Discover the Top 10 Indians in the IPL 2026 Auction, including stars like Ravi Bishnoi, Tilak Varma, and Prithvi Shaw. Get the full list, player breakdown, base prices, and why each name is set to dominate the auction room.
The IPL 2026 Auction will go down as one of the most exciting, unpredictable, and talent-packed events in recent seasons. With several franchises opting for early rebuilds and some looking to strengthen specific roles, the spotlight naturally shifted to Indian talent—young, proven, explosive, and ready to shape the future of the league.
From bowlers with unmatched T20 intelligence to batters capable of tearing apart any attack, the IPL 2026 auction showcased the depth of India’s cricketing pipeline. Some names shocked fans with massive bids, while others emerged as surprise picks who could deliver season-defining performances.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the Top 10 Indians who dominated the IPL 2026 auction—their price tags, expected roles, franchise plans, and why they were the hottest properties this season.
Let’s dive right in.
1. Ravi Bishnoi — The Most Expensive Indian in IPL 2026
Ravi Bishnoi was the star of the show as multiple teams went head-to-head for his services. His unique ability to bowl attacking googlies, maintain exceptional control, and deliver in pressure situations made him the most sought-after Indian player.
Why Bishnoi Was in Huge Demand
- Proven wicket-taker in middle overs
- Excellent economy rates in high-scoring venues
- Perfect fit for teams lacking wrist-spin options
- Ability to bowl in powerplay if required
It’s clear Bishnoi isn’t just a bowler anymore—he’s a match-winner whose role will be central to his new franchise’s bowling plans.
2. Prithvi Shaw — The Comeback That Everyone Wanted
When Prithvi Shaw’s name entered the auction room, franchises knew they weren’t just bidding for a batter—they were bidding for fearless intent.
Why Shaw Was a Hot Pick
- Explosive striker capable of scoring 50+ in the first six overs
- Strong record against spin in T20s
- Can turn games in 20 balls
- Expected to open and dominate powerplay phases
Many believe the 2026 season could mark the return of the vintage Prithvi Shaw—the one who shocked the league in his early years.
4. Riyan Parag — The New-Age All-Rounder
Riyan Parag’s transformation over the past couple of seasons was finally rewarded. Teams saw him as a three-dimensional player who can bat anywhere from No.4 to No.7.
Why Teams Fought Hard for Him
- Recent domestic form was exceptional
- Handy leg-spin option in slow tracks
- Strong striker against pace and spin
- Leadership potential
He’s expected to take up key middle-order responsibilities in IPL 2026.
5. Washington Sundar — India’s Most Flexible Utility Player
Few players in India possess the versatility Washington Sundar brings. Franchises love multi-skill cricketers, and Washi’s ability to open the innings with ball (and sometimes bat) made him a top Indian pick.
Strengths That Influenced His Price
- Powerplay specialist bowler
- Excellent economy rate
- Capable of playing match-saving cameos
- Left-hand batting advantage in middle order
His cricket IQ remains unmatched among Indian young all-rounders.
6. T. Natarajan — The Yorker King Returns
T. Natarajan made a strong comeback from injuries, and his performance in domestic T20s pushed franchises to bid aggressively.
Why Natarajan Was in Massive Demand
- Deadly yorkers at the death
- High accuracy in pressure
- Strong T20 experience
- Perfect death-overs partner for any fast-bowling unit
He is expected to shoulder a large share of death-over responsibilities this season.
7. Tilak Varma — Future India Star & Franchise Core
Tilak Varma has cemented his place as one of the most promising left-hand batters in T20 cricket. His calmness under pressure and ability to build an innings made him a premium middle-order option.
Auction Highlights
- Consistent performer for India
- Plays spin with maturity
- Lofting ability over long-off and long-on
- Young, long-term investment
Tilak is set to become the middle-order anchor for his new team.
Read more: Faf du Plessis’ Highest Score
8. Jitesh Sharma — High-Impact Wicketkeeper-Batter
Jitesh Sharma continues to rise as one of the leading Indian wicketkeeper-batters in T20s. Teams sought his clean hitting and fearless finishing.
What Boosted His Auction Price
- Extraordinary strike rate above 150
- Excellent against pace
- Reliable back-ups for top-order collapses
- Quick glovework behind the stumps
He will likely bat at No.5 or No.6 as a designated finisher.
9. Arshdeep Singh — India’s Left-Arm Specialist
Arshdeep Singh remains one of the most valuable T20 bowlers due to his versatility.
Why He Was Among Top Indians
- Swinging ability in first two overs
- Mastery of cutters and slower balls
- Strong death-overs temperament
- Left-arm angle advantage
His bowling makes him a must-have in modern T20 cricket.
10. Yashasvi Jaiswal — The Explosive Left-Hand Opener
Although retentions changed his status, once he entered the auction pool due to team reshuffles, every franchise wanted him.
Why Jaiswal Was a Premium Buy
- High strike rate in powerplay
- Fearless lofting ability
- Proven IPL track record
- Capable of scoring 600+ runs in a season
He will continue to be one of the faces of IPL’s batting brilliance.
Bonus Mentions: Indians Who Just Missed the Top 10
A few rising stars who also attracted major attention:
- Harshit Rana – wicket-taking pacer
- Abhishek Sharma – explosive all-rounder
- Rinku Singh – fan-favorite finisher
- Sarfaraz Khan – revived his domestic form
- Mukesh Kumar – dependable pacer
Sources
- ESPN Cricinfo – IPL Auction Coverage
https://www.espncricinfo.com/ - IPL Official Website – Player Auctions & Announcements
https://www.iplt20.com/ - BCCI – Official Press Releases & Player Updates
https://www.bcci.tv/ - Sportskeeda Cricket – IPL Auction News & Player Analysis
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket - Cricbuzz – Player Stats, Auction Predictions & Expert Insights
https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/ipl - Hindustan Times Cricket – IPL 2026 Auction Reports
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket - The Indian Express Sports – IPL Player Transfer & Auction News
https://indianexpress.com/section/sports/cricket/
FAQ
1. Which Indian was the most expensive buy in IPL 2026?
Ravi Bishnoi emerged as the most expensive Indian player in the IPL 2026 Auction due to his consistent wicket-taking ability.
2. Did Prithvi Shaw get a high bid in the 2026 auction?
Yes, teams aggressively competed for him due to his explosive powerplay batting.
3. Which roles were most in demand for Indian players?
Wrist-spinners, finishers, and high-impact middle-order batters dominated demand.
4. Who is the best Indian all-rounder picked this season?
Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar were the most sought-after names.
5. Which Indian pacers got big money?
T. Natarajan and Arshdeep Singh were among the top pacers attracting high bids.
6. Who is considered the best long-term investment?
Tilak Varma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were viewed as reliable multi-season assets.
7. Which Indian wicketkeeper was the hottest property?
Jitesh Sharma led the demand list among wicketkeepers.
Final Words
The IPL 2026 Auction highlighted one major truth—Indian cricket remains richer in talent than ever before. From leg-spinners like Bishnoi to explosive openers like Prithvi Shaw and Jaiswal, the auction reflected a new era of fearless, high-impact, T20-ready Indian cricketers.
These top 10 Indian picks are not just squad additions—they are potential match-winners who will define the narrative of the 2026 season. Whether it’s finishing games, breaking partnerships, or destroying attacks in the powerplay, this group is set to deliver fireworks all season long.
One thought on “Top 10 Indians in IPL 2026 Auction: From Bishnoi to Prithvi Shaw — Full List Inside.”