Players Who Returned to Old Teams After IPL 2026 Auction
The IPL 2026 auction, held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, delivered drama and big talking points just like any other IPL auction.
As expected, there were massive bids. Cameron Green grabbed headlines by becoming the costliest overseas player in IPL history. At the same time, uncapped Indian players dominated the IPL 2026 auction thoroughly.
Amid the bidding wars, there was another clear trend. Several franchises went back to familiar faces. Teams chose experience and proven chemistry by re-signing players who had earlier represented them. After going unsold in 2025, Delhi Capitals resigned Prithvi Shaw for the IPL 2026 season which means he has not represented any other franchise.
Shaw played for DC every season from making his IPL debut in 2018 until 2024.
Here are the players who went back to their old teams at the IPL 2026 auction
1. Quinton de Kock – Mumbai Indians
South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock returned to Mumbai Indians after entering the auction at a base price of ₹1 crore. MI were the only team to bid for him.
De Kock was a late addition to the final auction list after a franchise showed interest, possibly MI. He previously played for MI from 2019 to 2021 and was part of their title-winning squads in 2019 and 2020.
His best season came in IPL 2020, where he scored 503 runs in 16 matches at an average of 35.92 and a strike rate of 140.50. He formed a strong opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, often setting the tone in powerplays.
Mumbai Indians have retained Ryan Rickelton, but De Kock’s understanding with Rohit could make him a first-choice opener again in IPL 2026.
2. Rahul Tripathi – Kolkata Knight Riders
Rahul Tripathi found his way back to Kolkata Knight Riders after entering the auction at a base price of ₹75 lakh.
Tripathi played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 but struggled for form. He managed just 55 runs in 5 matches at a strike rate of 96.49, which led to his release. Before that, he represented Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2022 to 2024.
His strongest IPL season came with KKR in 2021, where he scored 397 runs in 17 matches. That performance remains one of the best phases of his IPL career.
At 34, Tripathi will hope that a familiar environment helps him rediscover form, consistency and find him a long-term role in the KKR middle order.
3. Matt Henry – Chennai Super Kings
New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry reunited with Chennai Super Kings, who signed him at his base price of ₹2 crore.
Henry was part of CSK earlier in 2014 and 2015 but did not play a single match. He later featured for Punjab Kings in 2017 (then Kings XI Punjab) and Lucknow Super Giants in 2024, playing 6 IPL games and taking 2 wickets.
Now 34, Henry returns as a far more established new-ball bowler. With Tim Southee and Trent Boult having moved out of New Zealand’s limited-overs plans, Henry has featured more regularly for the national side.
Despite his injury history, CSK’s relatively inexperienced pace attack could give Henry a strong chance to feature regularly in IPL 2026.
4. Lungi Ngidi – Delhi Capitals
South African pacer Lungi Ngidi returned to Delhi Capitals after initially going unsold. DC later secured him at his base price of ₹2 crore.
Ngidi was previously part of the Delhi Capitals setup before IPL 2024, but injury ruled him out and Jake Fraser-McGurk replaced him in the squad.
Most recently, he played 2 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, where he picked up 4 wickets. While injuries remain a concern, Ngidi brings experience and control with the new ball.
At 29, he now joins a strong DC pace unit that already has Mitchell Starc, Kyle Jamieson, T Natarajan and Dushmantha Chameera.
5. Tim Seifert – Kolkata Knight Riders
New Zealand’s hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert made a return to Kolkata Knight Riders, who picked him up for ₹1.5 crore.
Seifert has played just one match for KKR in 2021, scoring two runs and later featured briefly for Delhi Capitals in 2022. He went unsold in multiple auctions before his return for IPL 2026 season.
The 31-year-old regained attention after scoring a statement century for Melbourne Renegades against Brisbane Heat in the BBL 2025–26, just a day before the IPL auction. In the last few years, Seifert has built a reputation around his high-striking and fearless batting in various T20 leagues.
With KKR also signing Finn Allen, competition for the opening slot will be intense. Seifert’s recent form could give him a real chance in IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 Complete Squads
You can check our coverage here for the full team lists of all 10 teams for IPL 2026.