Unheralded names could ignite bidding wars in Abu Dhabi
As the cricketing world gears up for the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16, R Ashwin has turned the spotlight on lesser-known Indian players who may emerge as surprise big earners. Speaking to senior journalist Vimal Kumar on the YouTube talk show Ash Ki Baat, the veteran spinner offered a candid and tactical preview of how auction dynamics may play out — with special emphasis on the hidden value of uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batters.
According to Ashwin, the pressure on franchises to secure reliable Indian talent in the middle order may trigger a chain reaction. “Bohot mushkil hain. To stick out your neck and say, yeh jayega bohot paiso ke lie. But do playero ke beech mein, I think one will go expensive. One is Kartik Sharma and the other is Salil Arora, jo Punjab ka player hain.”
(“It’s very difficult to stick your neck out and say that this player will go for a lot of money. But between these two players, I think one will go for a high price. One is Kartik Sharma and the other is Salil Arora, who is a Punjab player.”)
He explained that whichever team misses out on one will likely drive up the price of the other. “Salil Arora, abhi usne say run banaya hain and before that also, woh bhi wicketkeeper batsman hain. So, jo bhi team Kartik Sharma ko miss karega na, woh Salil Arora ke peehce bhagega. Or the other way around. If Salil Arora comes first, uske peeche bhagega. Usko jo team miss karega, they will go behind Kartik Sharma. Is auction mein uncapped players ka value rahega. Ek aur jo player ka value rahega, that is Tushar Raheja, Tamil Nadu ka player hain.”
(“Salil Arora has just scored runs, and even before that, he has been a wicketkeeper-batsman. So whichever team misses out on Kartik Sharma will run after Salil Arora — or the other way around. If Salil Arora comes up first, teams will chase him. Whichever team misses out on him will then go after Kartik Sharma. In this auction, uncapped players will hold value. One more player who will have value is Tushar Raheja, a player from Tamil Nadu.”)
Spotlight on domestic firepower
The timing could hardly be better for Salil Arora, who recently delivered a 125-run blitz off just 45 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy — an innings peppered with 11 sixes and nine fours. That kind of knock not only grabs scouting attention but also reshapes franchise strategies, especially for teams seeking homegrown power-hitters.
Both Kartik Sharma and Tushar Raheja, alongside Arora, enter the auction with a modest base price of ₹30 lakh (approx. US$ 33.1K). But Ashwin suggested that the perceived scarcity of quality Indian wicketkeeper-batters could inflate their price tags significantly.
Adding to this pressure is the nature of the auction itself: with 77 open slots across franchises and a shortlist rich in uncapped names, value picks are expected to be at a premium. Teams may find themselves forced into bidding wars for domestic options if their first-choice targets are snapped up early.
Cameron Green: High demand, realistic limits
Among the international stars expected to draw major bids is Australia’s Cameron Green. With Andre Russell’s IPL retirement leaving a gap in the pace-bowling all-rounder category, Green has emerged as a top contender for the highest price tag this auction.
Yet Ashwin offered a grounded perspective. “KKR will get Green if they want to, which I think they will. But I don’t think him going for ₹30 crore (approx. US$ 3.3M) is a possibility. I don’t think so. If he goes for 30 crores (approx. US$ 3.3M), then Chennai will be treading on very dangerous waters.”
Despite the buzz surrounding Green, Ashwin believes the auction will ultimately balance potential with budget realities — especially for teams eyeing multiple needs.
Jason Holder’s revival may unlock late-stage interest
Another overseas name to watch, according to Ashwin, is West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder. While his previous IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals was underwhelming, his recent form in the International League T20 (ILT20) for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders could reignite interest among franchises.
“Jason Holder will have value in this auction. If he will not, then I will be very surprised. He played with me at RR but did not do well and was not picked again. But he is playing for ADKR now in the ILT20 and is doing a fine job. His strength is not bowling at the death. He can give you one over maybe but not two. For ADKR, his performance with the new ball has been fabulous. He has had a great run getting into the ILT20. Holder, apart from what we are thinking, could get a very good value.”
With over 300 T20 appearances and a balanced record with both bat and ball, Holder could serve as a dependable utility option for teams needing depth in both departments.
Auction dynamics to watch as franchises balance risk and value
Ashwin’s breakdown offers more than predictions — it highlights the auction’s psychological complexity, where timing, scarcity, and last-minute decisions often override planning. As franchises hunt for balance between marquee names and emerging domestic stars, the mini-auction could deliver major surprises — particularly from players flying just under the radar.
