IPL Auction 2026 Predictions: Top Released Players Likely to Get the Highest Bids

IPL Auction 2026 Predictions: Who Could Become the Highest Bid Players?

The excitement in the cricket world is at a fever pitch as we round out the final days leading up to the IPL Auction 2026. Numerous franchises have let players go to allow for additional expenditure on high-profile players—some because of budget management and others due an intent to restructure their respective rosters—meaning the IPL Auction is now filled with some of its most talented players and therefore surprise elements. There will no doubt be fierce bidding wars this season with the availability of players like Cameron Green (All-Rounder), David Miller (Power Hitter), Venkatesh Iyer (Dynamic Indian Talent), amongst many others, who have potential to win matches either through batting or bowling or both. Our detailed analysis will outline the players who have been released most recently with the greatest chance to break records when bidding opens on February 10, 2026.

1. The Developing Game of David Miller – An Undisputed Talent

At 28 years old, David Miller has achieved some of the highest accolades in T20 cricket. He has been one of the most effective and explosive batsmen in the format since his debut as an international player in 2015. A two-time T20 World Cup winner with South Africa, the left-handed batsman has shown an incredible ability to play under pressure. Miller has shown that he can handle major international cricketing events, and is still producing great performances in T20 leagues after all of the time he has spent in the format.

David Miller has produced his best performances during the T20 World Cup and has proved that he is a consistent performer when it matters most. For teams that do not have the ability to field a strong No. 5 and No. 6, David Miller will be high on their list.

Reasons Why David Miller Will Be in High Demand

1. David Miller has proven to be one of the top T20 finishers in the last decade.
2. David Miller is left-handed, which gives him balance in the middle order.
3. David Miller is a proven performer in the death overs, with an outstanding strike rate.
4. David Miller will be a primary target for RCB, KKR, PBKS, and GT.
5. David Miller’s leadership qualities, coupled with his experience and ability to perform under pressure, make him a prime candidate for a top-tier bid.

2. Cameron Green: The Premium All-Rounder is in Demand

The release of Cameron Green, the Australian No.1 All-Rounder, has been one of the biggest surprises this season. Cameron Green has shown he can single-handedly win games with bat and ball and, due to his height, ability to hit the ball, and ability to bowl seam, he is one of the best T20 all-rounders at present.

Reasons Why Cameron Green Will Command a Large Bid

1. Both a rare seam bowling all-rounder.
2. Batting options. Can bat anywhere in the order from opener to finisher.
3. Any franchise would view him as a long-term investment.
4. He would be highly sought after by teams such as MI, SRH, RR, and RCB.

Based on Cameron Green’s age, potential and all-round value, he could be one of the major bids in the IPL Auction 2026.

3. Venkatesh Iyer – The Dynamic Indian All-Rounder

Venkatesh Iyer adds to the already considerable depth of Indian all-rounders in the upcoming IPL auction. He is an immensely talented all-rounder that brings a different skill set to the table than most Indian players; He can open the innings at a high strike rate, float within the batting order, and bowl medium pace when required. 

When looking for a powerful left-handed top-order batsman, who also provides an extra bowling option, Venkatesh Iyer will likely appear on any team’s wish list.

Some Points on Why Venkatesh Iyer May Attract Significant Bids:

1. All Indian all-rounders tend to attract very high prices at auction.
2. He is a powerful left-handed hitter and has the ability to be flexible; 
3. Provides an opportunity to bowl 6 – 8 overs throughout the innings;
4. Ideal for those franchises that do not possess a lot of firepower in the top order (for example: Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants only);
5. His ability to anchor an innings or attack it in conjunction with his bowling ability makes him a very sought after and secure Indian pick at this year’s auction.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga – The Spin Wizard Every Team Want

Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga is still one of the game’s deadliest T20 leg spinners. He is a highly sought after player, and many franchises have been looking for a world class wrist spinner, so his value on the market has only increased since his release.

Why Wanindu Could Cause a Record Setting Bidding War

1. Hasaranga is among the leading T20 wicket takers in the world.
2. He is a middle-over specialist that can maintain control.
3. Hasaranga’s finishing skill as a batsman creates added value.
4. He is an excellent fit for the Royals, Sunrise, Titans, and Capitals.
5. He has huge potential to be the highest bidder across all of IPL 2026.

5. Harshal Patel – The Indian Death Overs Specialist

Harshal Patel is still one of the most dependable and effective death bowlers from India. His unique ability to deliver slower balls and cutter variations makes him a master at death bowling, and is most successful during overs 16 through 20.

Finding fast bowlers from India that can be entrusted to bowl pressure-packed overs makes Harshal highly desirable, and almost certain to draw the interest of multiple franchises in the 2026 auction.

Reasons Why Harshal Can Demand Huge Bids

1. He is a proven Purple Cap Winner
2. He is a master of bowling the death overs
3. He is a valuable fast bowler from India – very rare
4. He will attract a lot of attention from teams in need of death overs specialists.

6. Rovman Powell – The Explosive Finisher

In T20 cricket, Rovman Powell is one of the most dangerous middle-order batsmen due to the speed with which he can score. However, he is also known for being a fan favourite because of his power-hitting; his ability to hit sixes consistently, as well as generate momentum within the game, make him a proven match-winner when playing in T20 competitions.

How Rovman Powell Becomes Popular with Franchise Teams

1. Powell typically plays the role of finisher or clean-up hitter.
2. Powell is very effective against pace bowlers.
3. Powell has the ability to be batting at any position between 4 through to 7.
4. Franchise teams such as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) lack finishing power and require players capable of producing instant firepower within the batting order. As such, Powell is automatically an immediate firestarter within any batting team

7. James Neesham – The Multi-Utility All-Rounder

James Neesham also provides franchise teams with the ability to use him as a multi-utility all-rounder.

As a multi-utility T20 player, he brings a mixture of medium fast bowler, hard-hitting lower-order batsman and well above average fielder.

Why Neesham is Likely to be Highly Priced

• Reliable all-rounder
• Useful as a finisher
• Provides added depth in both bowling and batting
• Matches well ad Franchise Teams (e.g. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Gujarat Titans (GT) and Delhi Capitals (DC))

This season has seen an increased need for all-rounders, making Neesham a smart choice for teams looking to enhance their squad depth.

Reasons Why The IPL Will Set NEW Auction Records In 2026

1. Notable Factors To Consider
2. Best Players Have Been Released
3. Multiple Teams Are In Rebuilding Stages
4. Demand For All-Rounders Is Extremely High
5. Lack Of Quality Finishers
6. Significant Need For Reliable Wrist Spinners And Depth Of Fast Bowlers
7. These Factors Create An Environment Ideal For Aggressive Bidding.

Final Predictions for the IPL Auction 2026 – Who Will Be the Highest Paid Player in the IPL Auction 2026?

1. Based on Team Needs, Market Demand, and Player Skills:
2. Wanindu Hasaranga is very likely to receive the largest overall bid.
3. Cameron Green is expected to command the highest price as an overseas all- rounder.
4. Venkatesh Iyer is expected to be the top choice among Indian batting all-rounders.
5. David Miller, a very strong finisher will likely attract many teams to make big bids.
6. Harshal Patel is a very likely candidate to receive the highest bid for an Indian pace bowler.

Conclusion

The IPL Auction 2026 will be one of the most competitive and intense in the league’s history, primarily because the league has been taken by storm with the shocking news that so many big-name stars have been released from their current contracts, such as Cameron Green, Wanindu Hasaranga, Venkatesh Iyer, David Miller, Harshal Patel, Rovman Powell, and James Neesham. In many cases, these players have excelled with bat and ball and have immense all-round capabilities that every team in the league is looking to acquire. Because so many teams are in full-blown reloading mode, the demand for these flexible match-winning capabilities is at an all-time high, thereby creating a very strong and unpredictable auction pool.

As franchises position themselves to enhance their roster depth and create the foundation for their future development, they can expect the bidding to be extremely competitive, mainly due to the multi-faceted value that Cameron Green brings, the consistent wicket-taking ability of Wanindu Hasaranga, and the Indian all-round flexibility of Venkatesh Iyer. Additionally, established end-game specialists such as David Miller and Rovman Powell will bring in a high level of demand from the franchises that require middle-order secondary scoring capabilities. All things considered, the upcoming IPL Auction 2026 is guaranteed to break previous auction bidding records and also reshape the way teams formulate their strategic thinking toward the subsequent IPL seasons while paving the way for a new and exciting era of IPL cricket.