4 Players who could attract INR 30–40 crore bid at IPL auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the richest cricket tournament in the world, as it has seen several top players being sold for huge amounts. Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history after he was signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 27 Crore, followed by Shreyas Iyer, signed by Punjab Kings for INR 26.75 Crore.

The most expensive overseas player in IPL is Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who was bought for INR 25.20 Crore by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2026 auction. However, there are a few players who could further shatter existing records for being the most expensive players ever if they come into the auction. Here are four such players who could fetch even higher bids:

1. Jasprit Bumrah

The star fast bowler is the most sought-after pacer in world cricket at the moment. Bumrah is rated as the best fast bowler across formats and remains a ‘cheat code’ in the format where bowlers are whacked left, right and centre.

Given Jasprit Bumrah’s credentials and worldwide demand, he’s likely to become the most expensive player in the history of the tournament, if he makes himself available in the auction.

2. Virat Kohli

The star India batter remains the most popular cricketer in the world despite his retirement from T20Is in 2024. Virat Kohli’s work ethic continues to leave everyone in astounded as the batting stalwart has set new standards with his unprecedented consistency.

Given Kohli’s popularity and brand value, he remains one of the key players of the IPL, and the franchises would be ready to break the bank to have him in their squad.

3. Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma has set new benchmarks in terms of batting in T20 cricket and is the current number-one ranked T20I batter in the world. The southpaw has been in sensational form both at the international and IPL level, becoming every bowler’s worst nightmare.

Given his stature in world cricket, Abhishek could well become another player who fetches deals of over INR 30 crore if he makes himself available in the IPL auction.

4. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The teenage batting sensation has sent shockwaves in the entire cricketing fraternity with his stupendous hitting prowess. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a record-breaking IPL campaign in 2026 as he won the Orange Cap and also hit the most sixes ever in a single season of the tournament.

The 15-year-old is the most sought-after player in world cricket right now. If he’s released into the auction, franchises are bound to go berserk to have him in their teams.