The IPL 2026 auction had loads of surprises, but the one theme that stood out crystal clear was homecomings. Many of the players who once shone at their former teams were brought back into the fold, showing how franchises still trust their old stars. The returns also take into focus a very important IPL truth-that sometimes, a player performs best in a place where he finds support and understanding. But for the franchises, bringing back the familiar faces wasn't an emotional call. It was a tactical one. The players know the dressing room culture, understand the expectations, and have delivered in the past. And with the IPL 2026 around the corner, three such players are preparing for a fresh chapter with the franchises where success once came their way. Stars Who Made a Return to Teams They Once Played For Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians) Image Source: BCCI Another major reunion coming back from the IPL 2026 auction is that of Quinton de Kock returning to Mumbai Indians. MI bought him for INR 1 crore, which is a big bargain for a player with his record. De Kock, who played for MI from 2019 to 2021, had scored 1,329 runs in 43 matches. He was instrumental in their back-to-back IPL titles in 2019 and 2020 as an opening combination with Rohit Sharma. His rapid starts along with some brilliant glovework at the back of the stumps made the Mumbai Indians one of the most feared sides during that time. After he left MI, he had shorter stints with various franchises, including KKR, but the performances slipped. When MI saw their chance to bring him back, they never held back. His coming back strengthens their top order and gives them a dependable keeper-batter, the fruits of whose labor at the franchise are proven. This comeback is comforting and a stable one for de Kock, as that is what he enjoyed the most during his first spell at the Mumbai Indians. Also Read | Steal Deals of IPL 2026 Auction: Smart Buys That Shocked Everyone Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals) Image Source: BCCI In Prithvi Shaw, though, is perhaps the most emotional comeback among the lot. Shaw had a torrid phase in his career, having been released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Shaw went unsold in 2025 and again early on at the IPL 2026 auction. However, in the final stage of the auction, the Delhi Capitals joined and also acquired him for the base price of INR 75 lakh. DC co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi explained that the team wanted to give Shaw a second chance due to his talent and past contributions. Shaw earlier scored 1892 runs in 79 matches for DC, including a spate of explosive starts at the top. His early years with Delhi were full of promise, but inconsistency and fitness issues affected his progress. After moving domestic teams from Mumbai to Maharashtra, Shaw improved and some form returned. DC feel the familiar setup, coaching group and clear role will help Shaw rediscover his best version. For Shaw this is more than just a comeback - it is rebuilding his IPL career from scratch. Also Read | IPL 2026: Four Indian Players Who Can Revive Their Careers Rahul Tripathi (Kolkata Knight Riders) Image Source: BCCI One of the most discussed comeback stories of the mini auction has been that of Rahul Tripathi returning to Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR signed him at his base price of INR 75 lakh, making it a smart and low-risk signing. Tripathi had earlier represented KKR in the year 2020 and 2021, scoring 627 runs in 28 matches. He played a crucial role in KKR's run to the final of IPL 2021, often giving them quick starts and batting with freedom. After the stint with KKR, Tripathi's revival was strong with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022, having scored in excess of 400 runs in that season and taking SRH to the final. Later, he shifted camp to CSK, but the 2025 season was disappointing, and he couldn't find his consistency graph. KKR bringing him back shows that the team trusts his style of play and believes he can regain his confidence in familiar surroundings. With experience, adaptability, and a strong record at Eden Gardens, Tripathi now gets a chance to rebuild his IPL journey.