The BCCI has officially dropped the gavel on the pre-auction suspense! The final player list for the TATA IPL 2026 Auction is out, whittling down over a thousand hopefuls to a concise 350-player shortlist.
For fantasy cricket managers, the auction isn't just a business event—it’s the first day of the season. The squads built here determine the "must-haves" and "sleeper picks" for your fantasy teams in March.
Here at Ai11, we’ve analyzed the official list to break down what this means for your fantasy strategy.
1. The "Blue Chip" Stocks
The auction kicks off with the heavy hitters—quite literally. Set 1 features batters with the highest pedigree. In fantasy terms, these are your "Captaincy" candidates—players who guarantee points through consistency or sheer strike rate.
- Devon Conway (Base Price 2Cr): A run-machine for CSK previously, his consistency makes him a safe anchor for any fantasy XI.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk (Base Price 2Cr): The young Australian sensation is pure fantasy gold because of his strike rate, those strike-rate bonuses add up fast.
- David Miller (Base Price 2Cr): "Killer Miller" remains one of the best finishers in the game. His ability to score heavily in the death overs makes him a high-value asset.
Ai11 Tip: High-priced marquees are safe bets, but they eat up your credit budget. Use the Ai11 Team Generator to balance these stars with budget picks automatically.
2. The Fantasy Goldmine: All Rounders
If you've played fantasy cricket, you know the golden rule: All-rounders win leagues. They give you two bites at the cherry (batting and bowling points). The 2026 auction list is stacked with elite dual-threat options.
The Premium Picks:
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Base Price 2Cr): A wicket-taking leg spinner who bats. He is often a top-3 fantasy point scorer in T20 tournaments.
- Liam Livingstone (Base Price 2Cr): Can bat anywhere, bowl spin, and hit massive sixes. A complete fantasy package.
- Rachin Ravindra (Base Price 2Cr): After his breakout year, he is listed as an all-rounder. If he opens the batting and bowls a few overs, he is a "set and forget" captaincy option.
The Veterans:
- Daryl Mitchell & Jason Holder: Both listed at the 2Cr base price, these veterans offer experience and reliable fantasy floors.
3. The "Uncapped" Gems: Where Leagues Are Won
While everyone bids for marquee players, smart fantasy managers look at the Uncapped sets. These players effectively cost less credits in fantasy apps but can outperform stars.
- Abhinav Manohar: A destructive middle-order batter known for high strike rates.
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar: A fast-bowling all-rounder who can hit the long ball. If he gets game time, he is a massive differential pick.
- Yash Dhull: The former U19 captain is back in the pool. A technically sound batter who could anchor an innings if given a top-order slot.
4. The Wicketkeeper Dilemma
Wicketkeepers are crucial because they get guaranteed points for catches and stumpings. This year's Set 3 is fiercely competitive:
- Quinton de Kock (Base Price 1Cr): A surprise retention release, he is now available at a lower base price than expected. If he opens, he is a must-have.
- Jonny Bairstow (Base Price 1Cr): Explosive but high risk.
- Jamie Smith (Base Price 2Cr): The young England keeper has a high base price, signaling his rising stock in world cricket.
5. How Ai11 Helps You Dominate IPL 2026
The auction chaos can be overwhelming. Once the squads are finalized, Ai11 does the heavy lifting for you.
- AI Powered Predictions: We analyze the new squad dynamics instantly.
- Smart Generation: Create up to 40 variations of your fantasy team in seconds based on post-auction player roles.
- Seamless Export: Generate your team on Ai11 and easily transfer it to platforms like Dream11, My11Circle, or Vision11.
The Auction Date: December 16, 2025. The Strategy: Yours to build.
Stay tuned to the Ai11 blog for a full "Squad Analysis" once the hammer falls!