By Chirag
March 22, 2026
Before IPL 2026 kicks off, we reveal the season’s most expensive playing 11 that can take on any team.
At the top of the opening is Virat Kohli, retained by RCB for ₹21 crore. He is also the highest run-scorer in the league.
Alongside Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal is the best option for the opening, retained by RR for ₹18 crore.
One of the most expensive players in the top order is Shreyas Iyer, bought by PBKS for ₹26.75 crore.
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green also secures a spot in this playing 11, bought by KKR for ₹25.20 crore.
Rishabh Pant is included as the wicketkeeper in this team, having been acquired by LSG for ₹27 crore.
Henrik Klassen of SRH can play the role of a finisher, having been bought by the team for ₹23 crore.
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel are fixed in this playing 11 as all-rounders, with Pandya’s IPL salary at ₹16.35 crore and Patel’s at ₹16.50 crore.
Rashid Khan and Jasprit Bumrah are included in the bowling lineup, each with an IPL salary of ₹18 crore.
Matheesha Pathirana and Arshdeep Singh, each ₹18 crore, can fill the remaining bowling spots, with one as the impact player.