What Happened at the IPL 2026 Auction? KKR Acquires Pathirana for Rs. 18 Cr, RR Picks Bishnoi for 7.2 Cr
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Synopsis
The IPL 2026 mini-auction kicked off with thrilling bidding wars, notably with KKR securing Matheesha Pathirana for a staggering Rs. 18 crore. Rajasthan Royals also made headlines by acquiring Ravi Bishnoi for Rs. 7.2 crore. Discover the key highlights and strategic moves from this exciting auction event.
Key Takeaways
- Matheesha Pathirana sold for Rs. 18 crore to KKR.
- Ravi Bishnoi acquired by RR for Rs. 7.2 crore.
- Intense bidding wars highlighted the auction.
- Several notable players remained unsold.
- Younger talent is becoming a significant focus for franchises.
Abu Dhabi, Dec 16 (NationPress) The IPL 2026 mini-auction commenced with great excitement at the Etihad Arena on Tuesday. The opening hour featured intense bidding for capped batters, but it was the bowlers who captured attention as Matheesha Pathirana garnered a whopping Rs. 18 crore from the Kolkata Knight Riders.
The first player up for grabs was Matt Henry, who unfortunately went unsold. Next in line was India’s pace sensation Akash Deep, a standout in red-ball cricket, but he too failed to attract any offers.
Then came Jacob Duffy, marking the first sale among capped bowlers, as the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), signed him at his base price of Rs. 2 crore.
The spotlight then shifted to Sri Lanka's Pathirana, igniting a bidding frenzy between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, with bids soaring past Rs. 15 crore. Once Delhi withdrew, KKR entered the fray, driving the bid even higher. Ultimately, the three-time champions clinched the deal, securing the 22-year-old pacer for an impressive Rs. 18 crore.
Pathirana had made his IPL debut with the Chennai Super Kings and played for them until the 2025 season.
Among the fast bowlers, Gerald Coetzee from South Africa and India’s Shivam Mavi remained unsold, while Lucknow Super Giants signed Anrich Nortje for a bargain price of Rs. 2 crore.
In the realm of capped spinners, Ravi Bishnoi drew significant attention as Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings engaged in a fierce battle. The five-time champions withdrew at Rs. 6 crore, but Sunrisers Hyderabad made a surprise entry, adding to the drama.
Ultimately, the inaugural champions secured the spinner for Rs. 7.20 crore. The final bowler sold was Akeal Hosein, who joined CSK for Rs. 2 crore.
Notably, Rahul Chahar, Mujeeb Rahman, and Maheesh Theekshana went unsold.
Point of View
I emphasize the significance of the IPL auction as a reflection of the evolving strategies in franchise cricket. The substantial investments in young talent like Pathirana indicate a shift towards prioritizing future potential in the league. Such moves not only enhance the teams but also invigorate the competition, providing fans with thrilling matches ahead.
NationPress
16/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the most expensive player in the IPL 2026 auction?
Matheesha Pathirana was the most expensive player, sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs. 18 crore.
Which team bought Ravi Bishnoi?
Ravi Bishnoi was acquired by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.
What was the location of the IPL 2026 auction?
The IPL 2026 auction took place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Did any notable players go unsold?
Yes, notable players like Gerald Coetzee and Shivam Mavi went unsold in the auction.
How much did Anrich Nortje sell for?
Anrich Nortje was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs. 2 crore.
