Mr Cricket UAE

IPL 2026: Top 5 Steal buys at auction

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steal deals in IPL 2026 Auction

Quinton de Kock (Image Source: BCCI/IPL)

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Published - 16 Dec 2025, 08:10 PM Read time - 2 mins

The IPL 2026 auction was held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, with numerous players securing substantial fortunes. However, much like every auction, there were also a few high-quality cricketers who slipped under the radar and earned much lower than their anticipated value. 

Let's look at the top three steal deals from the IPL 2026 mini-auction:

1. Rachin Ravindra

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, released by Chennai Super Kings, was snapped by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at his base price of INR 2 crore. Ravindra was signed for INR 4 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The southpaw spent two seasons with CSK and displayed his flair at the top of the order. Ravindra, a handy all-rounder, is not only capable of batting aggressively at the top but also contributes with his left-arm spin in the middle overs. At CSK, he is set to unite with fellow New Zealanders Tim Seifert and Finn Allen in addition to veterans Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, and Rovman Powell.

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2. Wanindu Hasaranga

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who was released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2026 auction, was bagged by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at his base price of INR 2 crore.
Hasaranga, part of Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, is renowned for his nimble wicket-taking ability and handy lower- or middle-order batting. His presence in the team will also help the emerging stars in the squad.

3. Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock, South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batter, made return to Mumbai Indians (MI) for INR 1 crore in arguably one of the biggest steal deals of the auction day. De Kock was part of MI setup five years ago and had an impressive time with the five-time champions, scoring over 500 runs in successive seasons in IPL 2019 and 2020-21.

An aggressive left-handed opener who also keeps wicket, de Kock has made a reputation for himself in the world of franchise-based leagues. Given his experience and versatility, the keeper-batter certainly warranted a bigger price. However, he was secured for his base price with no franchise apart from MI showing interest in him.

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