
The buzz around the upcoming IPL Auction 2026 is reaching its peak as franchises gear up to strengthen their squads for the new season. One of the most intriguing storylines is the contrasting positions of two powerhouse teams - Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians. Kolkata Knight Riders head into the auction with the largest purse in hand, a whopping Rs 64.30 crore. With 13 slots to fill, including six overseas positions, they have the opportunity to revamp their squad significantly. The dynamics of their strategy will be interesting to watch as they look to strike the right balance between youth and experience. On the other end of the spectrum are the Mumbai Indians, the most successful team in IPL history. Despite their illustrious track record, they find themselves with just Rs 2.75 crore remaining in their purse. With only five slots to fill, one of them being an overseas slot, the defending champions have some tough decisions to make at the auction. As fans eagerly await the auction day, the list of retained and released players adds another layer of intrigue to the mix. Each team's strategy in retaining key players and releasing others hints at the direction they aim to take in the upcoming season. The high stakes, the strategic maneuvers, and the intense bidding wars are sure to make the IPL Auction 2026 a spectacle to remember. Stay tuned for all the updates, surprises, and drama as the teams battle it out to form their dream squads for the ultimate cricketing extravaganza.