The IPL 2026 Auction countdown is very much there and the player list of this year has been making noise all over the cricket world pretty much since the day it came out. One of the major highlights is Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who leads the ₹2 crore base-price category, thus becoming one of the most wanted names at the forthcoming mega event. What is more, just two Indian players have been named in this bracket, which is raising even more questions as to how the ten IPL teams will go about their selection strategies only.
The time for the IPL Auction has been full of excitement and players will be actually feeling the heat while preparing their teams, going through the lists, and figuring out their budget to get the most optimal squad. The 2026 season is to be a complete overhaul of team compositions as some players have been released, traded, and retained during the pre-auction window. This write-up is your one-stop guide to the IPL 2026 Auction, the important players, the biggest names in the ₹2 crore category as well as what Cameron Green’s position means for the teams that want to strengthen their squad.
Why Cameron Green Headlines the ₹2 Crore Bracket
Cameron Green was a marvel of the all-rounder in the new-age cricket and his climb has been equally eye-catching in the IPL. Sharp, tall, and with a blistering mid-innings burst to his name, he mated all three forms of the game in T20 the best way possible. In his last couple of seasons, he has shown the ability to dominate the middle overs, finish innings and dismantle a run-scoring partnership with a concealing spell. His all-around skills are the reason why he will be the biggest international name in the top bracket at the IPL 2026 Auction.
Green’s previous exploits in IPL, especially his breakout knocks and match-winning cameo, have made him the most sought-after power hitter-franchise, also bowling the pace in the death overs. Under the new rule structure, teams focusing mostly on impact players, Green becomes a perfect choice. His lowest bid of ₹2 crore is a mirror of his talent, status, and the expectations teams have from a star all-rounder.
Only Two Indians in ₹2 Crore Category
A major surprise in the IPL 2026 Auction list is that there are only two Indian players listed in the ₹2 crore category. While the BCCI has not provided any detailed explanation regarding the reasons for this limited count, experts are of the opinion that multiple factors might be responsible for this trend:
1. Stability of Indian Core Players
Most of the top Indian stars have been retained or traded early, thus, leaving very few big names for the high-price pool.
2. Focus on International All-rounders
Franchises are more and more turning to the needs of batters who can bowl and bowlers who can bat. Consequently, there are more foreign all-rounders occupying the high-price categories than before.
3. Market Dynamics and Performance Trends
After a thorough evaluation of recent performances, teams have become cautious in their spending. Those who have made the most significant impact are the only ones to be put in the top bracket.
The shortage of Indian names in the ₹2 crore category could be the reason why the bidding wars for players in the ₹1–1.5 crore slots might escalate, as teams will be looking for valuable domestic additions.
What Makes the IPL 2026 Auction So Important?
The IPL 2026 Auction is a mega event as it follows the big retention cycle by just one year. A lot of players who were supposed to be the mainstay of their franchise squads have been dropped because of their bad form, injuries, or the need to rebalance the purse. Thus, a new talent pool has emerged, which can not only change the face of the league but also completely reshape it.
The reasons why the auction of this year has more impact than usual:
1. More Teams Need All-rounders
The majority of teams last season were struggling because their lower-middle order was not balanced. An all-rounder like Green is priceless.
2. Younger Players Are Now More Experienced
The funnel of Indian uncapped talents has widened. The reason is that many players have gained more experience through domestic cricket, SA20, ILT20, and India A tours.
3. Strategic Trade Window Changed Team Dynamics
The removal of key players in trades has left holes in squads, thereby forcing teams to change their game plans.
4. Star Players Released To Free Up Budget
The reason for the biggest names to be up for grabs is simply to free up money to be able to rebuild the team.
With such a combination, the IPL 2026 Auction is going to be one of the closest battles of the last few years.
Teams Most Likely to Target Cameron Green
With his set of skills, nearly every team will want to keep track of Cameron Green. But some teams have more reasons to go after him than others:
1. Mumbai Indians
MI have been green with Cameron in the past and may look to rekindle that relationship. It goes without saying that their need of a tightly-knit middle-order all-rounder is obvious.
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB has been lacking proper balance for quite some time. Green can easily drop in at No. 4 or No. 6 and bowl 2-3 overs of medium pace.
3. Punjab Kings
PBKS craves for a middle-order that will be able to hold the innings. Green’s batting solidity can supply them with the mastery they are lacking.
4. Delhi Capitals
After the exhaustion of different options, DC might decide to go for a fresh all-rounder.
5. Lucknow Super Giants
LSG is overly dependent on foreign all-rounders. In Green, they get both the power-hitting and the line-up depth.
Anyway, Green will be a great resource wherever he goes and can even obtain a price that is far above his base value.
How the ₹2 Crore Category Shapes Bidding Strategies
The highest bracket has been a symbol of IPL auctions in a way. Those players worth around ₹2 crore normally become the stabilising picks of teams that have a lot of money to spend. The situation might become very different this time as a result of these four reasons:
There are lesser Indians and thus the demand is higher.
- Being more foreign all-rounders means being more complex from a tactical point of view.
- Now, teams have to think most of all about the roles of the Impact Player.
- Besides, budgets should be dealt with in a clever way if one is thinking of long-term goals.
Teams that have a bigger amount of money at their disposal will be trying to outbid each other right from the start whereas those that do not have a lot of money left may choose to wait and see if there are any unknown players in the lower brackets.
What Fans Can Expect on Auction Day
The IPL 2026 Auction promises entertainment, surprises, and unexpected price jumps. Some players might get bought for far more than expected, while others might go unsold initially and find a team later.
Fans can expect:
- Intense bidding wars for all-rounders
- Surprising interest in uncapped Indian pacers
- High-value purchases for death-over specialists
- Some big names dropping to later rounds
- A clear shift in franchise strategies
The auction might also reveal early favorites for the 2026 season based on squad depth and balance.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 Auction is shaping up to be one of the most exciting auctions we’ve seen in years, and Cameron Green’s presence in the ₹2 crore bracket sets the tone for a high-stakes battle among franchises. With only two Indian players in this category, the value and competition around top-tier talent will be intense. Teams will be under pressure to build strong, well-balanced squads that can adapt to constantly evolving T20 strategies.
The big question now is: Which team will secure Cameron Green, and who will emerge as the biggest winner of the IPL 2026 Auction?
Only auction day will tell.
