Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Owner Kavya Malan Become one of the most talked about people again cricket league auctionHer emotional and animated reaction lights up the bidding room as SRH bag England all-rounder Liam Livingston 130 million rupees.

The dramatic moment occurred after Hyderabad outbid Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), sparking celebrations that quickly took over social media timelines.

Throughout the bidding process, the camera kept focusing on Maran, capturing her smiles, gestures and palpable relief as SRH held on to the lead in one of the auction’s most gripping battles.

Liam Livingstone’s Auction Journey: From Sluggish Property to Hot Property

Livingstone’s path to auction has been anything but smooth. The explosive England international was surprisingly unsold in the first round, which has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. However, his return during the accelerated auction phase completely changed the narrative.

What ensued was a fierce bidding contest involving Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans and eventually Lucknow Supergiants. As prices quickly climbed, franchises began to exit, leaving SRH and LSG in a head-to-head showdown.

Lucknow exhausted their resources and raised the bid to Rs 12.8 crore before exhausting their remaining funds. This opened the door for SRH to take final action and secure Livingstone’s services for Rs 13 crore.

Kavya Maran steals the show at IPL 2026 auction

Throughout the bidding war, the broadcast kept switching to Kavya Malan and his reaction spoke volumes about SRH’s determination. From nervous anticipation to unrestrained joy, her expressions resonated strongly with fans.

The video of the SRH boss celebrating quickly went viral, with fans posting captions like: “Kaviya finally got her man”, “Never seen Kavya Maran so happy” and “Kavya Malan’s mood swings during bid for Liam Livingstone. “

Kavya Maran’s mood swings during Liam Livingstone bid 🤣😂 #IPL2026 Auction pic.twitter.com/jeJlTnYp0h

— Kumar Sourav (@AdamDhoni1) December 17, 2025

This emotional reaction struck a chord, especially since SRH had previously failed to acquire Livingstone during the IPL 2022 mega auction, a moment that supporters clearly remember.

For many fans, the successful bid felt like long-awaited redemption.

Also read: Here’s how Kavya Maran’s bidding strategy for two uncapped players will impact CSK’s wallet in IPL 2026 auction

Why is Liam Livingstone a top target for SRH?

A behind-the-scenes look at the SRH Think Tank Liam Livingston A near perfect fit for their lineup. The England star possesses explosive middle-order power and can change the game in a few overs, something Hyderabad lacked in a disappointing IPL 2025 season.

Equally important is Livingstone’s bowling versatility. His ability to provide leg-break and spin adds a valuable tactical option, especially on Hyderabad’s spin-friendly home ground. This dual-skill combination makes him a priority signing despite stiff competition.

Also read: IPL 2026 Auction – Complete List of Unsold Players and Their Base Prices