The recent IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi fundamentally reshaped team compositions through strategic trades and record-breaking bids. While Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made headlines for their aggressive spending, teams like Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) took a quieter, more reserved approach.
Blockbuster Trades Shake Up the League
The biggest pre-auction story was a high-profile trade confirmed by the BCCI in November 2025. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson (at a fee of INR 18 crore) from Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for veteran all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja (INR 14 crore) and Sam Curran (INR 2.4 crore).
- CSK’s View: Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that acquiring Samson was part of a long-term succession plan as MS Dhoni’s era likely concludes, filling a need for a top-order Indian batter.
- RR’s View: For the Royals, the trade brings back former player Jadeja, adding significant all-round depth and leadership experience to their squad.
Other key trades included fast bowler Mohammed Shami moving to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 10 crore.
KKR’s Record Spree vs. MI/PBKS’s Quiet Approach
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), entering the auction with the largest purse (INR 64.3 crore), was the most active team, spending nearly 30% of the total auction funds. They secured two of the most expensive players:
- Cameron Green: Bought for a record-breaking INR 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. Due to a new IPL salary cap rule for overseas players in mini-auctions, Green will only receive INR 18 crore, with the remainder going to the BCCI Player Welfare Fund.
- Matheesha Pathirana: The Sri Lankan pacer was acquired for INR 18 crore, the second-highest bid of the auction.
In stark contrast, Mumbai Indians came into the auction with the smallest remaining purse (INR 2.75 crore) and were the quietest participants. Similarly, Punjab Kings did not even raise a paddle until the accelerated rounds, highlighting a strategic decision to stick with their core retentions.
CSK Invests Heavily in Uncapped Indian Talent
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) adopted a bold strategy, breaking records for uncapped Indian players. They purchased left-arm spin all-rounder Prashant Veer and wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma for a staggering INR 14.2 crore each, making them the joint-most expensive uncapped players in IPL history. This move signals CSK’s belief in a strong, long-term Indian core to replace the likes of Jadeja and build for the future.
Teams with Potential Gaps
While many teams made strong moves, some are left with questions:
- Mumbai Indians: With minimal funds (INR 2.75 crore), they had very little room to maneuver for depth, though they did manage to add the experienced Quinton de Kock at a base price.
- Punjab Kings: Their inactivity in the main auction suggests reliance on their existing squad, which could be risky if core players face injury or poor form.
- Lucknow Super Giants: LSG did not fill their full overseas player quota, which might require clever management during the season. Additionally, a key new player, Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, might be unavailable for parts of the season.