IPL auction 2026: Uncapped Indians rake in the moolah

The Indian Premier League auction on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, witnessed a notable trend: uncapped Indian players securing lucrative deals. Nine such players entered the 'crorepati' club, while three others received bids exceeding ₹90 lakh. This surge in value for domestic talent stems from a combination of limited proven international options and the emergence of a confident new generation of Indian cricketers.

While the extent of the spending might have been surprising to some observers, those within the auction room recognized the underlying factors. According to Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming, this trend signifies the evolution of T20 cricket. He noted that while experience was previously considered paramount, the game is now seeing the rise of fearless athletes who have grown up playing T20 and possess an impressive skill set.

Fleming emphasized that the defining characteristic of this new generation is their lack of inhibition. He believes these players are unconcerned by the pressure of the environment, a quality that is highly valuable in the fast-paced T20 format. CSK, a franchise once known for prioritizing experience, demonstrated this shift by investing ₹14.20 crore each in rookies Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, making them among the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.

Echoing Fleming's sentiment, Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani, whose team aggressively pursued Jammu & Kashmir medium-pacer Auqib Nabi, highlighted the increasing demand for domestic talent. Badani explained that the high price tags indicate the unique abilities these young players possess. Franchises are willing to invest heavily in players like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma because they represent a broader trend of promising young Indian cricketers emerging onto the scene. The auction results suggest a potential glimpse into the future of the IPL, where uncapped Indian talent plays an increasingly significant role.