New Delhi, Dec. 4 -- The Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction is fast approaching. In less than two weeks, close to 400 cricketers will go under the hammer at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Over 1,000 players have registered for the mini-auction on 16 December. The BCCI will announce the final, smaller list of players soon.

A mini-auction is always a tricky affair, unlike a mega auction. Franchises only look to fill a few vacant slots based on their specific requirements. This is where auction dynamics come into play. It often means several top names might miss out. The serial order of names on the list also plays a significant role in a player's chances of being picked.

Some big names will be absent from the IPL 2026 auction. Faf d...