IPL 2026: Uncapped Indians earning more than international stars

The IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi flipped the script on conventional wisdom. For the first time, a clutch of uncapped Indian players commanded paychecks that dwarfed seasoned international campaigners. Their performances, or lack thereof, have become one of the defining narratives of the season.

1. Mukul Choudhary (LSG) | David Miller (DC)

Playing his maiden IPL season, Mukul Choudhary announced himself with a blistering, unbeaten 27‑ball 54 against KKR at Eden Gardens. Walking in at No. 7 with LSG staring down 182, Mukul launched two fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 200.00 to script the improbable chase. He was adjudged the Player of the Match.

Bought for INR 2.60 crore, Mukul is pocketing more than South Africa’s veteran finisher David Miller, who was signed by Delhi Capitals for INR 2 crore. The contrast is stark: a rookie Indian out‑earning a proven global match‑winner.

2. Prashant Veer (CSK) | Mitchell Santner (MI)

CSK raised eyebrows by splashing INR 14.20 crore on Prashant Veer, a spin‑bowling allrounder from Amethi. Veer has shown glimpses with the bat, 49 runs in two outings at an average of 49.00 and a strike rate north of 130, though he is yet to roll his arm over this season.

His paycheck is a staggering 610% higher than New Zealand’s T20I skipper Mitchell Santner, also a left-arm spin-bowling allrounder, retained by Mumbai Indians for INR 2 crore. The gulf in valuation underscores the premium CSK placed on Veer’s potential.

3. Kartik Sharma (CSK) | Quinton de Kock (MI)

Another CSK headline grabber was wicketkeeper‑batter Kartik Sharma, snapped up for INR 14.20 crore, making him the joint‑most expensive uncapped player in IPL history. But returns have been modest: 25 runs in three games at a strike rate of 119.04.

Even so, Kartik is earning 1,320% more than South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, who cost MI just INR 1 crore. The irony? De Kock hammered an unbeaten 112 off 60 balls against PBKS, albeit in a losing cause, reminding everyone of the value of proven pedigree.

The IPL 2026 auction has redefined market dynamics. Mukul’s heroics justify his premium, while Prashant and Kartik remain works in progress. Yet the numbers don’t lie: uncapped Indians are commanding salaries exponentially higher than international stalwarts like Miller, Santner, and de Kock.