IPL 2026 Auction: 5 Players Who Could Switch Roles to Attract Higher Bids

The IPL mini auction is scheduled on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, with more than 300 players who would be auctioned off. Given there are only 77 slots that are up for selection for the various franchises, it is likely that players will look to select the right combination of players for IPL 2026. Some players who are classified as all-rounders may end up not getting the same amount of bids that they were hoping for since franchises tend to look for specialists, especially at a mini auction where there is little flexibility in terms of the amount that is to be spent.

If they are to maximise their chances of getting paid more, some players would do better to change their role since their current contribution to the game through their performance is through that role alone. These are five players who would need a role swap in the auction list.

Cameron Green

Australian all-rouner Cameron Green is likely to be one of the most in-demand players at the mini-auction. Green has listed himself in the batters’ category with a lowest bid of 2 crores, which is apt given his recent form and demands. Green has enough experience in the IPL, so he can good attention at the auction. Green’s power-hitting skills make him eligible for one of the biggest bids at the auction.

Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra, a new Zealand all-rounder, has registered himself in the list of players who fall under the category of an all-rounder with a reserve price of INR 2 crores. However, the major contribution that Rachin Ravindra has given to his team in the T20s is that of a top-order batsman. While playing for Chennai Super Kings, Rachin Ravindra was utilized more for his batting skills, especially in the powerplay. Being a left-handed batter is always in high demand in any team, so he could get more attention by registering himself as a batter.

Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer, who was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for 23.75 crores in the IPL 2025 mega auction, is another all-rounder who can also gain by being classified as a batter. Venkatesh is also a medium-pace bowler, but his key role was that of either an opening or a middle-order batter for KKR. Being an opening, middle-order, as well as a finisher, Venkatesh can be very effective as a batter. He can reposition himself as a special one as a batter in the eyes of the franchise that is looking for a stable middle-order performance.

Liam Livingstone

England’s Liam Livingstone is registered as an all-rounder but is more of a power-hitting batsman. He has played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and is known for his performances with the bat in various franchise leagues around the globe. Though Livingstone is a part-time spin bowler, his strength still remains power-hitting. He could get more bids as a batter.

Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand is another who could benefit from being classified as a specialist batter. While he does offer the bowling option of a medium-pace bowler, it is with the bat that he has been more effective. He has played important knocks for Chennai Super Kings in IPL. He is more valuable as a batter than as a utility player.