The much awaited IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, where 1,355 players will compete for 77 available spots among 10 franchise teams. Collectively, the franchises have a combined purse of ₹237.55 crore to build competitive teams for the upcoming season. This auction follows a dramatic player retention and release period announced on November 15, which reshaped teams and left franchises searching for key assets, particularly versatile and versatile players. Teams also face a rule capping foreign players at 31, adding a strategic layer to their acquisitions.
Horsemen Knights of Calcutta currently have the largest purse at ₹64.3 crore and the most number of slots to fill with 13, while Mumbai Indians have the least funds available at just ₹2.75 crore for minimal roster reshuffling. Super Kings of Chennaiafter a tough IPL 2025 campaign finishing last, have released top players like Rachin Ravindra to release ₹43.4 crore for reconstruction efforts. As the mini-auction approaches, all eyes are on potential game-changers, and among them, Ravindra stands out as a top target due to his multi-dimensional skills and promising IPL track record.
Rachin Ravindra’s promising IPL trajectory
New Zealand All-rounder Ravindra burst onto the IPL scene with Chennai Super Kings in 2024, bought for ₹1.8 crore ahead of an explosive debut match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. In 18 CSK matches, he amassed 413 runs at a strike rate of 143.90, including two fifties – his best 65* – with 40 fours and 16 sixes, although wickets eluded him. In the IPL 2025, retained via RTM for ₹4 crore, he featured in eight matches for 191 runs at a strike rate of 128.18, highlighted by another 65*, but CSK let him post a lean team campaign. Now in the base price bracket of ₹2 crore, his top-notch southpaw aggression and slow left-arm spin make him a hot commodity for franchises looking for balance.
5 franchises who can bid for Rachin Ravindra in IPL 2026 auction
- Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals are the main contenders to vie for Ravindra’s services in this auction. With ₹21.80 crore in their purse and eight slots to fill, including several overseas spots, DC aims to strengthen their top order after releasing players like Jake Fraser-McGurk And Faf du Plessis. Ravindra’s ability to bat aggressively in the top order, coupled with his spin bowling, fits with Delhi’s strategy to add firepower and variety alongside key players like KL Rahul And Prithvi Shaw.
- Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titansholding ₹12.9 crore and five vacancies after his release Gerald Coetzee, consider Ravindra a suitable all-rounder to complement their existing spinning mainstay Rachid Khan and anchor stick Shubman Gil. His ability to contribute to both departments can provide GT with the added balance needed to maintain its competitive advantage.
- Mumbai Indians
Despite a modest remaining purse of just ₹2.75 crore, Mumbai Indians could target Ravindra as a cost-effective impact player due to his dynamic batting and useful spin bowling. MI, after releasing a few fringe players, need all-round options to support the established stars and fill the gaps in finishing roles or as a fifth bowler.
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- Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow Super Giantswith ₹22.95 crore and six locations including four overseas, are looking for left-handed batting reinforcements after their release David Miller And Ravi Bishnoi. Ravindra’s dual ability to open or stabilize the innings with the bat and provide slow bowling options makes him an attractive candidate for LSG to strengthen their middle order alongside key weapons of pace and spin.
- Horsemen Knights of Calcutta
Kolkata Knight Riders enter the auction with the biggest purse of ₹64.3 crore and a dozen vacancies. Post starts like Andrew Russell And Venkatesh IyerKKR is looking for reliable opening partners to Sunil Narine and the rotation depth with Varun Chakaravarthy. Ravindra’s aggressive left-handed batting style and slow orthodox spin outlook fit perfectly into KKR’s rebuilding plan, likely inciting a bidding war for his services.
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