The ‘TATA IPL 2026 Auction War Room’ on JioHotstar offered an early look into how franchises could shape their squads ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction scheduled for tomorrow. The mock auction simulation saw experts analyse team strategies, budgets and squad balance, with Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings emerging as two of the most talked-about teams. In the simulation, Cameron Green emerged as the biggest buy, fetching a massive ₹30.5 crore bid from KKR. Chennai Super Kings, in contrast, were projected to adopt a more measured approach, focusing on current form, squad balance and long-term depth rather than headline-making purchases.
JioStar expert Robin Uthappa shared insights into both franchises’ thinking. He said CSK were always expected to target a middle-order all-rounder but would be cautious in the real auction. According to Uthappa, CSK would likely cap their spending at around ₹20 crore to retain flexibility for other Indian and overseas players. However, in the mock setup, he admitted he was willing to go as high as ₹35 crore for a player like Green, whom he believes should bat at No. 3. Uthappa also explained KKR’s decision to pick Matheesha Pathirana for ₹13 crore, calling it a move driven by clear planning. He said KKR needed a specialist death bowler and felt Pathirana could thrive under their coaching setup. Uthappa added that returning to the auction pool after a lean phase could motivate the Sri Lankan pacer, and that a change of franchise often helps players rediscover form. Former CSK star Suresh Raina spoke about Sarfaraz Khan being picked by Chennai for ₹7 crore in the mock auction. Raina said Sarfaraz’s current form made the buy a smart one, pointing out that he is batting with confidence and possesses a wide range of shots. He felt that even a few match-winning performances would justify the price, especially in a team like CSK that values role clarity and winning games. Raina also outlined CSK’s overall auction approach, saying key areas had been addressed in the War Room exercise. With Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin not available, CSK strengthened their spin department by picking Rahul Chahar and Wanindu Hasaranga. Their pace attack was bolstered with Anrich Nortje, valued for his pace and ability to bowl consistent yorkers. Looking ahead to the main auction, Raina suggested CSK could revisit their interest in Matheesha Pathirana, especially given concerns around death bowling. With more players set to enter the auction pool, the franchise is expected to continue prioritising balance, form and system fit as they prepare for IPL 2026.