5 Unlimited Stars Who Could Spark A Bidding War In The IPL 2026 Mini-Auction

Expectations are growing for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, where team strategies are developed and fortunes are made. As is often the case, uncapped stars will likely remain a major focus. They generally fall into a narrow price range and possess immense skill, with the majority about to make their international debut for their respective countries. Franchises will compete keenly for these high-potential players, keen to secure versatile and future-proof talent. Here are some unlimited stars, all with a base price of INR 30 lakh, that are expected to spark intense bidding wars.

5 Unlimited Players Who Can Spark a Bidding War in the IPL 2026 Auction

1) Tanush Kotian (India) – All-rounder off spin

Known as one of India’s premier domestic off-spinning all-rounders, Tanush Kotian is on a phenomenal wave of recent form. His exceptional performance in the 2023-2024 domestic season earned him the prestigious ‘Player of the Tournament’ award after his crucial centuries and wicket-taking ability led Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title. This proven ability under pressure, combined with his rare skillset, makes him a highly coveted asset.

His maiden call-up to the Indian national team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series in Australia in late 2024 (replacing the retired Ravichandran Ashwin), despite not yet making his debut, underlines the great potential for future growth that franchises are keen to invest in.

2) Atharva Ankolekar (India) – Left-arm all-rounder

A promising young left-arm orthodox spin bowling all-rounder, Atharva Ankolekar is very valuable because of the need for quality Indian players who can balance a team. His potential is highlighted by his past success as the highest wicket-taker in the U-19 Asia Cup and his crucial all-round contributions to Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win in 2024.

Ankolekar’s demand demonstrates his ability to perform under high pressure and is palpable, as evidenced by his status as the most expensive player in the world. T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction. He offers an attractive, versatile and promising option for franchises looking for a top-tier Indian spin option who can also contribute with the bat.

3) Traveen Mathew (Sri Lanka) – Overseas off-spin all-rounder

Traveen Mathew represents a rare and promising candidate as a young, internationally experienced off-spin bowling all-rounder from Sri Lanka. His strong performances in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2025, including an important three-wicket haul against Pakistan’s Shaheens, indicate his potential for success in competitive T20 formats.

Backed by List A career statistics that show an impressive 29 wickets at an average of 18.48, and having already played in leagues such as the ILT20, franchises view him as a strategically valuable foreign player. He offers flexibility in team composition and, with 15 wickets in 15 T20s, has the potential to be a surprise package in the tournament.

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4) Sunny Sandhu (India) – Fast bowling all-rounder

Sunny Sandhu is a promising young right-arm medium-pace bowling all-rounder – a prized asset for any T20 team due to the vital requirement for Indian all-rounders in pace bowling. His potential as an explosive finisher was vividly demonstrated in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-2026 where he scored 30 runs off just 9 balls for Tamil Nadu, displaying exceptional power-hitting skills under pressure.

This is combined with his knack for taking important wickets and high performances in U-23 state tournaments. The young player even received a viral message of support on social media from veteran Indian spin legend Ashwin, making him one of the most exciting, promising Indian players in the pool.

5) Delano Potgieter (South Africa) – Overseas power hitter and pacer

Delano Potgieter is a strong contender to spark a bidding war, thanks to his exceptional all-round abilities and recent match-winning performances in top T20 leagues such as the SA20. A left-handed power hitter who can bat flexibly in the top order and a right-arm medium pacer known for taking crucial wickets and maintaining a low economy rate, he offers a rare and valuable skill set that provides tremendous team balance.

His considerable performances in the 2025 SA20 season, including a spectacular five-wicket haul of 5/10 and quick runs, have already made him an in-demand talent. Moreover, his uncapped status in the IPL allows teams to acquire him at an attractive base price without consuming a valuable foreign slot, thus increasing his demand immensely.

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