The RAPP list for IPL 2026 is here — and it’s packed with surprises. The BCCI has officially released the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) featuring over 1,307 unsold players from the December 2025 auction. Stars like Steve Smith, Daryl Mitchell, Jonny Bairstow, and Umesh Yadav can be signed as mid-season replacements by any of the 10 IPL franchises. Here’s the complete breakdown of the RAPP list IPL players, how it works, and which stars are available.
What is RAPP in IPL?
RAPP (Registered Available Player Pool) is the official list of cricketers that IPL franchises can sign as replacement players during the season. These are players who:
- ✅ Registered for the December 2025 IPL auction
- ✅ Went unsold at the auction
- ✅ Did not withdraw from the process
The RAPP list becomes crucial when franchises lose players to injuries, national duty, or personal reasons mid-season.
Big Names on the IPL 2026 RAPP List
Top Overseas Stars Available
| Player | Country | Role | Base Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Smith | Australia | Batter | Rs 2 crore | Former Australian captain |
| Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | All-rounder | Rs 2 crore | Player of the Series vs India |
| Jonny Bairstow | England | Batter/WK | Rs 2 crore | T20 World Cup winner |
| Reece Topley | England | Pacer | Rs 1.5 crore | Left-arm fast bowler |
| Jamie Smith | England | Batter/WK | Rs 1 crore | Rising star |
🇮🇳 Experienced Indian Players Available
| Player | Role | Base Price | IPL Teams Previously |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umesh Yadav | Fast Bowler | Rs 75 lakh | KKR, GT |
| Mayank Agarwal | Opener | Rs 75 lakh | SRH, PBKS |
| KS Bharat | Wicketkeeper | Rs 75 lakh | RCB |
| Deepak Hooda | All-rounder | Rs 75 lakh | LSG, RR |
| Navdeep Saini | Fast Bowler | Rs 75 lakh | DC, RR |
| Chetan Sakariya | Fast Bowler | Rs 75 lakh | RR, DC |
| Sandeep Warrier | Fast Bowler | Rs 75 lakh | KKR, RR |
RAPP List IPL 2026 — Key Numbers
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Players in RAPP | 1,307 |
| Overseas Players | 200+ |
| Capped Indian Players | 50+ |
| Uncapped Indian Players | 1,000+ |
| Minimum Base Price | Rs 30 lakh |
| Maximum Base Price | Rs 2 crore |
How Does the RAPP System Work?
The Complete Process
- Registration: Players register for the IPL auction
- Auction: If they go unsold at the December auction
- RAPP Entry: Automatically added to the Registered Available Player Pool
- Franchise Need: When a team needs a replacement mid-season
- Signing: Team signs a RAPP-listed player at their declared base price or higher
Key BCCI Rules
- ❌ Cannot sign below base price — franchises must pay at least the player’s auction reserve price
- ❌ No exclusive net bowler rights — if another team wants the player as a replacement, the original franchise must release them immediately
- ✅ Full availability required — player must be available for the rest of the season
- ✅ Direct signing — no auction, just team-player negotiation
When Do Teams Use the RAPP List?
Franchises typically turn to RAPP in these situations:
Injuries
Most common reason — when a key player gets injured and needs a long-term replacement.
🇮🇳 National Duty
When overseas players leave mid-tournament for international commitments.
Personal Reasons
Family emergencies or personal issues requiring a player to leave.
Poor Form
Rarely, but teams may release underperforming players and sign replacements.
RAPP vs Auction — Key Differences
| Feature | December Auction | RAPP Signing |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Before season | During season |
| Bidding | Yes | No |
| Price | Can go higher | Fixed at base price |
| Competition | All 10 teams | First come basis |
| Urgency | Planned | Emergency/Need-based |
Notable RAPP Signings in Recent IPL Seasons
IPL 2024-2025 Replacement Stories:
- Mustafizur Rahman — Joined CSK mid-season, became top wicket-taker
- Tristan Stubbs — Signed by MI, made instant impact
- Jason Behrendorff — Key replacement for Mumbai Indians
These examples show that RAPP signings can completely change a team’s fortunes.
Which Teams Might Use RAPP in IPL 2026?
Based on current form and squad issues, these teams might look at the RAPP list:
Most Likely Candidates:
| Team | Potential Need | Possible RAPP Target |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | Top-order backup | Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow |
| Chennai Super Kings | Fast bowler | Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | All-rounder | Daryl Mitchell, Deepak Hooda |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Wicketkeeper | KS Bharat, Jamie Smith |
Note: These are speculative based on current squad composition and performance.
Why Daryl Mitchell is the Most Wanted RAPP Player
The New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is arguably the most valuable RAPP player right now because:
- 🏆 Player of the Series in recent ODI series vs India
- 🎯 Experience at all international levels
- 💪 All-rounder value — bat and bowl
- 🏏 Proven T20 performer
Many IPL franchises are expected to make a move for Mitchell as soon as a replacement slot opens up.
RAPP List Validity for IPL 2026
- Start: December 2025 (post-auction)
- End: End of IPL 2026 season (May 31, 2026)
- Updates: BCCI may update the list periodically
- Active Period: Throughout the IPL 2026 tournament
RAPP List IPL 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the RAPP list in IPL? RAPP (Registered Available Player Pool) is the official BCCI list of unsold auction players who can be signed as replacements during the IPL season.
Q2. How many players are in the IPL 2026 RAPP list? The IPL 2026 RAPP list contains 1,307 players as of April 2026.
Q3. Can teams sign RAPP players at any price? No. Franchises must sign RAPP players at their declared base price or higher — not below.
Q4. Who are the top overseas players in the RAPP list? Steve Smith, Daryl Mitchell, Jonny Bairstow, Reece Topley, and Jamie Smith are among the top overseas names.
Q5. Can RAPP players be signed as net bowlers? Yes, but without exclusive rights. If another team wants them as a replacement, the original franchise must release them.
Q6. Is Steve Smith available for IPL 2026? Yes, Steve Smith is on the RAPP list with a base price of Rs 2 crore and can be signed by any franchise as a replacement.
Q7. How is RAPP different from the IPL auction? The auction happens before the season with bidding between teams. RAPP is used during the season for emergency replacements at base price.
Q8. Will there be another auction mid-season? No, BCCI does not conduct mid-season auctions. Replacements come only from the RAPP list.
Related IPL 2026 Content
- IPL 2026 Complete Schedule — All match fixtures
- IPL 2026 Points Table — Current team standings
- Rohit Sharma Injury Update — MI captain’s fitness
- MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction — Upcoming match
📝 Final Word
The RAPP list for IPL 2026 is a treasure trove of talent waiting to get a chance. With over 1,300 players available, including international superstars like Steve Smith and Daryl Mitchell, along with experienced Indians like Umesh Yadav and Mayank Agarwal, franchises have plenty of options for mid-season replacements.
As injuries and national duty break squads, expect to see some big RAPP signings in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to Khel Updates 24 for all the latest replacement news and IPL 2026 updates.
Last Updated: April 14, 2026
Source: BCCI Official Announcement