Best Value-For-Money Picks IPL 2026 (AFP)
The IPL 2026 is fast approaching, with the anticipation mounting massively. The opening fixture of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League will be played between the defending champions, RCB and SRH, at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Notably, ahead of the tournament, all ten franchises spent hefty prices in the IPL 2026 mini auction to acquire a perfect combination that will help them win the title.
In this article, we take a brief look at a list of impactful players who came at a heavy price in the IPL mini auction 2026.
IPL 2026: Best value-for-money picks for all teams
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) - Matt Henry
New Zealand pacer Matt Henry was acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. The experienced bowler is viewed as a key new-ball weapon for the team in the 2026 season.
CSK has lacked a powerful new-ball in recent seasons, leaving them to rely on the likes of Mukesh Chaudhary and Khaleel Ahmed. Notably, Matt Henry’s inclusion could resolve the CSK captain’s headache for a premium pacer to start the innings with.
Mumbai Indians (MI) - Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock was bought by Mumbai Indians (MI) for the IPL 2026 season for ₹1 crore. Notably, despite his high-profile stature, he was bought at his base price during the 2026 auction, marking a return to his former team to strengthen their batting lineup.
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Having previously played for the 5-time champions, Quinton was a cornerstone of MI’s 2019 and 2020 title-winning campaigns, where his blazing starts & consistency laid the foundation for domination. He has played 115 games, scoring 3309 runs at an average of 30.63 and a strike rate of 134.02.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) - Venkatesh Iyer
The defending champions, RCB, bought the seasoned all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for INR 7 Crore. Iyer, who has 1468 runs at a strike rate of 137.72 in the IPL, offers explosive power that comes with an ability to bat anywhere from 1-7 in the batting order, in addition to providing RCB an option of unleashing the southpaw as a spin hitter.
Moreover, with an economy rate of 7.76 at a bowling strike rate of 19.5, Iyer also offers a few overs of medium pace, making him a multi-dimensional asset for the RCB squad.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - Finn Allen
At the December mini auction of IPL 2026, KKR signed New Zealand batter Finn Allen for his base price of Rs 2 crore. Allen was previously associated with RCB in the IPL but never got a chance to play any match.
Known for his high strike rate, the 26-year-old is expected to open the innings with an anchor like KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane and play a key role following his stellar performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored a 33-ball century.
There is a practical bonus, too. Both Allen keep wickets, which means, if needed, KKR do not need a dedicated keeper slot lower down the batting order.
Delhi Capitals (DC) - David Miller
David Miller was acquired by DC for ₹2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. Regarded as a key finisher for the side, the South African left-hander was picked at his base price, which was widely seen as a bargain.
The 36-year-old brings vast IPL experience to the Delhi setup. Across 141 matches, Miller has scored 3,077 runs, including 13 half-centuries and one hundred, underlining his reputation as a big-match player capable of finishing games under pressure.
His calm presence and power-hitting make him a strong addition to a Delhi Capitals side looking to bolster its batting unit with experience and composure.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) - Cooper Connolly
Cooper Connolly will make his Indian Premier League debut in 2026. The young spin-bowling all-rounder from Australia, who made waves in the BBL 15 for the Perth Scorchers, was bought by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2026 auction on December 16 for Rs 3 crore.
After releasing legendary Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, PBKS needed a spin-bowling all-rounder who can also contribute with the bat in the middle order and play attacking shots like Maxwell, and Connolly is exactly that player. If groomed well, he could be a great investment for the PBKS for the future.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) - Sam Curran
Sam Curran has moved to RR for the 2026 IPL season in a high-profile trade with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for a fee of INR 2.4 crore. Curran is expected to be a major part of the Rajasthan Royals' playing XI, bringing experience, left-arm pace, and batting depth to the side.
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The 27-year-old English all-rounder has extensive IPL experience, having previously played for Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings. Sam Curran is in exceptional T20 form in early 2026, serving as a key all-rounder and clutch performer for England.
Earlier this year, he produced match-defining contributions in the 2026 T20I series against Sri Lanka, including a 58* and a hat-trick, following a strong showing in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Gujarat Titans (GT) - Jason Holder
It is impossible to ignore someone as tall as 6 feet 7 inches, especially someone as talented as Jason Holder. The West Indian all-rounder was purchased by the Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹7 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction to strengthen their middle order for the 2026 season. He is expected to play a major role for the side. Considering his recent form, the premium fast bowler is a great value at ₹ 7 crore.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) - Wanindu Hasaranga (Subject to fitness)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) hit the jackpot when they bought Sri Lankan spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction in December last year. The franchise acquired him at his base price of INR 2 crore after Rajasthan Royals (RR) released him.
Earlier this year, Hasaranga played in the home series against Pakistan and England, delivering a brilliant performance throughout the campaign. He was also part of Sri Lanka’s squad in T20 World Cup 2026, which concluded on March 8.
In Sri Lanka’s opening game against Ireland, the right-arm spinner came up with a match-winning performance, capturing a three-wicket haul to lead the team to victory by 20 runs. However, he also sustained injuries during the match and was later ruled out of the tournament. Thus, Hasaranga’s value is determined solely by his availability to the team.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) - Liam Livingstone
Sunrisers Hyderabad made targeted moves at the IPL 2026 auction, headlined by the ₹13 crore signing of England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, as the franchise looked to rebuild after a disappointing 2025 season.
It is important to note that in the 2025, SRH’s bowling attack was exposed massively. Thus, in the mini auction, they went for all-around options, acquiring Livingstone.
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