IPL 2026 steals: 10 mini auction bargains delivering massive value this season

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has almost reached the halfway mark and a clear leader has emerged in the standings with Punjab Kings leading the field with 11 points, three more than the second-best.

Some players have also shown tremendous form, while some, including players on some really fat pay cheques, have failed to live up to their hype. While the focus remains on the performance of big-budget buys, some of the value-for-money deals are often overlooked.

Here we take a look at 10 names who have delivered massive returns on investment (ROI) after being snapped up for very little money at the IPL 2026 auction.

Sarfaraz Khan (Rs 75 lakh)

Matches: 5 | Runs: 147 | SR: 171

Sarfaraz Khan has played some quickfire cameos for CSK. Reuters

Bought at his base price, Sarfaraz Khan has transformed his T20 game and is showcasing brilliant form this season. He has been the only consistent batter in CSK's middle order but has not found much support from others.

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Ashok Sharma (Rs 90 lakh)

Matches: 6 | Wickets: 6 | Economy: 10.8

Ashok Sharma has really impressed this season and has been one of the fastest bowlers on show, clocking the speed of 150kmph. While he has been expensive at times, Sharma has established himself as a serious fast bowling talent whom the BCCI will track closely.

Kartik Tyagi (Rs 30 lakh)

Matches: 6 | Wickets: 8 | Economy: 9.5

Kartik Tyagi came back into IPL 2026 with a remodelled action and has been KKR's most successful bowler so far this season. In a pace attack lacking experience, Kartik has stood out with his pace and variations. He was once held as a prodigy in Indian fast bowling but lost his way before making a comeback this season.

Jacob Duffy (Rs 2 crore)

Matches: 3 | Wickets: 6 | Economy: 11.5

Bought as a back-up option for Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy proved to be a brilliant punt for RCB. In the first two matches this season, Duffy took 5 powerplay wickets to prove his worth for the franchise. With Hazlewood back, he is unlikely to get more chances, but RCB would think he has already done his job.

Cooper Connolly (Rs 3 crore)

Matches: 6 | Runs: 223 | SR: 164

Despite little international experience, Coooper Connolly has impressed heavily in IPL 2026. Reuters

Not many gave Cooper Connolly much chance to succeed at the IPL level, but the left-hander has been absolutely sensational for Punjab Kings so far. He is the team's highest run-scorer and has already hit a couple of match-winning half-centuries.

Shivang Kumar (Rs 30 lakh)

Matches: 6 | Wickets: 5 | Economy: 8.9

Right after a loss in the first game, Sunrisers Hyderabad knew they needed more teeth in their attack. So, they brought the unheralded left-arm wrist spinner Shivang Kumar, who has not just been a wicket-taking threat but also economical with batters failing to read him off his hands.

Praful Hinge (Rs 30 lakh)

Matches: 2 | Wickets: 5 | Economy: 11.75

No bowler in IPL history had taken three wickets in the opening over, but then Praful Hinge made his debut. He took three wickets in an over against the Rajasthan Royals and became a household name. Bought at his base price, Hinge has already won a match for his team.

Sakib Hussain (Rs 30 lakh)

Matches: 3 | Wickets: 6 | Economy: 7

Sakib Hussain now holds the record for joint-fifth best figures on IPL debut. Image: AFP

Alongside Hinge, Sakib Hussain also made a thundering IPL debut with a four-wicket haul against RR. He has not only impressed with his pace but also with his variations. He could prove to be one of the best value buys of the season if he carries on his good work.

Lungi Ngidi (Rs 2 crore)

Matches: 6 | Wickets: 7 | Economy: 8.7

Bizarrely let go by RCB into the auction, Ngidi found a bidder in the Delhi Capitals and now he is leading their pace attack. He has been DC's best bowler so far and his looping slower delivery has been almost unplayable.

Mukul Choudhary (Rs 2.60 crore)

Matches: 6 | Runs: 148 | SR: 145

Mukul Choudhary was the highest run-scorer of Lucknow Super Giants till their last match. This fact tells how bad LSG's top-order has been and also how good Choudhary has been. He has carried his six-hitting abilities from domestic cricket into the IPL arena and has already played one of the knocks of the tournament.