IPL has always been a platform where dreams come true and players are introduced to a world of fantasies and hopes. This IPL mini-auction also recorded a life-changing chapter in the lives of many young cricketers.
The Indian Premier League was started with a vision to give young players a platform equal to the veterans of the game to showcase their potential in the shortest format of the game. Over the years, IPL has given birth to many such youngsters.
From Hardik Pandya to Jasprit Bumrah for India, Dewald Brevis for South Africa, Glenn Maxwell for Australia, Jofra Archer for England, Sunil Narine for West Indies and many others, everyone started their international careers on the back of strong performances in the IPL.
This IPL Mini-Auction 2026 meant the same for many players as lives changed at the auction table. From Cameron Green’s record bid to Auqib Nabi’s first IPL contract, this auction was full of eventful surprises.
5 players whose career changed after IPL mini-auction 2026
5. Mangesh Yadav
The 23-year-old cricketer from Madhya Pradesh made his domestic debut just 2 days before the IPL mini-auction and he instantly caught everyone’s attention. Mangesh Yadav was signed for Rs 5.20 crore.
With 28 runs and three wickets with the bat in two matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the all-rounder will join many of his Madhya Pradesh teammates. He had earlier taken 14 wickets in the MP T20 League.
4. Cameron Green
The Australian all-rounder was already tipped to be the most expensive player in the auction. However, no one could have predicted that his price would reach Rs 25.20 crore. The wild bidding war between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders resulted in the Australian cricketer getting a massive windfall.
Green is undoubtedly one of the most promising all-rounders of the upcoming era. But he suffered a beating early in his career due to injuries. This big gain will bring him great relief, and he may be highly motivated to make the most of it.
3. Auqib Nabi
The capped star from Jammu and Kashmir became the state’s highest-paid player ever. Auqib Nabi has been a star in domestic cricket for Jammu and Kashmir in all three formats of the game and has been in the news a lot.
Delhi Capitals looked determined to include the uncapped pacer, whose base price was Rs 30 lakh. His prices increased by almost 30 times, as he was eventually bought for Rs 8.40 crore. Not only has a big deal been made with him but he will also be given a big opportunity.
2. Karthik Sharma
Young and promising uncapped player Karthik Sharma has earned a reputation as a finisher and has developed into a six-hitting machine. The powerful batsman may be hoping for a contract given his recent exploits, but who would have bid Rs 14.20 crore for the 19-year-old?
Not only is the huge sum of money huge, but the opportunity to star for Chennai Super Kings and under the leadership of MS Dhoni is also a huge opportunity in itself for the wicket-keeper batsman.
1. Prashant Veer
Player Prashant Veer is creating a stir on the internet after being bought for Rs 14.20 crore. The left-arm spinner and aggressive batsman has been seen as a replacement for Ravindra Jadeja.
Veer is happy with the opportunity to star for Chennai Super Kings, as he wants to explore the opportunity to learn from the best. He looked motivated to develop as a finisher under the guidance of MS Dhoni. It’s truly a dream come true for a 20-year-old.
Also Read: Cameron Green out for duck soon after ₹25.20 crore IPL 2026 auction deal, KKR worried