The next phase of the IPL 2026 Auction moved into the all-rounders and wicketkeepers categories, producing a combination of caution, selective spending, and familiar reunions.
Several prominent all-rounders failed to attract interest early. England’s Gus Atkinson, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, England batter Liam Livingstone, and South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder all went unsold, reflecting a measured approach from franchises as they prioritised specific skill sets over reputation.
Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga finally opened the bidding in the category. Lucknow Super Giants stepped in decisively, securing Hasaranga for INR 2 crore and adding an experienced spin-bowling all-rounder to their squad at a controlled price point.
Momentum returned with the arrival of Venkatesh Iyer. LSG opened the bidding before Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Kolkata Knight Riders entered the contest. As the price climbed to INR 3.40 crore, the battle narrowed to KKR and RCB. Bengaluru eventually edged ahead, securing Iyer for INR 7 crore and strengthening their Indian all-rounder depth ahead of the new season.
The IPL 2026 Auction then transitioned to the wicketkeepers set, where nostalgia and restraint defined proceedings.
Quinton de Kock, the South African wicketkeeper-batter, completed a return to Mumbai Indians, the franchise where he enjoyed some of his most productive IPL seasons. Mumbai secured De Kock at his base price of INR 1 crore, marking one of the most value-driven deals of the day.
Several other wicketkeepers went unsold, including Srikar Bharat, Jonny Bairstow, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Jamie Smith, underlining how selective franchises have become in this segment.
However, two late acquisitions added some movement to the set. England batter Ben Duckett was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 2 crore, while Delhi Capitals signed Finn Allen at the same base price, adding overseas batting depth without stretching their purses.
As the auction progressed through these categories, the broader pattern remained consistent. Franchises continued to spend selectively, targeting defined roles and value opportunities rather than engaging in widespread bidding wars, reinforcing the strategic tone shaping IPL 2026 squad builds.
