IPL 2026 Mega Auction: CSK Buys Shubman Gill for Rs 24.75 Crore; Bumrah Retained by Mumbai Indians
The IPL 2026 Mega Auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia produced spectacular bidding wars with Chennai Super Kings landing Shubman Gill for Rs 24.75 crore in the day's biggest deal, while Mumbai Indians held firm to retain Jasprit Bumrah.
Representative image. Photo: Nationalism News
The Indian Premier League 2026 Mega Auction took place at Jeddah International Convention Centre in Saudi Arabia over two days, with all 10 franchises bidding to rebuild their squads ahead of a season that will be held entirely in India for the first time since 2022.
The headline deal of the auction saw Chennai Super Kings land Shubman Gill for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore, making him the second most expensive player in IPL auction history. CSK's owners had clearly targeted the Indian opener who had scored 1,187 runs in the 2025 IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Mumbai Indians exercised their Right to Match card to retain Jasprit Bumrah at Rs 22 crore, matching Royal Challengers Bengaluru's bid. The franchise also secured Australian all-rounder Pat Cummins for Rs 19 crore in a deal that gives them the world's two best fast bowlers.
Rishabh Pant, released by Lucknow Super Giants, went back to Delhi Capitals for Rs 18 crore, a homecoming that delighted the capital's fans. Pant's wicketkeeping and match-winning ability made him a must-buy despite concerns about his fitness after the 2022 accident.
The overseas market saw three major surprises: England's Ben Stokes returned after a two-year IPL hiatus, going to Rajasthan Royals for Rs 16 crore; New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 14 crore; and Afghan spinner Rashid Khan re-signed with Sunrisers for Rs 20 crore.
IPL 2026 begins on March 22, 2026, with the opening match between reigning champions Rajasthan Royals and CSK at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium, followed by a glittering opening ceremony with performances by AR Rahman and Arijit Singh.
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