IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: 45 Players Set Maximum Base Price; Ravi Bishnoi, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Matheesha Pathirana Lead Rs 2 Crore List

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New Delhi, Dec 2: Ahead of the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16, the stage is set for high-stakes drama as 45 players have opted for the maximum reserve price of INR 2 crore. This exclusive list features a mix of released T20 veterans, high-impact overseas all-rounders, and big-ticket Indian names, all vying for the available 77 slots.

As per ESPNCricinfo and Cricbuzz reports, a total of 1,355 players have registered for the upcoming auction in the UAE. However, the central focus of the day-long auction will undoubtedly be the players in the ₹2 crore bracket, which includes global stars like Cameron Green, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Liam Livingstone, Matheesha Pathirana, and Steve Smith.

With only 77 slots available across ten teams, and just 31 reserved for overseas players, the auction drama is already focused squarely on the most expensive category.

The Cameron Green Factor

Every conversation leading up to the auction begins with one name: Cameron Green.

The Australian all-rounder, who missed the 2025 mega-auction due to a back injury, is now the most premium property. His ability to bat anywhere in the top five, provide valuable seam bowling, and exhibit athleticism in the field makes him a unique white-ball package. The bidding war is not just anticipated-it is inevitable.

The chase is defined by two giants:

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Holding the largest purse at a colossal ₹64.3 crore, KKR desperately need a high-impact overseas all-rounder after the long-serving T20 great, Andre Russell, announced his IPL retirement. Green offers the flexibility to rebuild their batting spine and strengthen their bowling resources simultaneously.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): With ₹43.4 crore, CSK has the second-highest purse and a pressing need for a versatile middle-order replacement following key trades and departures. Green's dual ability to power the middle overs and chip in with the ball fits their long-established template of acquiring multi-utility players.

KKR is currently the financial frontrunner, and their strategy will be to use their massive wallet to secure Green, immediately filling the massive hole left by Russell's departure.

The Release-and-Re-Buy Strategy

The ₹2 crore list is heavily populated by players recently released by franchises, highlighting a tactical shift in IPL team management: shedding high salaries to buy the same player back cheaper, or to free up funds for an even bigger fish.

The most shocking example is Venkatesh Iyer. KKR released the Indian all-rounder despite having spent an astonishing ₹23.75 crore on him using the Right-to-Match option at the last mega-auction. The reasoning is brutal but clear: Iyer's high price tag, combined with a dip in form (just 142 runs in 11 games in 2025) and a limited bowling role, no longer justified his immense retention cost. By releasing him, KKR now has the option to buy him back at a significantly reduced price, potentially saving upwards of ₹15 crore to target Green.

Similarly, Ravi Bishnoi (released by LSG after an ₹11 crore retention) and Sri Lanka's death-overs specialist Matheesha Pathirana (released by CSK despite his brilliance, due to injury concerns) are banking on the fact that their specialized skill sets will still command a strong price, even if it is below their previous salary bracket.

The X-Factors and Notable Absentees

The overseas contingency is deep and diverse:

Steve Smith's unexpected entry at the highest base price adds a layer of classic batting stability, which teams lacking a veteran anchor might find appealing.

The New Zealand all-round triumvirate - Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Kyle Jamieson - will all be sought after for their multi-dimensional value.

Josh Inglis's inclusion is a surprise, though the IPL has notified franchises of his restricted 25% availability for the 2026 season due to personal reasons, which will significantly dampen his expected price.

The most high-profile absentee is Glenn Maxwell, who has opted out following a fractured finger in the 2025 season. His replacement at Punjab Kings (PBKS), the young BBL star Mitchell Owen, has been retained by the franchise, a major vote of confidence in the new Australian power-hitter.

The coming days will see the franchises submitting their final shortlists by the December 5 deadline, pruning the registered list of 1,355 players. But all eyes are fixed on the 45 members of the ₹2 crore club, whose fate will determine the balance of power in IPL 2026.