The Tata IPL Auction 2026 is shaping up to be a game of sharp budgeting and strategic restraint, as the latest auction dashboard highlights wide variations in purse strength, squad requirements and overseas slots across franchises.
Sunrisers Hyderabad currently sit in the strongest position financially, with a purse of ₹25.20 crore, nine slots still open and two overseas places available. Despite the healthy balance, Hyderabad have made only one purchase so far, signalling a patient approach as the auction progresses.
Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants are closely matched in terms of funds, holding ₹15.50 crore and ₹15.35 crore respectively. Kolkata have already been active with six buys and still have seven slots to fill, while Lucknow have just two slots remaining, indicating that their core squad is largely in place.
Chennai Super Kings have ₹13 crore left with six slots open, including three overseas options. CSK’s measured spending suggests they are targeting specific roles rather than bulk signings. Gujarat Titans, with ₹12 crore remaining and four overseas slots open, appear poised to focus on foreign reinforcements in the latter stages.
At the mid-table, Punjab Kings have ₹11.50 crore left but are yet to make a single purchase, keeping all four remaining slots open. This places Punjab among the teams to watch as the auction moves deeper. Delhi Capitals have ₹9.40 crore remaining with five slots still available, having made three buys so far.
Lower down the purse list, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have ₹7.40 crore left with six slots open, while Rajasthan Royals are close behind at ₹7.35 crore with five slots remaining. Both teams have limited overseas flexibility, with just one overseas slot each, which could shape their bidding priorities.
At the other end of the spectrum, Mumbai Indians have the tightest purse situation, with just ₹1.75 crore left and four slots to fill, all of which must be domestic signings as their overseas quota is already full.
Overall, the auction dashboard underlines the contrasting strategies at play — from high-purse teams waiting for value picks to low-balance franchises carefully managing every bid. As accelerated rounds approach, these purse dynamics are expected to play a decisive role in how squads finally take shape.
