IPL 2026: 5 released uncapped Indian players likely to fetch big money at auction

With IPL 2026 preparations in full swing, all ten franchises have submitted their retention lists ahead of the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. While big names usually dominate the day, this year, the released uncapped Indian players could fetch big contracts.

The mini-auction typically sees teams targeting high-quality domestic talent, as franchises look to strengthen their Indian core without overspending their limited purse. Uncapped players fit well as they provide long-term value and balance to the squad. But with several teams holding sizeable purse amounts, competition for in-form domestic performers is expected to be intense.

Here are the top 5 released uncapped Indian players likely to fetch big money at auction

5. Abhinav Manohar

Abhinav Manohar will be a released uncapped Indian player whom franchises view as a potential high-value buy. The Karnataka batter has the natural six-hitting ability, seen in his breakthrough unbeaten 70 on debut in the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he rescued Karnataka in a tough chase. His performances earned him an INR 2.6 crore deal with the Gujarat Titans, followed by an INR 3.2 crore move to the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Though his IPL numbers so far are decent, with 292 runs in 27 matches, teams have not given him many opportunities. Manohar’s domestic exploits keep him in demand. Notably, he smashed 52 sixes in just 10 innings in the 2024 Maharaja Trophy, but, despite a difficult IPL 2025 and an illness-hit off-season, his lower-middle-order role makes him a strong contender to fetch big money at the auction.