South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has been added late to the IPL 2026 auction list after missing the initial cut. The 32-year-old, who last played for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), had been released by the franchise and was widely expected to remain unsold in the upcoming season.
Quinton de Kock’s Recent Form Boosts IPL Prospects
De Kock has recently shown impressive form, raising his chances of being picked in the IPL. In a standout performance before the auction, he scored a stroke-filled 106 against India in the third ODI at Visakhapatnam. His form prior to that was also notable against Pakistan, where he made scores of 63, 123, and 53* in the three ODIs. These performances could make him an attractive option for franchises looking for a dependable top-order batter and wicketkeeper.
The auction will also see a fresh wave of Sri Lankan talent, including players like Traveen Mathew, Binura Fernando, Kusal Perera, and Dunith Wellalage. International stars such as Cameron Green are expected to feature in List 1 and could be among the costliest picks.
The IPL 2026 auction will feature 350 players and is scheduled to begin at 1 PM UAE time (2:30 PM IST) on Tuesday, 16 December, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, according to the BCCI.
Team Purses: KKR Leads, CSK Second
Kolkata Knight Riders will enter the auction with the largest purse of INR 64.30 crore to fill 13 slots, giving them a significant advantage in acquiring top players. The 2023 champions, Chennai Super Kings, have the second-largest budget with INR 43.4 crore, aiming to build the right combinations for the season.
With seasoned players like Quinton de Kock entering late and emerging talents from Sri Lanka and elsewhere, the IPL 2026 auction promises to be an exciting event for fans and franchises alike.
