IPL 2026: All Team Details, Final Squads, and Post-Auction Analysis
The IPL 2026 Mini Auction in Abu Dhabi has officially concluded, and the landscape of the Indian Premier League has shifted dramatically. With a mix of high-stakes trades and record-shattering bids, the 19th edition of the world’s premier T20 league promises to be the most competitive yet.
From Cameron Green’s historic move to Kolkata Knight Riders to Sanju Samson’s blockbuster trade to Chennai Super Kings, here is everything you need to know about all 10 teams.
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)-IPL 2026: All Team Details
KKR entered the auction with the intent to dominate, and they did exactly that. By securing the most expensive player of the day, they have built a frighteningly powerful middle order.
- Star Signing: Cameron Green (₹25.20 Crore) & Matheesha Pathirana (₹18 Crore).
- Key Retention: Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana.
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer.
- Analysis: KKR is now the “team of all-rounders.” The combination of Green and Russell makes them the most dangerous finishing side in the league.
2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK pulled off the biggest trade of the season before the auction even began. They also focused heavily on uncapped Indian talent during the bidding.
- Major Trade: Sanju Samson (Traded from RR).
- Key Auction Buys: Kartik Sharma (₹14.20 Crore) & Prashant Veer (₹14.20 Crore).
- Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad.
- Analysis: With Samson and Gaikwad at the top, and MS Dhoni continuing as a mentor/player, CSK looks incredibly balanced and focused on the future.
3. Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI played it smart with a limited purse. They focused on bringing back familiar faces and strengthening their core Indian fast-bowling unit.
- Star Return: Quinton de Kock (₹1 Crore).
- Key Trade: Shardul Thakur (In from LSG).
- Captain: Hardik Pandya.
- Analysis: MI’s core—Rohit, Hardik, Surya, and Bumrah—is bolstered by the return of Trent Boult and Mayank Markande. They are favorites for a reason.
4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)-IPL 2026 All Team Details
The defending champions (winners of 2025) focused on squad depth and injury covers.
- Major Buys: Venkatesh Iyer (₹7 Crore) & Jacob Duffy (₹2 Crore).
- Captain: Virat Kohli.
- Analysis: RCB looks highly settled. Venkatesh Iyer adds much-needed left-handed variety to their top order alongside Virat Kohli.
5. Rajasthan Royals (RR)-IPL 2026 All Team Details
After trading away their captain, RR focused on a complete rebuild of their spin and all-round department.
- Major Trade In: Ravindra Jadeja & Sam Curran (From CSK).
- Auction Buy: Ravi Bishnoi (₹7.20 Crore).
- Captain: Yashasvi Jaiswal (Likely).
IPL 2026 Team Snapshot: Captains & Key Strengths
| Team | Likely Captain | Key Strength |
| KKR | Shreyas Iyer | Power All-rounders (Green/Russell) |
| CSK | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Top Order Stability (Samson/Gaikwad) |
| MI | Hardik Pandya | World-class Indian Core (Bumrah/Surya) |
| RCB | Virat Kohli | Balanced Batting & Death Bowling |
| SRH | Pat Cummins | Aggressive Opening Pair (Head/Abhishek) |
| LSG | Rishabh Pant | Strong Middle-Order & Pace Depth |
| DC | Axar Patel | Spin Dominance (Kuldeep/Axar) |
| GT | Shubman Gill | Youthful Energy & Tactical Bowling |
| PBKS | Shreyas Iyer | Unpredictable & Explosive Lineup |
| RR | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Spin Trio (Jadeja/Bishnoi/Ashwin) |
6. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)-IPL 2026 All Team Details
SRH stuck to their “all-out attack” philosophy. They added muscle to their already explosive batting lineup.
- Major Buy: Liam Livingstone (₹13 Crore).
- Retained: Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen.
- Analysis: SRH will likely post 200+ scores regularly with Head, Abhishek, and Livingstone at the helm.
7. Delhi Capitals (DC)-IPL 2026 All Team Details
DC focused on securing a solid bowling unit and snagging some major bargains in the overseas department.
- Major Buy: Auqib Nabi (₹8.40 Crore) & David Miller (₹2 Crore).
- Captain: Axar Patel.
- Analysis: David Miller at base price is the steal of the auction. DC’s bowling under Kuldeep Yadav remains their biggest threat.
8. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG was very active in the trade window, focusing on a major pace overhaul.
- Major Trade In: Mohammed Shami (From SRH).
- Auction Buy: Wanindu Hasaranga (₹2 Crore).
- Captain: Rishabh Pant.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know-IPL 2026 All Team Details
Who is the most expensive player in IPL 2026?
Cameron Green is the most expensive player of the 2026 season, bought by KKR for ₹25.20 Crore.
What is the new “Maximum Fee Rule” for 2026?
In mini-auctions, overseas players can be bid for any amount, but their actual take-home pay is capped at ₹18 Crore. The excess amount goes to the BCCI Player Welfare Fund.
When does IPL 2026 start?
The season is tentatively scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026, with the final on May 31.
Conclusion: Who Won the Auction?
On paper, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings emerged as the strongest units post-auction. KKR’s investment in Green and Pathirana makes them an “Overseas Powerhouse,” while CSK’s strategic trade for Sanju Samson has fixed their long-standing middle-order issues.
Which team do you think has the strongest squad for 2026? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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