IPL 2026 Auction: Key Player Signings and Surprises Unveiled

Exciting Developments from the IPL 2026 Mini Auction

In Abu Dhabi, the IPL 2026 mini auction has seen some significant player movements. England's wicketkeeper-batter Ben Duckett was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for a starting price of ₹2 crore. Duckett, who debuted in T20 cricket in 2012, has accumulated 5,397 runs across 216 matches, including 34 fifties. He has also scored 527 runs for England in 20 T20 internationals, boasting an average of 29.27 and a strike rate of 153.64.

Duckett's T20 career includes stints with teams like Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, as well as Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.

Meanwhile, South African star Quinton de Kock, who has been in excellent form during the current white-ball series, was signed by the Mumbai Indians for ₹1 crore. De Kock was previously released by Kolkata Knight Riders after the IPL 2025 season.

Throughout his IPL journey, De Kock has played for several franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In 115 matches, he has scored 3,309 runs with a strike rate of 134.02 and an average of 30.63. Notably, he recently scored 90 runs off 46 balls against India in the second T20I of the ongoing series.

New Zealand's Finn Allen was also a highlight of the auction, being sold to KKR for ₹2 crore. Now fully fit, Allen is currently competing in Australia’s Big Bash League with the Perth Scorchers. His addition brings flexibility to KKR's lineup, allowing him to open the batting alongside Ajinkya Rahane and serve as a backup wicketkeeper.

This marks Allen's second IPL team after previously playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In contrast, other notable players like Jamie Smith, Jonny Bairstow, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and India's KS Bharat went unsold.