Tall and lanky all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer is making waves as he heads into the IPL 2026 mini-auction, standing out as one of the top names in the highest price bracket. After being picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders for an eye-popping INR 23.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega-auction, Iyer finds himself back in the auction pool after being released due to some disappointing performances. Despite his struggles last season, many expect him to be a hot commodity, especially since he’s one of only two Indian players with a base price of INR 2 crore. Teams are likely to bid for him, hoping to secure a reliable Indian all-rounder who can bat in the top order and contribute with the ball. The IPL 2026 mini-auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, boasts an impressive registration list of 1,355 players, including 45 in the INR 2 crore bracket. The competition for these top-tier players is expected to be fierce, with only 77 slots available across all teams. Iyer had a tough IPL 2025 season, managing just 142 runs in 11 matches and failing to make an impact with the ball, which ultimately led to his release. Read also: Youngest Players to Score a Century in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy KKR took a significant risk in 2025 by bringing Iyer back with that record bid, banking on his previous performances and their need for a solid Indian all-rounder. Unfortunately, his performance fell short last year, with just one fifty, an average below 21, and no bowling contributions, prompting the franchise to move on, especially as they look to revamp their squad with a hefty budget. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old has played 62 IPL matches, racking up 1,468 runs and delivering match-winning performances in several seasons. According to AI predictions, even with a base price of INR 2 crore, Venkatesh Iyer is anticipated to easily surpass the INR 8 crore mark at the IPL 2026 Auction. The demand for quality Indian all-rounders, the limited availability of left-handed top-order batsmen, his versatility in batting roles, and his value as a part-time bowler all make him a highly sought-after pick. The five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, are expected to make a strong push for Iyer, especially given their substantial budget and their need for a player of his caliber. AI Forecasts Venkatesh Iyer’s IPL 2026 Team and Final Auction Price Case Final Price Team 1 Kolkata Knight Riders 8 - 10 crore 2 Chennai Super Kings 10 -12 crore