New Delhi, India :
With the retention window closed and squads finalised ahead of the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, all ten IPL franchises go into the December auction with varying budgets after releasing several players.
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Purse remaining: Rs 64.3 crore.
- Context and moves: KKR have the largest budget of any franchise, giving them freedom to pursue top-tier targets and rebuild aggressively after releasing several high-profile names during the retention window.
- Auction priorities: Expect KKR to prioritise a balance of frontline pace and a proven middle-order batter, with room to back special-match-winners and overseas big-hitters. They may also invest in backup allrounders to pair with their retained core.
- Short-term outlook: With a deep purse and new support-staff direction, KKR will likely be the most active bidder on marquee days of the auction.
Chennai Super Kings
- Purse remaining: Rs 43.4 crore.
- Context and moves: CSK cleared out a sizable chunk of their squad, releasing ten players to create space for a rebuild after a disappointing 2025 season. The overhaul signals a willingness to reconstruct both batting depth and bowling options.
- Auction priorities: CSK will likely chase disciplined pace options and an impact overseas spinner, while also targeting a mix of experienced Indian batters who can slot into top-order or T20-finishers roles.
- Short-term outlook: With one of the largest purses, CSK can adopt a go-big strategy for a couple of premium names while using squad depth buys to fill the remaining slots.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Purse remaining: Rs 25.5 crore.
- Context and moves: SRH released six players to free up funds, creating an opportunity to strengthen their seam unit and allround options around the retained core.
- Auction priorities: Expect SRH to prioritise a frontline overseas pacer, a death-overs specialist and a batting anchor who can bat through the innings. They may also look at domestic seamers to complement the returning international quicks.
- Short-term outlook: With a mid-to-high purse, SRH will be measured in their approach — selective big bids plus several value buys to complete a balanced 18–20 player roster.
Lucknow Supergiants
- Purse remaining: Rs 22.9 crore.
- Context and moves: LSG released seven players, indicating they are targeting specific upgrades rather than wholesale change; they’ll aim to plug strategic holes left by the departures.
- Auction priorities: Key targets should include an established middle-order batter, a frontline spinner for middle overs, and a reliable powerplay bowling option. They may also explore fast-bowling depth given past injury concerns.
- Short-term outlook: Expect targeted bidding on players who fit strict role definitions, rather than open-ended marquee spending.
Delhi Capitals
- Purse remaining: Rs 21.8 crore.
- Context and moves: DC released six players, including a notable overseas name, to rebalance squad composition and add flexibility for the auction.
- Auction priorities: Delhi will likely seek an experienced top-order batter, an overseas strike bowler and a utility Indian seamer. They may also chase impact bench options who can slot in during late-season injuries.
- Short-term outlook: With just under Rs 22 crore, DC should be active for a few key targets but will need to manage funds carefully to cover all departments.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Purse remaining: Rs 16.4 crore.
- Context and moves: RCB released four players to free up a mid-size purse; their strategy will probably focus on shoring up balance around their retained batting core.
- Auction priorities: RCB could target a specialist pace bowler, an overseas allrounder to cover multiple roles and a reliable Indian domestic batter to increase bench strength.
- Short-term outlook: Expect a couple of strategic, moderately priced buys rather than a single blockbuster splurge.
Rajasthan Royals
- Purse remaining: Rs 16.05 crore.
- Context and moves: RR parted with both overseas spinners and a fast bowler along with several Indian players, indicating a rethink of their spin and pace mix ahead of the auction.
- Auction priorities: Royals will likely prioritise a premium spinner to replace the overseas spin options they released, a pace option for the new-ball overs, and a versatile Indian allrounder.
- Short-term outlook: With a modest purse, RR must balance immediate playing XI needs and bench depth, focusing on role-specific signings rather than speculative bids.
Gujarat Titans
- Purse remaining: Rs 12.9 crore.
- Context and moves: GT released multiple squad members to arrive at a limited purse, which suggests they’ll be conservative but opportunistic in the auction.
- Auction priorities: Expect GT to prefer value domestic signings, perhaps one overseas impact bowler, and affordable allrounders who increase flexibility. Their window for marquee targets is narrow.
- Short-term outlook: GT will likely hunt for bargains, aiming to patch specific weaknesses without overspending.
Punjab Kings
- Purse remaining: Rs 11.5 crore.
- Context and moves: PBKS freed up funds by releasing a mix of overseas and domestic players, leaving them with a smaller war chest heading into the auction.
- Auction priorities: Punjab will need to focus on Indian role players, an effective death bowler and perhaps a lower-cost overseas batter who can contribute immediately.
- Short-term outlook: Limited funds mean PBKS may prioritise utility signings and smart scouting to uncover undervalued talent rather than compete for marquee names.
Mumbai Indians
- Purse remaining: Rs 2.75 crore.
- Context and moves: Mumbai enter the auction with the smallest purse after releasing multiple overseas and uncapped Indian players, severely constraining their auction options.
- Auction priorities: MI’s immediate focus will be on low-cost domestic targets, uncapped prospects and very selective buys; trades or retention reshuffles before the auction could become crucial for them.
- Short-term outlook: With such limited funds, Mumbai may rely heavily on scouting uncapped talent, trades and leveraging retained players in flexible roles to complete their 2026 roster.
Teams with larger purses are positioned to pursue top-tier targets and rebuild quickly, while franchises with limited funds will likely focus on selective bids, uncovered value picks and strategic trades to complete their 2026 rosters.
