The IPL auction today promises high drama, sharp strategy and intense bidding. With limited slots, uneven budgets and several star players back in the pool, every decision could change the balance of the IPL season ahead.

A total of 350 players are up for grabs, but only 77 slots are available. That gap alone ensures fierce competition. With ₹237.50 crore combined across teams, franchises must decide whether to chase big names or build depth smartly at the IPL auction.

Auction basics: Date, players and slots

The IPL auction will take place on Tuesday (today), December 16, in Abu Dhabi. From an initial 1,390 registrations, the list was reduced to 1,005 and finally trimmed to 350 players, including 240 Indians. Teams will fill 77 slots, of which 31 are for overseas players, ahead of the 19th edition of the IPL.

The auction will begin with Indian batters Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan, both carrying a base price of Rs 75 lakh. Shaw went unsold last season after playing regularly between 2018 and 2024, while Sarfaraz has not featured since 2021.

Team purses: Who can spend big?

Kolkata Knight Riders enter the IPL auction with the biggest purse of ₹64.3 crore after releasing major names including Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer. Chennai Super Kings follow with ₹43.4 crore after parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Matheesha Pathirana.

Other team budgets include Sunrisers Hyderabad (₹25.5 crore), Lucknow Super Giants (₹22.9 crore), Delhi Capitals (₹21.8 crore), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (₹16.4 crore), Rajasthan Royals (₹16.05 crore), Gujarat Titans (₹12.9 crore) and Punjab Kings (₹11.5 crore). Mumbai Indians have just ₹2.75 crore, forcing them into careful shopping.

Cameron Green and Venkatesh Iyer: All-rounders in focus

Cameron Green is expected to attract early attention. His mix of power hitting and pace bowling remains valuable. Across two IPL seasons, he scored 707 runs at a strike rate of 153.70. Although initially listed as a batter, this was later clarified as a registration error.

Venkatesh Iyer returns to the auction spotlight after KKR spent ₹23.75 crore on him last year. Despite a quieter season, his all-round skills still carry value. KKR, RCB and LSG could all look at him again.

Power hitters and spinners to watch

Liam Livingstone’s power-hitting and part-time spin make him a strong option, especially with fewer players in his category. Wanindu Hasaranga stands out among spinners due to his wicket-taking ability and middle-over control.

Jake Fraser-McGurk brings explosive top-order hitting, while Ravi Bishnoi is expected to command strong bids as a proven Indian leg-spinner.

Proven overseas names back in the mix

Quinton de Kock joins the auction list late and remains a reliable left-handed opener and wicketkeeper. Jason Behrendorff offers left-arm pace with the new ball, while Ben Duckett provides versatility, spin-playing ability and wicketkeeping cover.

Rachin Ravindra’s flexibility as a batter and spinner also boosts his demand after being released by CSK.

Uncapped Indian players who could surprise

With tight budgets, uncapped Indians may draw strong interest. Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old left-handed batter and spinner, enters at Rs 30 lakh. Auqib Nabi, a fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir, impressed with 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy under eight.

Krains Fuletra, a left-arm wristspinner, has already been on franchise radars. Ravi Singh offers wicketkeeping and finishing skills, while 19-year-old Kartik Sharma has turned heads with a strike rate of 164 and 28 sixes in 12 T20 matches.

As the IPL auction unfolds today, sharp calls rather than flashy ones may decide which teams walk away stronger.