As the IPL Auction 2026 gets set to begin, attention is also on which Indian players could emerge as the most expensive domestic buys of the day. With teams prioritising Indian core strength due to overseas slot limitations, bidding for proven Indian talent is expected to be intense.
Among batters, Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan stand out as players who could command strong interest. Both are available at relatively modest base prices but offer top-order and middle-order solutions respectively, areas several franchises are actively looking to strengthen. Rahul Tripathi, released by Chennai Super Kings, is another Indian batter who could attract attention given his experience across franchises.
In the all-rounder category, Venkatesh Iyer is likely to be closely watched. Released by Kolkata Knight Riders, his left-handed batting and medium-pace bowling provide flexibility, making him a valuable option for teams seeking balance in their XI.
Among bowlers, Ravi Bishnoi could be one of the most sought-after Indian names in the auction. With multiple teams in need of a frontline wrist-spinner, Bishnoi’s age and IPL experience make him a strong candidate for a high-value bid. Shardul Thakur, also released, offers seam-bowling depth along with lower-order batting and could attract interest depending on team requirements.
With several franchises holding sizeable purses and a clear focus on strengthening their Indian core, the battle for top domestic players is expected to be one of the key themes as the auction unfolds.
