The IPL 2026 auction buzz is heating up in Abu Dhabi on December 16, and five massive stars of IPL have just pulled out. This shakes everything up for teams chasing glory. And those ₹2 crore base price players? They are ready to spark bidding wars.
Let us dive into IPL 2026 auction shockers and see what it means for your favourite teams.
Big Stars Opting Out of IPL 2026 Auction
First up, Glenn Maxwell has shocked everyone by opting out of the IPL 2026 auction. The Australian all-rounder shared an emotional note on Instagram. He said after many unforgettable seasons, he chose not to enter the auction this year. Why? He averaged less than 10 runs as he was struggling with the Punjab Kings in a poor IPL 2025 run. Teams set him loose, and he needs a rest to rest. His previous huge hits to RCB were a favourite amongst fans. His list of missing players in this IPL 2026 auction shockers begins with him being missing 1,355 registered players.
Next, Faf du Plessis is skipping the IPL 2026 auction too. The former RCB captain made 202 runs in nine games for the Delhi Capitals last season. But at 41, he eyes a new challenge in the Pakistan Super League. He posted on Instagram that after 14 IPL seasons, he steps back for now. Not goodbye forever, though. His experience guided RCB deep in the playoffs. Teams miss his opening firepower in IPL 2026 auction shockers.
Andre Russell retired from the IPL after KKR released him. The West Indies powerhouse announced it on Instagram days before the auction list dropped. He joined KKR as a power coach instead. Russell earned a substantial amount in the 2025 mega auction, securing ₹12 crore. But form sank, and age made up at 37. He ends his career on a high note, when fans are yet to get more. IPL 2026 auction shockers hit hard without his finishing blasts.
Ravichandran Ashwin bowed out too. The veteran spinner himself bowed out of all Indian cricket following off-field problems and injury. In IPL 2025, he was playing with CSK but was not successful. Injury disqualified the AFL, the Big Bash League, since Ashwin eyed it. His guile and experience leave a gap. IPL 2026 auction shockers include this quiet exit from a 141-match IPL vet.
Cheteshwar Pujara retired from all formats earlier. Not a regular IPL star, but he played for CSK last. Selectors ignored him for tours, pushing the decision. At 37, he called time with gratitude on social media. IPL 2026 auction shockers feel this as teams lose a steady hand.
These IPL 2026 auction shockers happen because players chase rest, new leagues, or coaching roles. Poor form, age, and injuries play big parts. Teams now hunt fresh talent with a ₹237 crore total purse. KKR leads at ₹64 crore.
Full List of ₹2 Crore Base Price Players in IPL 2026 Auction
Now, the exciting part. 45 players set ₹2 crore base price for IPL 2026 auction. Only two Indians: Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi. Iyer shone for KKR but got released. He opens or bats top-order in 62 games. Bishnoi, leg-spinner, brings wicket-taking fire after LSG let him go.
Overseas stars dominate. Cameron Green tops the list. The Aussie all-rounder could fetch top bids from CSK (₹43 crore purse) and KKR. New IPL rule caps overseas buys near ₹18 crore max. Others include Steve Smith and Josh Inglis from Australia.
New Zealand brings Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell. All versatile. Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana returns after CSK release despite ₹13 crore buy last year. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana add spin threat.
England names: Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith, and Tom Curran. Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and David Miller of South Africa. Naveen-ul-Haq, Afghans Mujeeb Ur Rahman. West Indies: Shai Hope, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph. The list is composed of 14 countries.
These 2 crore base price players in the IPL 2026 auction attract great money in form and skills. The pace of Pathirana, the strength of Green and the local advantage of Iyer are eminent. Teams fill 77 slots smartly.
Why These IPL 2026 Auction Shockers Matter for Teams
Think about it, bhai. Maxwell’s absence hurts teams needing middle-order hitters. Openers such as Conway or Inglis are glowing with the opt-out of Faf. The retirement of Russell marks the end of the finishers. Franchises adapt with Pathirana or Nortje.
Purse leaders KKR and CSK target Green hard. But the rule stops at over ₹18 crore pay. The rest goes to player welfare. Smaller purses like MI’s ₹2.75 crore pick value buys. IPL 2026 auction shockers force smart picks.
True Analysis: Winners and Risks in IPL 2026 Auction
IPL 2026 auction shockers create chances. Venkatesh Iyer could return home to KKR cheaply. Ravi Bishnoi fits spin-heavy pitches. In the foreign market, Green will be exposed to an exorbitant price tag in case the form dips. Pathirana had taken himself back earlier.
Risks? Outside the country, the number of slots is restricted to 8 per club. It has 43.2 crore bracket competitors. Such an Indian, as Iyer, is a guarantee with domestic laws. Bids bidding wars on December 16. Who grabs the next big star?
