The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction is expected to be a high-stakes affair, with franchises eyeing top international and domestic talent to strengthen their squads. Several big names, including marquee overseas stars, are likely to attract intense bidding wars as teams look to fill crucial gaps ahead of the new season.

Aakash Chopra names the most expensive player of IPL 2026

Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Australia’s Cameron Green could emerge as the most expensive signing at the IPL 2026 auction. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra highlighted Green’s recent form and his all-round potential, noting that the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) player is already making a strong impact since returning from injury.

The 25-year-old all-rounder showcased his batting firepower in Australia’s first T20I against South Africa on August 10 in Darwin, smashing 35 runs off just 13 balls in a 17-run win. Although he managed only nine runs in the second game two days later, his return to form has impressed many, including Chopra.

“Cameron Green, I feel he could be the most expensive player in the auction. Since he has returned from injury, his batting form is already incredible. He is not yet ready to bowl, but will start bowling at some stage. He is batting in the top order at the moment because he is not bowling,” said Chopra.

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Chopra on why the star all-rounder will be a hot property in IPL

Chopra reckoned that if Green regains his bowling fitness while maintaining his current batting form, his value in the IPL 2026 auction could soar to record levels. He felt that Green’s rare combination of explosive top-order batting and effective seam bowling would make him one of the most complete T20 all-rounders available, prompting franchises to enter aggressive bidding wars and potentially making the auction revolve around him.

“If he starts bowling and considering the batting ability he has, he could actually break the bank. People will spend a lot of money on him. That’s what I feel. So this auction could be in Cameron Green’s name,” added Chopra.

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