IPL 2026 Auction: Pathirana Triggers ₹18-Crore Bidding War, Bishnoi heads to RR

The IPL 2026 auction roared into action in Abu Dhabi, delivering blockbuster deals, fierce bidding wars and a few surprise steals as franchises flexed their chequebooks early.

Sri Lanka’s tearaway quick Matheesha Pathirana emerged as one of the day’s biggest headlines, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) snapping him up for a staggering ₹18 crore. The bidding opened with Delhi Capitals, with Lucknow Super Giants quickly joining the contest. As the price surged past ₹10 crore, the duel intensified between DC and LSG. At ₹15.8 crore, KKR entered decisively, raised the paddle to ₹16 crore, and then sealed the deal at ₹18 crore, stunning the table.

Pathirana’s price reflects his growing reputation as a lethal T20 enforcer. The Sri Lankan has claimed 31 wickets in 21 T20Is at an average of 18.25, along with 133 wickets in 100 T20s overall. In the IPL, he has been a proven wicket-taker for Chennai Super Kings, picking up 47 wickets in 32 matches, including 12 wickets in 13 games last season.

Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi also commanded a premium, with Rajasthan Royals (RR) securing him for ₹7.4 crore against a base price of ₹2 crore. CSK, SRH and RR were locked in a tight bidding tussle before the Royals prevailed. Bishnoi brings consistency and control, having taken 61 wickets in 42 T20Is at an impressive average of 19.37, including two four-wicket hauls.

In one of the auction’s smartest moves, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) landed New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy for just ₹2 crore. The fast bowler is enjoying a sensational year, with 35 wickets in 21 matches at an average of just over 15. In 2025, Duffy has been the leading wicket-taker in international cricket, collecting 72 wickets in 35 matches, underlining the value RCB secured.