Brisbane Heat host Perth Scorchers in the 6th match of Big Bash League 2025-26 at The Gabba, Brisbane, on December 19, 2025. Both teams enter this early-season clash with strong squads featuring international firepower and domestic stars. Expect a high-scoring contest on a venue known for favouring batters.​

Colin Munro leads a potent top order with Jack Wildermuth‘s explosive starts and Matt Renshaw‘s reliability. Shaheen Shah Afridi bolsters the pace attack alongside Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson, while all-rounders like Michael Neser add depth. Their squad blends experience with youth for home advantage.

Ashton Turner captains a pace-heavy unit with Mitchell Marsh‘s all-round prowess and Finn Allen‘s aggressive opening. Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, and David Payne form a lethal seam attack, supported by Aaron Hardie and Ashton Agar. They boast title-winning pedigree and power-hitting depth.

Perth Scorchers hold the edge, winning 16 of 24 BBL meetings against Brisbane Heat’s 8. Recent clashes have been tight, with Scorchers prevailing in the last two by 33 and 35 runs. Brisbane’s home record at The Gabba could swing momentum.​

BH vs PS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: December 19 (Friday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 6:15 pm Local
• Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
• Head-to-Head Record in BBL: Matches played: 24 | Brisbane Heat won: 08 | Perth Scorchers won: 16 | No result/Tied: 0

The Gabba Pitch Report

The Gabba in Brisbane promises a batter-friendly pitch for the Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers BBL 2025-26 clash, with its true bounce and short boundaries aiding high scores—average first innings around 163 in T20s. Early seam movement and extra pace favor quick bowlers during powerplay, but the surface flattens under lights, suiting aggressive strokeplay. Teams chasing have won recent night games here, with dew likely playing a role; expect 170+ totals if batters settle. Pacers must strike early, while spinners could control middle overs on this lively yet forgiving deck.

Also READ: BBL|15: Jamie Overton helps Adelaide Strikers edge past Sydney Sixers by 3 wickets in a thrilling contest

Squads

Brisbane Heat: Usman Khawaja (c), Colin Munro, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tom Alsop, Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Callum Vidler, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth, Spencer Johnson

Perth Scorchers: Ashton Turner (c), Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Sam Fanning, Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, David Payne, Mahli Beardman

BH vs PS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Brisbane Heat wins the toss and bowls first
• Perth Scorchers’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Perth Scorchers’ total score: 170-180

Case 2:

• Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowls first
• Brisbane Heat’s powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• Brisbane Heat’s total score: 160-170

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: BBL 2025-26: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch the Big Bash League in Australia, India, USA, UK & other countries

The five-match T20 International series between India and South Africa reaches its grand finale at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After the fourth T20I in Lucknow was unfortunately abandoned without a ball bowled due to excessive fog, the series remains poised at 2-1 in favour of India. This sets the stage for a high-stakes series decider where the Suryakumar Yadav-led side will look to clinch the trophy with a final win, while the Proteas, led by Aiden Markram, have a golden opportunity to level the series and finish the tour on a high note.

IND vs SA, 5th T20I: Match Details

• Date and Time: December 19 (Friday); 7:00 pm IST / 1:30 pm GMT / 7:00 pm LOCAL
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Head-to-Head Record (T20Is): India leads the overall head-to-head with 18 wins against South Africa’s 12 wins, with two matches ending in a no-result following the recent washout in Lucknow.

Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report

The Narendra Modi Stadium features a vast playing area with a mixture of red and black soil pitches, typically offering something for everyone. In T20Is, the surface is generally batting-friendly with true bounce, allowing batters to play their shots freely once settled. However, the sheer size of the boundaries means that spinners and pacers with good variations can be very effective in the middle overs. During this winter window, the pitch can hold a bit of moisture, which might slightly aid the seamers early on. Dew is expected to be a significant factor in the second innings, making the toss crucial; the captain winning it will likely elect to bowl first to take advantage of better batting conditions under the lights.

India vs South Africa: Team dynamics and key players

India: The hosts enter the finale with the psychological advantage of the series lead. Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma have been the standout performers with the bat, while the bowling unit has been exceptional. Varun Chakravarthy continues to be the X-factor with his mystery spin, leading the wicket-tally for India. The team will be hoping for a big score from captain Suryakumar Yadav, who is due for a signature performance. The return of Jasprit Bumrah, who rejoined the squad in Lucknow, adds immense firepower to the death-bowling department.

South Africa: For the Proteas, this is a must-win game to avoid a series defeat. Their batting relies heavily on the explosive power of Quinton de Kock and the finishing abilities of David Miller. Skipper Aiden Markram showed glimpses of form in Dharamsala and will need to lead from the front. The pace duo of Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi has been disciplined, but they will need their spinners, particularly Keshav Maharaj, to step up and contain the Indian hitters in the massive Ahmedabad outfield.

Also READ: ‘Sold three sacks of wheat to watch the match’: Heartbroken fans demand full refund after India vs South Africa 4th T20I gets called off due to excessive fog in Lucknow

IND vs SA, 5th T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• India wins the toss and bowls first
• South Africa powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• South Africa total score: 165-180

Case 2:

• South Africa wins the toss and bowls first
• India powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• India total score: 175-190

Match result: India to win the contest

Also READ: IPL 2026: Who is Prashant Veer? The ‘next Ravindra Jadeja’ for CSK

After a frustrating washout in the fog of Lucknow, the action moves to the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the final showdown. With India leading 2-1, the stakes are simple: India aim to clinch the series 3-1, while South Africa look to level it 2-2 and salvage a draw from a high-octane tour.

How the series panned so far

India dominated the series opener in Cuttack with a massive 101-run win, but the Proteas bounced back in Chandigarh to win by 51 runs. India regained the lead in a low-scoring thriller at Dharamshala. With the 4th T20I abandoned without a ball being bowled, India is now guaranteed not to lose the series, but the final in Ahmedabad will determine if they lift the trophy outright.

Key talking points

The spotlight is firmly on Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill. Captain SKY has struggled for consistency this year, averaging just 14.20 in T20Is. Meanwhile, Gill is racing against time to be fit after a toe injury sidelined him in Lucknow. If Gill misses out, Sanju Samson is expected to keep his spot at the top.

Aiden Markram’s men have shown they can’t be counted out. With Quinton de Kock in vintage form and Anrich Nortje providing raw pace, the Proteas have the tools to upset the hosts. Their middle order, featuring Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, will be desperate to fire one last time.

Jasprit Bumrah returns to his home ground, where he is almost unplayable. For the Proteas, Marco Jansen has been a constant threat with the new ball. The battle between India’s spin twins and South Africa’s power hitters in the middle overs will likely decide the game.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction – Complete squads of all 10 teams after the bidding event

Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report

The Ahmedabad track is known for its true bounce and lightning-fast outfield. While it generally favors batters, the large boundary dimensions often bring spinners like Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav into play. Expect the captain winning the toss to bowl first. Dew is a significant factor in December, making the ball difficult to grip for bowlers in the second innings.

Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium T20I Stats and Records

• Total matches played: 10
• Matches won batting first: 6
• Matches won bowling first: 4
• Average 1st innings score: 160
• Average 2nd innings score: 137
• Highest total recorded: 234/4 (20 Ovs) By India vs New Zealand
• Lowest total recorded: 66/10 (12.1 Ovs) By New Zealand vs India
• Highest score chased: 166/3 (17.5 Ovs) By India vs England
• Lowest score defended: 107/7 (20 Ovs) By West Indies Women vs India Women

Also READ: ‘Sold three sacks of wheat to watch the match’: Heartbroken fans demand full refund after India vs South Africa 4th T20I gets called off due to excessive fog in Lucknow

Team India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s participation in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy is in doubt after he was hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis. The left-handed batter suffered severe stomach cramps during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match between Mumbai and Rajasthan in Pune on December 16.

Jaiswal was taken to the hospital for further treatment after the match. He had batted in pain during Mumbai’s chase at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. He scored 15 runs from 16 balls and hit three boundaries before being dismissed.

At the hospital, Jaiswal underwent a CT scan and an ultrasound. Doctors diagnosed him with acute gastroenteritis and advised him to take complete rest. His recovery will be monitored closely before any decision is taken on his return to action.

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Yashasvi Jaiswal Loses More Than 2 kg After Food Poisoning

According to a report by the Times of India, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been discharged from the hospital and has returned to Mumbai after recovering from food poisoning. He lost more than two kilos in a short span, and doctors have advised complete rest.

The problem began after he ate something at the team hotel in Pune. While his condition has improved with timely treatment, the medical staff has recommended that he stay away from cricket for at least seven to ten days to fully recover.

“It is food poisoning. He ate something in the Pune hotel, which has led to this. There was pain but condition is much better after timely medication. He has lost over 2 kgs already in the last two days and the doctors have asked him to rest at least for the next 7-10 days,” a source tracking developments tells TimesofIndia.com.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Doubtful for Opening Matches of Vijay Hazare Trophy

Yashasvi Jaiswal may not be fully fit in time for the opening matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with his recovery expected to take at least a week. He is in doubt for Mumbai’s opening game against Sikkim on December 24, where he was expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma.

The report added that his participation in the early rounds will depend on how quickly he regains strength. With Jaiswal likely to be part of the ODI squad against New Zealand, his workload and recovery will be carefully managed.

“It will be touch and go for the first few matches for him to turn up for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. There are ODIs vs New Zealand after that too and he is likely to be in the squad for that series,” the source added.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Last Seen in Action for India During the South Africa ODI Series

Yashasvi Jaiswal was last seen in action for India in the ODI series against South Africa. The left-hander did not have a great start, as he struggled to score runs in the first two matches. He bounced back in the final ODI at Visakhapatnam on December 6.

Jaiswal scored an unbeaten 116, which was his first century in the 50-over format, while chasing a target of 271 runs. He also formed a 155-run opening partnership with Rohit Sharma. India secured a comfortable nine-wicket win.

The southpaw scored 156 runs across three matches at an average of 78 and a strike rate of 89.14. The ODI series against New Zealand will start on January 11. Notably, the BCCI medical team is monitoring his fitness closely ahead of that series, and he may find it challenging to break into the playing XI.

Also read: Glenn McGrath’s chair-smashing reaction after Nathan Lyon leapfrogs him breaks internet

India will take on South Africa in the fifth of the five-match T20I series. This article provides details about India’s Playing 11 vs South Africa for the fifth match of the series.

India Playing XI vs South Africa- 5th T20I, South Africa Tour of India 2025:

Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill

India would want to earn back-to-back wins in the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa in order to clinch another series in this format.

The Men in Blue have got all their bases covered in the batting and bowling departments, but would be concerned over the fitness of India’s vice captain, Shubman Gill.

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Gill was ruled out of the fourth T20I, which was eventually abandoned due to excessive fog, and would look to recover in time for the series decider in Ahmedabad.

However, it will be a race against time for the opening batter as there is only a day’s gap between the fourth and fifth T20I.

If Shubman is not able to recover in time for the next game, Sanju Samson, in all likeliness will open the batting with Abhishek Sharma.

Sanju would aim to make the most of the opportunity by playing a match-winning knock for his team and giving good support to Abhishek Sharma, who also found his mojo back in Dharamsala after struggling to get going in the first two matches.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk)

The opening pair will be followed by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who is desperately in need of runs, Tilak Varma, who played a decent knock in Dharamsala, and Hardik Pandya, who has also made decisive contributions in the series.

The above-mentioned batters will be assisted by Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma, who haven’t had much to do in the matches that India have won so far in the series.

However, an interesting thing to keep an eye on would be the batting order, which has undergone a lot of changes, especially as far as the middle is concerned, in the series.

Regardless of the batting order, the onus will be on the top five batters to score the bulk of the runs for the team.

Bowlers: Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

When it comes to India’s bowling attack, it would want to replicate the same performance it delivered in the previous completed game.

The bowling lineup, which comprised Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav, restricted South Africa to 117 runs in Dharamsala and would look to do something similar in Ahmedabad.

The fast bowling duo of Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh will aim to pick wickets in the first six overs.

Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh will get support in the form of fast bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, and spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy in the middle overs.

The choice of six bowling options at Suryakumar Yadav’s disposal will make things a little easier for him during the game.

India will be up against South Africa in the fifth of the five-match T20I series. This article provides details about South Africa’s Playing 11 vs India for the fifth match of the series.

South Africa Playing XI vs India- 5th T20I, South Africa Tour of India 2025:

Openers: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk)

South Africa will have no option other than winning when they step on the field to take on India in the final T20I of the five-match T20I series that the two teams are currently involved in.

The Proteas would hope for an improvement with bat and ball in the upcoming match as compared to what they did in the third game, in order to challenge India and increase their chances of leveling the series.

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Having said that, irrespective of a below-par performance, the visitors are expected to go into the fifth game with an unchanged playing XI.

The reason being the side comprised of the same names outplayed India in the second T20I and wouldn’t want to press the panic button after the defeat that followed the win.

For that to happen, the Aiden Markram-led side would back its openers Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks, both of whom will be entrusted to get the team off to a good start.

In addition to that, Quinton de Kock would wish to build on the half-century he scored in the second T20I, and for his partner Hendricks to make a vital contribution as well.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch

Like the openers, the team management would also bank on the South African middle order to come good, which wasn’t the case in the third T20I.

The responsibility will be on captain Aiden Markram to lead from the front once again, as he did in the third game of the series.

Markram would also look for support from the likes of Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, and Donovan Ferreira, all of whom are capable of taking the game away from the opposition and would want to do so in the next game.

It will take contributions from the top five batters in the South African lineup to create pressure on India’s bowling attack and increase the team’s chances of winning.

Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman

Unlike the batting, South Africa’s bowling did a fine job by dragging the game beyond the 15-over mark in Dharamsal, despite not having enough runs to play, and that is what the bowlers would hope for the batters to provide them with in the final game of the tour.

If the batters are able to post a challenging total on the board, South Africa has enough quality in the bowling arsenal to give the Indian batters a run for their money.

Regardless of going with no specialist spinner in the previous match, the South African bowlers gave their best and would hope to do the same in the upcoming match.

The likes of Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, and Marco Jansen would wish to bowl their team to victory and level the series in the process.

Ishan Kishan has once again proved why he remains one of the most explosive talents in Indian cricket by smashing a sensational 45-ball century in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025. Leading Jharkhand against Haryana at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, the southpaw unleashed a masterclass in aggressive T20 batting.

After Jharkhand suffered an early setback with the loss of Virat Singh in the very first over, Kishan took it upon himself to steady the ship and eventually decimate the opposition. His innings was a perfect blend of calculated risks and sheer power, featuring a barrage of boundaries that left the Haryana bowlers searching for answers.

SMAT 2025 final: A record-breaking partnership between Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra stun Haryana

The Jharkhand innings was defined by a historic second-wicket stand between Kishan and the young, talented Kumar Kushagra, who together dismantled the Haryana bowling attack. Coming together at a precarious 4/1 after the dismissal of Virat, the duo put on a spectacular exhibition of power-hitting, adding over 150 runs in a display of total dominance. Their partnership has etched itself into the record books as the highest-ever stand in the history of a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, surpassing all previous benchmarks for the tournament’s showpiece event.

While Kishan was the aggressor-in-chief, reaching his fifty in just 24 balls, Kushagra played the perfect foil, striking a rapid 76* off 39 deliveries to keep the pressure mounting from both ends. By the 14th over, Jharkhand had raced to 179/1, scoring at an astonishing rate of nearly 13 runs per over against a formidable Haryana side. The chemistry between the two batters was evident as they rotated strike with ease before launching into a series of maximums that targeted every corner of the Pune ground.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Salary of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players; check out how much Rinku Singh and Cameron Green earn

Ishan Kishan’s 45-ball century for Jharkhand in SMAT 2025 final

Kishan’s path to his 45-ball century was a masterclass in T20 batting construction, specifically in how he targeted the powerplay and manipulated the field thereafter. After a tentative start against Anshul Kamboj’s moving ball, Kishan broke the shackles in the second over by flicking Ishant Bhardwaj for a massive six over deep square leg.

Kishan targeted the final over of the powerplay bowled by Amit Rana, clobbering three sixes in four balls to propel Jharkhand to 69/1 by the end of the first six overs. His hundred was eventually secured with a trademark slap over cover off Kamboj in the 14th over, a shot that epitomized his confidence and hand-eye coordination throughout the afternoon.

Statistically, his knock was highlighted by 6 fours and a staggering 10 sixes, maintaining a strike rate well above 220 for the duration of his stay at the crease. He became only the second batter in the history of the SMAT to record a century in the final, joining Punjab’s Anmolpreet Singh in that elite club. This performance was particularly significant as it pushed him past the 500-run mark for the 2025 season, making him the leading run-scorer in the competition and showcasing his incredible consistency across different venues and conditions.

Here’s how fans reacted: 

Big stage. Bigger knock. 💯🔥

[Ishan Kishan | Play With Fire | SMAT] pic.twitter.com/gGmGEHik5i

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 18, 2025

Ishan Kishan reaches his 100 off just 45 balls having hit 10 sixes already in the 14th over in the SMAT final against Haryana.

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 18, 2025

Glad two selectors – RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha – are watching the Ishan Kishan show in SMAT final in Pune.
Couldn’t spot chief selector Ajit Agarkar for the only senior domestic game happening in the country right now. Hope Ishan’s SMAT carnage is taken note of. STATEMENT🔥 pic.twitter.com/c0ekFbVU9k

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) December 18, 2025

517 runs with the bat and brilliant captaincy throughout

What a tournament ishan kishan had after facing so much rejection pic.twitter.com/mxzNoUUUNz

— Sawai96 (@Aspirant_9457) December 18, 2025

Too easy. Well batted. Ishan Kishan with the joint most hundred in SMAT now. https://t.co/HRluABMTYp pic.twitter.com/ovYovBFHyp

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) December 18, 2025

It’s a redemption of sorts for Ishan Kishan.
A 45-ball century in the SMAT final, leading run-getter in the tournament and has put his team on the brink of a historic maiden Mushtaq Ali Trophy title.

— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) December 18, 2025

Ishan Kishan can’t do anything more to get back into Indian Cricket Team.

BCCI and selectors must pick him in upcoming series.

Don’t waste his prime anymore 🤫#ishankishan

— Akshat Jain (@AkshatJainX) December 18, 2025

PUSHPA celebration from Ishan Kishan after his century🔥

SRH connection🤝#SRH #IshanKishan #SMAT2025 pic.twitter.com/kCVPn7ehAg

— CREX (@Crex_live) December 18, 2025

Ishan Kishan is in some serious form at the moment…

— Shaan Waseem (@shaanwaseem2) December 18, 2025

A spectacular hundred in the SMAT 2025 Final, smashing 101 runs off just 49 balls 🔥#IshanKishan #SyedMushtaqAliTrophy pic.twitter.com/D2v0XH6Hmn

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 18, 2025

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Salary of Punjab Kings (PBKS) players; check out how much Shreyas Iyer and Cooper Connolly earn

With the IPL 2026 mini auction concluding on December 16, discussions around title contenders have gathered pace. Adding weight to the debate, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his prediction for the four teams most likely to reach the semifinals next season. Drawing from his experience as both a player and keen observer, Ashwin highlighted squad stability, smart auction strategies, and player availability as decisive elements in shaping his top four.

5 time champions lead Ravichandran Ashwin’s picks

Ashwin named Mumbai Indians (MI) as his foremost choice to make the IPL 2026 semifinals. The five-time champions entered the auction with a strong core already in place, having retained the majority of their key players ahead of the bidding. According to Ashwin, this continuity gives MI a clear edge over other franchises still searching for balance.

He also praised MI’s auction approach, pointing out their ability to secure quality players without overspending. The acquisition of Quinton de Kock for a modest INR 1 crore stood out as a particularly shrewd move, adding experience and firepower at the top of the order. Confident in their overall structure, Ashwin remarked in a video shared by the franchise that Mumbai were almost certain to be among the top teams when the season reaches its business end.

“I think MI is gonna get there for certain,” said Ashwin in a video shared by Mumbai Indians on social media.

Defending Champions’s conditional spot

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were Ashwin’s second pick, though his support came with important conditions. While acknowledging the strength of their retained core and their smart recruitment, including the addition of Venkatesh Iyer, Ashwin stressed that RCB’s fortunes would hinge heavily on player fitness.

He specifically highlighted the importance of Josh Hazlewood’s fitness and the availability of left-arm pacer Yash Dayal. Ashwin suggested that if both bowlers remain fit and available throughout the season, RCB have every chance of making a third straight playoff appearance. However, any disruption on that front could significantly affect their campaign.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete squads of all 10 teams after the bidding event

Shreyas Iyer-led side earn veteran player’s confidence

Ashwin also backed Punjab Kings (PBKS), last season’s runners-up, to feature in the IPL 2026 semifinals. Like MI and RCB, PBKS focused on retaining their core group, ensuring stability within the squad under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Ashwin felt this continuity, combined with targeted additions at the auction, made them a well-rounded side.

The inclusions of Ben Dwarshuis and Cooper Connolly added depth and flexibility to the Punjab lineup, strengthening both their bowling resources and all-round options. Ashwin noted that Punjab, alongside Mumbai, appeared to have assembled one of the most balanced squads heading into the new season.

“I believe that RCB will again make it. Punjab Kings, unless ofcourse RCB dont have Hazlewood or probably they dont have the services of Yash Dayal, then I dont know where they will be placed but I do think Punjab and Mumbai have put together good squads,” added Ashwin.

Former champions complete the top four

Completing his list, Ashwin picked Rajasthan Royals (RR), a franchise he previously represented. Admitting that his opinion had evolved over time, Ashwin praised the Royals for putting together what he described as a ‘mighty good side.’ He felt RR’s overall squad composition, blending youth with experience, could make them a strong contender in IPL 2026. According to Ashwin, their planning and execution at the auction reflected a clear vision, positioning them well to challenge for a semifinal spot.

“I have a small different opinion compared to what I had some time ago and I think that’s Rajasthan Royals. They have cooked together a mighty good side,” Ashwin signed off.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete list of sold players with their price

IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi delivered high-stakes drama as franchises scrambled to build championship squads, with Delhi Capitals emerging as smart operators in a ₹124.65 crore spending spree. DC filled their 25-player roster, including eight overseas stars, leaving just ₹0.35 crore unspent, showcasing strategic retentions and calculated buys amid fierce bidding wars. Retained captain Axar Patel anchored the core at ₹16.50 crore, while uncapped Jammu & Kashmir all-rounder Auqib Nabi became the auction’s breakout sensation, snapped up for 28 times his ₹30 lakh base price.​

Delhi Capitals’ auction masterstrokes: Intelligent buys and Auqib Nabi blockbuster

Delhi Capitals displayed auction savvy by securing value-for-money talents alongside a marquee splash on Nabi, the 29-year-old right-arm pacer whose domestic exploits ignited a bidding frenzy involving Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Nabi, modeled on Dale Steyn with his seam movement and control, earned 29 wickets across five Ranji Trophy games and 15 in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, justifying DC’s ₹8.40 crore investment as their costliest buy. Earlier, DC grabbed South African stalwarts David Miller, Ben Duckett, Lungi Ngidi, and Kyle Jamieson at base prices of ₹2 crore each, adding firepower without overpaying, while Pathum Nissanka joined for ₹4 crore to bolster the top order.​

The franchise’s retentions formed a solid backbone: KL Rahul at ₹14 crore for explosive batting, Kuldeep Yadav‘s spin wizardry at ₹13.25 crore, Mitchell Starc‘s pace at ₹11.75 crore, T Natarajan at ₹10.75 crore, and Tristan Stubbs at ₹10 crore provided balance. Mukesh Kumar‘s ₹8 crore deal reinforced domestic pace, with Nitish Rana (₹4.20 crore) and Abishek Porel (₹4 crore) adding middle-order depth. Uncapped gems like Ashutosh Sharma (₹3.80 crore) and Sameer Rizvi (₹0.95 crore) rounded out intelligent steals, blending youth with experience for playoff contention.​​

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Full list of unsold players along with their base price

Salaries of DC Players in IPL 2026

DC assembled a 25-player squad at the IPL 2026 auction, spending ₹124.65 crore with strategic retentions and buys like Nabi at ₹8.40 crore. Below is the complete list of DC players and their sold prices.​

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete list of sold players with their price

The IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi was a historic event that rewrote the record books, headlined by Cameron Green’s staggering ₹25.20 crore move to KKR. However, the true shockwaves were felt during the ‘Unsold’ calls.

As franchises pivoted aggressively toward Gen-Z Indian talent—paying up to ₹14.20 crore for uncapped stars like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma—several established international icons and seasoned Indian veterans were left stranded.

Star power ignored in IPL 2026 auction

The 2026 auction signaled a generational wealth transfer in cricket. Teams prioritized youth and specific tactical roles over pure star power. While some players like Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan were lucky to be picked up in the third ‘Accelerated’ round, others weren’t as fortunate. On that note, let’s have a look at such stars who were not picked in the bidding event and make a perfect XI for the unsold players.

IPL 2026: Best playing XI of unsold players from the mini-auction

1) Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia)

Role: Explosive opener
Fraser-McGurk was arguably the biggest surprise of the auction. After setting tournaments alight in 2024 with his fearless strokeplay and outrageous strike rates, expectations were sky-high. However, a lean 2025 season, where he managed just 55 runs across six matches, raised concerns among franchises. Despite possessing the ability to win games inside the powerplay, teams hesitated to invest even at his ₹2 crore base price, fearing inconsistency and form volatility at the top.

2) Devon Conway (New Zealand)

Role: Opener
A proven IPL performer and a former CSK mainstay, Conway’s unsold status stunned many. Averaging over 43 in the league and known for his composure under pressure, Conway brings stability few can match. However, at 34, franchises prioritized younger, more explosive keeper-batters who could double up as long-term investments. Conway’s reliability, once his biggest asset, seemingly worked against him in a youth-driven market.

3) Jamie Smith (England)

Role: Aggressive top-order batter / Wicketkeeper
Smith entered the auction as one of England’s most exciting new-generation batters across formats. His aggressive approach, ability to take on pace and spin alike, and wicketkeeping skills made him a strong contender on paper. Surprisingly, even teams short on wicketkeeping options passed him by, possibly viewing him as a player better suited to international conditions than the subcontinental grind of the IPL.

4) Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)

Role: Middle-order batter / Seam-bowling all-rounder
Mitchell’s omission reflected market dynamics rather than ability. A proven match-winner for New Zealand and an adaptable middle-order presence, Mitchell has delivered consistently on big stages. However, with franchises overloaded with domestic middle-order options and overseas slots already locked in, Mitchell became a victim of poor timing rather than poor form.

5) Deepak Hooda (India)

Role: Batting all-rounder
Despite a solid domestic season and previous international exposure, Hooda went unsold multiple times. His ₹75 lakh base price failed to spark interest as teams leaned heavily toward uncapped players with perceived upside. Hooda’s versatility remains valuable, but franchises appeared to prefer specialists over hybrid players in tightly defined team roles.

6) Mahipal Lomror (India)

Role: Finisher
Lomror’s absence underlined the intense competition among Indian middle-order batters. A consistent domestic performer and former RCB finisher, Lomror offers flexibility and left-handed balance. However, with franchises investing heavily in uncapped finishers and all-rounders, Lomror found himself squeezed out despite having a proven IPL skill set.

7) Gus Atkinson (England)

Role: Pace bowling all-rounder
Atkinson’s raw pace and lower-order hitting could have strengthened any bowling unit. Fresh off impressive international performances, he looked a strong candidate for teams seeking fast-bowling depth. However, overseas pace options were plentiful, and franchises instead chose to reserve slots for specialists with proven IPL track records.

8) Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)

Role: Express fast bowler
Known for his aggression and ability to hit speeds north of 150 kmph, Coetzee’s snub raised eyebrows. His omission was largely tactical, as franchises preferred investing heavily in Indian pacers such as Auqib Nabi Dar. With teams prioritizing domestic fast bowlers to free up overseas slots, Coetzee narrowly missed out despite his match-winning potential.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete list of sold players with their price

9) Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)

Role: Mystery spinner
Once a crucial cog in CSK’s bowling plans, Theekshana’s recent inconsistency proved costly. While his variations and powerplay control remain valuable, fluctuating form and predictability at the death reduced his appeal. Teams appeared wary of mystery spinners without sustained recent success.

10) Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan)

Role: Off-spinner
Mujeeb’s journey has come full circle. Once the youngest IPL debutant and a highly sought-after mystery spinner, he found no buyers this time around. While his variations are still effective, teams leaned toward wrist spinners and domestic slow bowlers, leaving Mujeeb on the sidelines in a rapidly evolving spin market.

11) Spencer Johnson (Australia)

Role: Left-arm pacer
Johnson went unsold as well despite his ability to generate steep bounce and serious pace. However, the auction trend favored domestic left-arm pacers, who offered similar skill sets without consuming overseas slots. Johnson’s case highlighted how even rare attributes can be overlooked when team combinations are already set.

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