3 IPL Teams That Could Transform Overnight After Auction

The BCCI on Tuesday, December 9, confirmed the final shortlist for the IPL 2026 auction, trimming the list to 350 players from a total of 1,390 registrations. Notably, yhe shortlisted players will go under the hammer in Abu Dhabi on December 16, where franchises will compete for signings and complete their squads.

The player pool for the upcoming auction features a mix of domestic and international talent, with Indian players forming the majority. Most of them are uncapped, while a decent number of experienced overseas cricketers also strengthen the list.

Teams will compete for 77 available squad spots, including 31 reserved for overseas signings. As in previous auctions, the highest base price remains at ₹2 crore for the most sought-after names in the lineup.

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3 Teams That Could Transform Overnight After Auction

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders will enter the IPL 2026 auction looking to fix three major gaps in their team. They do not have a first-choice wicketkeeper, a settled opening batter, or a premium all-rounder after releasing players like Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, and Andre Russell.

KKR are expected to be very active in the auction. They have one of the biggest purses, which gives them the freedom to rebuild the team properly instead of chasing just one star player.

Their main focus will be to sign a keeper, a consistent opener, and an all-rounder. With plenty of money and clear needs, Kolkata will look to rebuild their core ahead of the new season by targeting players like Jamie Smith, Finn Allen, Maheesh Theekshana, and Cameron Green.

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings will enter the IPL 2026 auction with a clear plan. They need to sign a high-quality overseas all-rounder to fill the void left by Sam Curran. Most of the squad remains stable, so they only need a few key additions to maintain balance in the middle order and the pace attack.

Their top priority is an all-rounder with power-hitting ability, someone who can strengthen both their batting depth and bowling options. Players like Liam Livingstone and Cameron Green are strong fits for this role.

CSK will also look for a pace-bowling backup to support Nathan Ellis, ensuring enough cover for the long season. With a strong purse of ₹43.40 crore, the franchise is well-equipped to target these players aggressively and complete their setup for 2026.

Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants will head into the 2026 auction with more pressure than most teams. They released finisher David Miller and lead spinner Ravi Bishnoi, which weakened the side in two critical phases. LSG will need to repair the core of their lineup.

With a purse of ₹22.95 crore, they will have to sign a finisher, a frontline spinner, and an all-rounder who can balance the side. They are likely to look at names like Matheesha Pathirana, Rahul Chahar, Venkatesh Iyer, Abhinav Manohar, Mustafizur Rahman, and Matt Henry.

Also read: IPL 2026 Auction: Domestic Performers Who Deserve ₹5+ Crore Deals