IPL 2026 Auction Value Picks: Top 10 Buys That Offer the Best Return on Investment

Top Value Picks in IPL 2026 Mini-Auction

Ravi Bishnoi: The Rising Leg Spinner

Ravi Bishnoi, a leg spinner who has made a name for himself in the cricketing world, faced a setback in the last season, leading to his release before the mini-auction. Despite this, he was able to secure a spot in the upcoming IPL by being bought at a modest price of INR 7.20 crores.

His addition to the Royals’ squad is expected to bolster their bowling attack, especially when paired with the experienced Ravindra Jadeja from CSK. This duo is anticipated to create a formidable force in the upcoming season.

David Miller: The Strategic Middle Order Batsman

Delhi Capitals made a strategic move by acquiring David Miller, a seasoned middle-order batsman, for a mere 2 crores in the auction. His partnership with Tristan Stubbs is set to strengthen the team’s batting lineup and create a well-balanced final XI for the Capitals.

Ashok Sharma: The Pace Sensation

Ashok Sharma’s exceptional performance in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the IPL auction. With his impressive pace, bounce, and variation, he was acquired by a team for INR 90 lakh. Under the mentorship of Ashish Nehra, Sharma is expected to thrive and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

Cooper Connolly: The All-Round Asset

Punjab Kings secured a valuable asset in Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly for INR 3 crores. Known for his proficient batting skills in the middle order and effective slow left-arm bowling, Connolly is positioned to fill the void left by Glenn Maxwell’s departure. His versatility is expected to elevate the Kings’ performance in the upcoming matches.

Quinton de Kock: The Dynamic South African

Quinton de Kock, a prominent South African batter, made a strong impression in recent tours. Mumbai Indians decided to bring him back to their squad after an impressive performance. Despite being bought at his base price of 2 crores, de Kock is anticipated to be a key player in the team’s opening lineup alongside Rohit Sharma.

Wanindu Hasaranga: The Lankan Spin Wizard

Lucknow Super Giants made a smart move by acquiring Wanindu Hasaranga, a talented Lankan spinner, for just INR 2 crores. With his exceptional IPL track record and the favorable conditions at the Ekana stadium, Hasaranga is poised to be a valuable asset for the team in the upcoming season.

Akash Deep: The Emerging Pacer

Despite being sold at his base price of 1 crore, Bengal pacer Akash Deep found a home with the Kolkata Knight Riders. With a promising lineup alongside Harshit Rana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Mustafizur Rahman, Akash Deep is expected to make a significant contribution to the team’s bowling attack.

Tim Seifert: The Kiwi Wicket-Keeper Batsman

Kolkata Knight Riders secured the services of Kiwi wicket-keeper batsman Tim Seifert for a modest 1.5 crores. With his batting prowess, Seifert is set to strengthen the team’s top order and provide stability in crucial moments during matches.

Jordan Cox: The Power Hitter from England

Englishman Jordan Cox caught the eye of RCB with his power-hitting abilities and was signed as a replacement for Phil Salt. His presence in the team is expected to bolster RCB’s batting lineup and provide additional firepower in crucial situations, making him a valuable addition for his base price of INR 75 lakh.

Prithvi Shaw: The Resilient Indian Opener

Despite facing challenges in previous seasons, Prithvi Shaw’s talent and potential as a top-order batsman earned him a spot with the Delhi Capitals for a base price of 75 lakh. Known for his aggressive batting style, Shaw is expected to bring stability and firepower to the Capitals’ opening partnership, making him a crucial asset for the team in the upcoming season.

Value Picks and Potential Game-Changers in IPL 2026 Mini-Auction

Avesh Khan: The Emerging Fast Bowler

One of the standout picks in the IPL 2026 mini-auction was Avesh Khan, the emerging fast bowler who caught the attention of several franchises. Eventually, it was the Sunrisers Hyderabad who secured his services for a bargain price of 4 crores. Khan’s ability to generate pace and bounce makes him a valuable asset for the team, especially in the powerplay and death overs.

Shubman Gill: The Young Batting Sensation

Kolkata Knight Riders made a smart move by retaining Shubman Gill for a significant sum of 8 crores. Gill, known for his elegant stroke play and solid technique, is expected to anchor the team’s batting lineup and provide stability at the top of the order. His partnership with Tim Seifert is anticipated to be a key factor in Kolkata’s success in the upcoming season.

Harpreet Brar: The Spin Bowling All-Rounder

Punjab Kings’ decision to retain Harpreet Brar for 6 crores was met with approval from fans and pundits alike. Brar, a talented spin bowling all-rounder, has the ability to turn matches with both bat and ball. His performances in the previous season showcased his potential, and he is poised to play a crucial role in Punjab’s campaign this year.

Shreyas Iyer: The Dynamic Middle-Order Batsman

After a stellar performance in recent international matches, Shreyas Iyer was a hot commodity in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Lucknow Super Giants managed to secure his services for a hefty sum of 12 crores, highlighting their confidence in his abilities. Iyer’s experience and ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs make him a key player for the team.

Adam Zampa: The Crafty Leg Spinner

Rajasthan Royals made a shrewd move by acquiring Adam Zampa, the crafty leg spinner, for 5 crores. Zampa’s ability to deceive batsmen with his variations and flighted deliveries adds a new dimension to the Royals’ bowling attack. Paired with Ravi Bishnoi, Zampa is expected to form a potent spin duo that can trouble even the best of batters.

Riley Meredith: The Express Fast Bowler

Mumbai Indians added firepower to their pace attack by securing the services of Riley Meredith, the express fast bowler from Australia. Meredith’s ability to bowl consistently above 140 km/h and generate steep bounce makes him a valuable asset for the defending champions. His partnership with Jasprit Bumrah is likely to create havoc for opposing batsmen.

Karun Nair: The Consistent Middle-Order Batsman

Chennai Super Kings made a calculated move by acquiring Karun Nair, the consistent middle-order batsman, for 3 crores. Nair’s ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate when required makes him a vital cog in the CSK lineup. With his experience in pressure situations, Nair is expected to play a crucial role in Chennai’s quest for another IPL title.

Chris Jordan: The Versatile All-Rounder

Delhi Capitals added depth to their squad by securing the services of Chris Jordan, the versatile all-rounder from England, for 4 crores. Jordan’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the Capitals flexibility in team selection and strategy. His athleticism in the field also adds value to the team’s overall performance.

Sheldon Jackson: The Dependable Wicket-Keeper Batsman

Rajasthan Royals made a smart move by acquiring Sheldon Jackson, the dependable wicket-keeper batsman, for 2 crores. Jackson’s ability to anchor the innings and provide stability in the middle order makes him a valuable asset for the Royals. His experience in domestic cricket and his recent performances make him a promising addition to the squad.

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, these value picks and potential game-changers are set to make a significant impact on their respective teams. With a mix of experience, talent, and versatility, these players have the potential to turn the tide in crucial moments and shape the outcome of matches. Fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with thrilling performances and unexpected twists as these players take center stage in the world’s premier T20 league.