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

Abhimanyu Easwaran Added to IPL 2026 Auction List Following Franchise Request

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made some last-minute additions to the list of players set to be auctioned off in the IPL 2026 auction scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Among the new additions is India A opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was included in response to a request from one of the franchises participating in the event.

Franchises Gear up for IPL 2026 Auction

With the highly-anticipated IPL 2026 auction just around the corner, franchises have already made their way to Abu Dhabi and are gearing up for the big day. The BCCI has finalized a list of 350 players who will be up for grabs during the auction, although some well-known names seem to be missing from the roster. Each team has the opportunity to sign up to 77 players, including a maximum of 33 overseas players.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, a familiar face in the Indian Test squad, has been included in the auction list following the franchise’s request. Despite being around the Indian Test squad for some time, Easwaran is yet to make his international debut. Recent omissions from the home Test series against the West Indies and South Africa have dampened his chances of breaking into the playing XI.

Stellar Performance in SMAT 2025

Easwaran shone in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season for Bengal, amassing 266 runs in seven matches at an impressive strike rate of 152. His standout performance was an unbeaten 130 off 66 balls against Punjab, showcasing his attacking prowess and boundary-hitting ability. Despite going unnoticed in previous IPL auctions, his aggressive batting in domestic T20 matches has captured the attention of teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) who are in search of top-order Indian batters for the upcoming season.

Although Easwaran is yet to make his IPL debut, his commendable record in T20 cricket with over 1,200 runs, including two centuries and six half-centuries, makes him a promising prospect for teams looking to bolster their batting lineup.

Final Player List Revealed

The IPL 2026 mini-auction is expected to feature a competitive bidding war, with the BCCI having finalized the list of players who will be available for auction. Out of the 1,390 players who initially registered, only 350 made the final cut after a few modifications. The majority of players on the list are Indian, with a significant number of overseas cricketers also in the mix. While many are uncapped players, some have already tasted success at the international level.

All ten IPL teams are eager to fill their 77 available slots during the auction, with 31 spots reserved for overseas players. The players come with varying base prices, ranging from ₹30 lakh to ₹2 crore, promising an exciting auction event with intense bidding wars.

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s Potential Impact on IPL 2026

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s inclusion in the IPL 2026 auction list has sparked excitement among fans and franchises alike. With his recent stellar performances in domestic T20 tournaments, Easwaran has proven himself as a formidable top-order batsman with the ability to take on even the most challenging bowlers. His aggressive yet technically sound approach to batting makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen their batting lineup.

Despite facing tough competition from established players, Easwaran’s hunger for success and consistency on the field have set him apart as a player to watch out for in the upcoming IPL season. His experience in the Indian Test squad has honed his skills and provided him with the temperament required to excel in high-pressure situations, making him a reliable choice for franchises seeking a dependable opening batsman.

Franchise Interest and Strategy

Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have expressed interest in acquiring Abhimanyu Easwaran during the auction, recognizing his potential to make a significant impact in the T20 format. With both franchises looking to bolster their top-order batting options, Easwaran’s inclusion in their squads could provide them with the stability and firepower needed to compete at the highest level.

Franchises participating in the IPL 2026 auction will need to carefully strategize their bids to secure the best possible players within their allocated budgets. With a competitive pool of talent available, teams will have to assess their requirements and prioritize their targets to ensure a well-balanced squad capable of delivering consistent performances throughout the season.

Scouting New Talent and Building for the Future

The IPL auctions serve as a platform for teams to unearth new talent and invest in promising players who have the potential to shape the future of Indian cricket. Abhimanyu Easwaran’s inclusion in the auction list highlights the importance of identifying and nurturing young talent to create a sustainable pipeline of cricketers for both domestic and international competitions.

As franchises look to build competitive teams for the IPL 2026 season, they will need to strike a balance between experienced players and emerging talent to create a winning combination on the field. Easwaran’s emergence as a sought-after prospect reflects the evolving landscape of Indian cricket, where young players are given opportunities to showcase their skills and make a mark on the sport.

Anticipation for IPL 2026 Auction

With Abhimanyu Easwaran’s name added to the list of players set to be auctioned off in the IPL 2026 auction, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event have reached new heights. Fans, franchises, and players alike are eagerly awaiting the bidding war that will unfold as teams compete to secure their desired talent and build competitive squads for the upcoming season.

As the countdown to the IPL 2026 auction continues, all eyes will be on Abhimanyu Easwaran and other promising players vying for a spot in one of the most prestigious T20 leagues in the world. The auction promises to be a spectacle of talent, strategy, and excitement as teams navigate the selection process to form their dream teams for the season ahead.

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