IPL 2026 Auction: 3 teams that might go all-out for big hitters

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction is scheduled to be held on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates. On November 15, teams announced their list of retentions and releases.

While franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings released several players after a disappointing campaign in IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings were among those who retained the highest number of players after making the playoffs.

From the list of released players, there are a lot of big hitters who could attract large bids at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell, Liam Livingstone, and Jake Fraser-McGurk are a few of the big hitters to watch out for at the event.

Let's take a look at three teams that may go all out for big hitters in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

3 teams who might go all-out for big hitters:

3. Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR have the largest purse available to them at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. They are heading to Abu Dhabi with a staggering INR 64.3 crore. Having released their talismanic big-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell, KKR will either look to re-sign him or acquire the services of Cameron Green.

The three-time champions will also need to pick a wicketkeeper-batter, and that is where the likes of Finn Allen or Jamie Smith can fit in. Both of them are destructive batters who can change the complexion of the game at the top of the order. With their massive budget, KKR can be flexible with their plans and bolster their side significantly.