Sharma. CSK believes that these young players will be the future of cricket. It is always nice to see hard work pay off for these young talents.

Top Buys of IPL Auction 2026

Player NameTeamPrice (in Crores)Role
Cameron GreenKolkata Knight Riders (KKR)₹25.20 CrAll-Rounder
Matheesha PathiranaKolkata Knight Riders (KKR)₹18.00 CrBowler
Liam LivingstoneSunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)₹13.00 CrAll-Rounder
Mustafizur RahmanKolkata Knight Riders (KKR)₹9.20 CrBowler
Josh InglisLucknow Super Giants (LSG)₹8.60 CrWicketkeeper-Batter
Ravi BishnoiRajasthan Royals (RR)₹7.20 CrBowler
Venkatesh IyerRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)₹7.00 CrAll-Rounder
Mangesh YadavRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)₹5.20 CrAll-Rounder (Uncapped)

What to Expect in IPL 2026?

Now that the auction is over, fans are waiting for the matches to start. The teams look very different now. Some old heroes have new teams. Some new faces are ready to become stars.

For all the latest news, match schedules, and updates, you can check 96 in. It is a great place to stay updated with everything happening in the cricket world.

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Jack Thompson Cricket Betting & Fantasy Sports Writer
Jack Thompson is a cricket-focused sports journalist and editorial strategist, her work follows Google’s Norms and guidelines to ensure quality and expertise in the piece of content she is writing. She earned her degree in Sports Journalism from King’s College London and has been covering T20 leagues, IPL, and local tournaments for over 5 years. At 96.com, Jack brings deep cricket knowledge, statistical analysis, and storytelling together to create match previews that resonate with sports fans.

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