IPL 2026 Auction: Meet the highest-paid players from each franchise

With the excitement already building for the IPL 2026 season, franchises have made bold retention calls, placing huge financial faith in their biggest match-winners. From record-breaking buys to consistent performers, teams have locked in their core players ahead of the upcoming auction. Here’s a look at the highest-paid cricketers across all 10 IPL teams as the league gears up for another blockbuster season.

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Big Spenders and Big Calls

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) stunned everyone when they signed Rishabh Pant for a massive Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Despite an underwhelming season, LSG have chosen to retain him for 2026, backing his long-term impact.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have kept their faith in captain Shreyas Iyer, who cost them Rs 26.75 crore last year and repaid it brilliantly by becoming their highest run-getter and leading the team to the 2025 final.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) retained South African power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen for Rs 23 crore, rewarded after his 487 runs in 14 matches.

At Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), it’s no surprise that Virat Kohli, their top-scorer in 2025, stays their most valuable at Rs 21 crore.

Mumbai Indians (MI) continue to rely on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, retaining him for Rs 18 crore, acknowledging his status as MI’s all-time highest wicket-taker.

For Chennai Super Kings (CSK), both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson stand as the costliest at Rs 18 crore each—Gaikwad retained, Samson acquired via a trade.

Delhi Capitals (DC) have placed trust in Axar Patel, keeping him for Rs 18 crore after he led the side in 2025.

Gujarat Titans (GT) retained Afghan superstar Rashid Khan for Rs 18 crore, while Rajasthan Royals (RR) continue with young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal at the same price.

With the release of Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh now becomes KKR’s highest-paid player with Rs 13 crore, marking a major shift at the franchise.

As teams solidify their squads, IPL 2026 promises high-voltage cricket driven by stars carrying massive expectations and even bigger price tags. Fans now eagerly await how these investments shape the season ahead.