Rejected by Gautam Gambhir, domestic cricket veteran storms into IPL 2026 auction after franchise rebellion

Rejected by Gautam Gambhir, domestic cricket veteran storms into IPL 2026 auction after franchise rebellion

Welcome to the Exciting World of IPL 2026 Auction!

The anticipation is building as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the addition of new players to the list of registered players just days before the IPL 2026 auction. The auction, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, has already created a buzz among cricket enthusiasts.

New Additions to the Player Pool

Among the late additions to the extensive player pool is India A opener Abhimanyu Easwaran. His inclusion came after a request from one of the franchises, highlighting the dynamic nature of the auction process.

Easwaran, a 30-year-old right-handed batter, has been on the radar of IPL teams due to his impressive performances in domestic T20 cricket. Despite not having made his international debut yet, Easwaran’s recent stellar outing in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Bengal has garnered attention from franchises looking to bolster their top order.

Excitement Builds Among Franchises

Franchises have wasted no time in making final preparations for the big day in Abu Dhabi. The BCCI has finalized a list of 350 players who will go under the hammer, with each team allowed to sign a maximum of 77 players, including 33 overseas players.

Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are keeping a close eye on Easwaran, considering his aggressive batting style and impressive track record in T20 cricket. With over 1,200 runs in the format, including two centuries and six half-centuries, Easwaran is poised to make an impact in the upcoming IPL season.

Final Player List Revealed

The final list of players who will be part of the IPL 2026 mini-auction has been announced by the BCCI. Out of the 1,390 players who initially registered, only 350 were shortlisted, with a few late additions and removals made to ensure a diverse player pool.

Most of the players on the list are Indian, with a significant number of overseas cricketers also included. The auction presents an opportunity for both uncapped players and those with international experience to secure a spot in one of the ten IPL teams.

With varying base prices ranging from ₹30 lakh to ₹2 crore, the auction promises to be a riveting event where teams will compete to fill their vacant slots and build a formidable squad for the upcoming season.

As the excitement continues to mount, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the IPL 2026 auction, where new stars will emerge and established players will seek to make their mark on the grand stage of T20 cricket.

Player Predictions and Team Strategies

With the IPL 2026 auction just around the corner, speculation is rife about which players will attract the highest bids and which teams will emerge as the strongest contenders. Experts predict that established stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul will continue to command top prices, given their consistent performances in previous seasons.

Additionally, young talents such as Ravi Bishnoi, Devdutt Padikkal, and Avesh Khan are expected to generate significant interest among franchises looking to invest in promising players with the potential for long-term success.

Teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are known for their strategic approach to player acquisitions, often focusing on building a balanced squad with a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents. On the other hand, franchises like Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings have been praised for their ability to unearth hidden gems and nurture them into star players.

It will be interesting to see how each team approaches the auction, whether they prioritize strengthening specific areas like their bowling attack or batting lineup, or opt for a well-rounded squad that can adapt to various match situations.

Market Trends and Price Surges

One of the most exciting aspects of the IPL auction is the unpredictable nature of player bidding, where unexpected bidding wars can lead to astronomical prices for certain players. In past auctions, we have seen players like Yuvraj Singh, Ben Stokes, and Pat Cummins fetch record-breaking sums due to intense competition between franchises.

Market trends also play a significant role in determining player prices, with all-rounders and fast bowlers often commanding premium rates due to their versatility and match-winning capabilities. However, the emergence of young batting talents like Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill has shifted the focus towards explosive batting prowess, leading to increased demand and higher price tags for top-order batsmen.

Franchises must navigate these market trends carefully to ensure they secure the right players within their budget constraints while also addressing their team’s specific needs and areas of improvement.

Impact of International Tournaments

International tournaments such as the T20 World Cup and bilateral series have a significant impact on player value and market perception leading up to the IPL auction. Performances in these high-stakes competitions can elevate a player’s profile and increase their marketability, resulting in heightened interest from IPL teams.

For example, standout performances by Indian players in the upcoming T20 World Cup could lead to a surge in their demand during the auction, as franchises seek to capitalize on their current form and momentum. Similarly, overseas players who excel in international fixtures may see a spike in their auction value, especially if they demonstrate the ability to adapt to subcontinental conditions and excel in high-pressure situations.

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the IPL 2026 auction, the stage is set for a thrilling spectacle where talent, strategy, and anticipation converge to shape the future of T20 cricket and pave the way for the next generation of cricketing superstars.

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