The anticipation for the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction is reaching a fever pitch as the ten franchises finalize their strategies to fill the remaining slots. A total of 350 players have been shortlisted to go under the hammer, all competing for just 77 available spots across the teams. Among these 77 places, 31 are reserved for overseas players, setting the stage for a fierce bidding war, particularly for top international talent. Registering in the highest bracket of a ₹2 crore base price is former Australian captain Steve Smith, who last featured in the league in 2021. Ahead of the auction, legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn weighed in on Smith’s auction fate, suggesting the veteran batsman may not attract the aggressive bidding many expect.

Dale Steyn’s straightforward take on Steve Smith’s IPL 2026 Mini Auction prospects

Dale Steyn, speaking on a Star Sports video segment ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, provided a blunt assessment of Smith’s prospects, arguing that modern team management prioritizes current T20 form over reputation and experience. Steyn was presented with the statement: “Dale, I’ll give some statements. Say true if you agree. Say false if you don’t. Someone is going to bid way too aggressively for Steve Smith just for the experience factor.” The South African great immediately and firmly disagreed with this premise, providing a measured explanation that underscores the evolving, data-driven nature of IPL bidding.

Steyn’s full response was: “False. I think teams are smart enough now to understand how much money they have and who they want to bid for and if Steven Smith does go to a team, I think he will go, unfortunately for him, fairly cheaply.” This prediction highlights the perceived gap between Smith’s undisputed Test pedigree and his recent T20 currency, suggesting that franchises will not overspend on a player whose role in the explosive T20 format is often debated. Steyn’s viewpoint suggests that teams are focused on maximizing their purse on younger, power-hitting specialists, making Smith’s ₹2 crore base price look like a risk rather than a bargain.

Also READ: Explained: Why Cameron Green’s IPL 2026 bidding war won’t cross INR 18 crore in the auction?

Steve Smith’s rollercoaster IPL journey 

Smith’s IPL career has been a fascinating mix of leadership, occasional brilliance, and periods of underperformance, ultimately leading to him going unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, a stark reminder of his diminishing T20 stock. The Australian began his IPL journey as a leg-spinner before transforming into one of cricket’s premier batsmen, and his involvement has been marked by stints with multiple franchises, including Pune Warriors, Rajasthan Royals (which he captained), Rising Pune Supergiant and Delhi Capitals.

His statistical record is solid but not spectacular for the T20 format, having played over 100 matches and scored close to 2,500 runs with a lone century. However, his strike rate often sits below the explosive benchmark now required of top overseas batsmen, especially in the middle order.

Following his release by Delhi after the 2021 season, Smith went unsold in 2025, forcing him to take up a commentary role and play in the BBL, where he proved his talent by equaling the record for most Big Bash League (BBL) centuries. Despite his status as one of the world’s best batters, this recent unsold record and a base price of ₹2 crore for the 2026 auction place him in a precarious position, lending credence to Steyn’s prediction of a potentially low sale price for the experienced campaigner.

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

The Hobart Hurricanes secured their first-ever Women’s Big Bash League title with a resounding eight-wicket victory over the Perth Scorchers in the WBBL 2025 Final at Ninja Stadium in Hobart. The grand finale, a clash between the table-toppers and the team that took the long route through the play-offs, ultimately belonged to the home side, who chased down the target of 138 with five overs to spare.

The match will be forever remembered for the incredible batting clinic put on by former South African superstar Lizelle Lee, whose brutal, record-breaking knock ensured the Hurricanes controlled the chase from the very first ball. Despite a competitive total put up by the Scorchers, led by some handy middle-order contributions, their bowling attack was simply no match for the firepower of the Hurricanes’ openers, culminating in a celebration for the ages in front of a capacity crowd.

WBBL|11: Perth Scorchers’ solid yet insufficient total against Hobart Hurricanes in the final

Perth Scorchers captain Sophie Devine won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to utilise the pressure of a final by posting a challenging total. They managed to put up 137/5 from their 20 overs, a score that looked respectable on the board but ultimately fell short on a good batting surface under the lights. The Scorchers’ innings was anchored by their star openers, Beth Mooney and Katie Mack, who laid a solid foundation with a steady partnership before being separated.

Mooney, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, played a composed knock but was never allowed to truly accelerate by the disciplined Hurricanes bowlers, particularly the spin of Molly Strano and Linsey Smith, who kept the scoring rate in check through the middle overs. The Scorchers lost wickets at crucial junctures, preventing any batter from unleashing a late-innings blitz, with only Paige Scholfield and Alana King adding vital late boundaries to push the total past the 130 mark. The Hurricanes’ bowlers, led by the economical spells of Nicola Carey and Heather Graham, executed their plans perfectly, ensuring the Scorchers never reached the 150-160 par score necessary to truly challenge their in-form opponent.

HOBART’S HEROES 💜

The @HurricanesBBL have won their first WBBL title in #WBBL11 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3zVGaoqfDD

— Weber Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) December 13, 2025

Also READ: Smriti Mandhana’s remarks on ‘feeling low’ returns after her wedding setback with Palash Muchhal

WBBL|11: Lizelle Lee’s record-breaking title-clinching knock

The chase for 138 runs quickly turned into a masterclass in power-hitting, thanks entirely to the sublime form of Lee. The South African opener obliterated the target with an unbeaten, WBBL Final record score of 77 off just 44 balls, a monumental effort that included 10 fours and 4 sixes. Lee started her innings with astonishing aggression, hitting three consecutive boundaries in the very first over to immediately dismantle any belief the Scorchers’ bowlers had. Her partnership with England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge was explosive, setting the tone with over 50 runs scored inside the Powerplay.

🎉 Hobart Hurricanes Take the WBBL11 Crown! 🏆

First-time champions! The Hurricanes defeat the Scorchers by 8 wickets to win their first WBBL title! 💥🔥

Scorecard: https://t.co/92tzDij1qY#WBBL11 #HobartHurricanes #WBBLChampions #LizelleLee #Cricket pic.twitter.com/epgoIWJcUM

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 13, 2025

Even after Wyatt-Hodge fell, Lee found an able partner in Nat Sciver-Brunt (35 off 27 balls), and the pair continued to deal in boundaries, completely neutralizing the threat of star spinner King, who went for more than 10 runs per over. Lee’s clean striking and audacious shot selection simply overwhelmed the fielders and the bowling plans, with the Hurricanes cruising past the target in just 15 overs. The dominant eight-wicket win sealed a well-deserved maiden title for the Hurricanes, driven by an unforgettable, history-making performance by their powerful opener, who was named Player of the Final.

🌟 Lizelle Lee Makes WBBL Final History! 💥

Lizelle Lee smashes the highest-ever score in a WBBL final with her match-winning 77 and is named Player of the Match! 🏆💪#WBBL10 #HobartHurricane #LizelleLee pic.twitter.com/akItZYMiFa

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 13, 2025

Also READ: India hand maiden T20I call-ups to G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma for Sri Lanka series

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

The IPL 2026 mini-auction is fueling anticipation, with expert cricket commentator Aakash Chopra offering his insights on the international players who are poised to attract the highest bids. Chopra’s predictions are based on the current landscape of T20 cricket, factoring in the crucial elements of supply, demand, and the specific gaps in franchise rosters. His bold forecasts highlight a market that is particularly hungry for elite all-rounders and match-winning specialists.

Aakash Chopra names the 5 most expensive overseas players in the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction

The top-tier IPL 2026 mini-auction picks

In a video on his Instagram account, Aakash Chopra is unequivocal about the player who will headline the bidding war, placing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green at the top. Chopra is convinced Green is peerless in the auction, making a powerful statement on his potential value:

“Cameron Green will be number 1, there is nobody around him. Whatever the final price may be, he will only get the maximum cap of Rs 18 crore, but it could be a tremendous bidding war. KKR will be there and CSK will be there and there will be another team that will jump in before CSK, it could actually go up to Rs 25 to 28 crore for him.” Chopra said.

Following Green, Chopra predicts high demand for England’s Jonny Bairstow at number two, citing his recent form and versatility: “I have placed Jonny Bairstow at number 2. He has scored a lot of runs and also played a few matches for Mumbai Indians last season. Many teams can bid for him. KKR needs a wicketkeeper-batsman and DC needs an explosive batsman in the top order, so I think there will be a lot of interest in him.” Chopra added.

Also READ: Will Ricky Ponting miss the IPL 2026 auction? Here’s what we know about Punjab Kings’ head coach availability

High-value specialists and recency bias

For the third most expensive slot, Chopra selects the explosive English all-rounder, Liam Livingstone. His reasoning is purely market-driven, emphasizing the scarcity of high-impact finishers:

“Liam Livingstone has not performed well, his performance has not been up to the mark, be it for Punjab or RCB, but now everything depends on supply and demand, there is no explosive middle-order player in the auction, even Maxi (Maxwell) is not there now. So, I think Livingstone will make money this time too.”

In the lower half of his top five, Chopra places a collection of high-value specialists and all-rounders. At the fourth spot, he names the spin-bowling all-rounders Michael Bracewell (New Zealand) and Cooper Connolly (Australia), with a specific call-out to a franchise:

“There should be a lot of interest in Michael Bracewell, but unfortunately there isn’t. CSK, you need an offie (off-spinner), he bats well too. So CSK should consider him. Ricky Ponting now has an overseas slot vacant, so Connolly could be an option there.”

Finally, for the fifth position, Chopra lists three players, South Africa’s David Miller and Anrich Nortje, and Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana, predicting a massive price increase for the South Africans due to immediate performance:

“The South Africa series is currently underway, so there will be some recency bias. I have placed Matheesha Pathirana, David Miller, and Anrich Norkhia at number 5. If Nortje  and Miller perform well against India, they will earn a lot of money.” Chopra concluded.

Also READ: After facing IPL 2026 auction ban, Harry Brook to receive a handsome contract fee from Sunrisers Leeds

The 15th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL 15) will run from 14 December 2025 to 25 January 2026, featuring eight franchises, 40 league matches and a four-game playoff series across 11 iconic Australian venues. Hobart Hurricanes enter as defending champions after claiming their maiden title in the previous season, adding extra intrigue to a campaign already stacked with international stars such as Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell and David Warner.​

BBL 2025-26: Format

Organized by Cricket Australia, BBL 15 sticks to the familiar Twenty20 template with a league phase followed by Qualifier, Knockout, Challenger and Final, mirroring recent seasons. The tournament retains eight core teams – Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers, Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars – with a total of 44 matches, including playoffs.​

Each side plays a compact round-robin slate amounting to 40 league fixtures before the top four advance to the finals. The 1st and 2nd placed teams meet in the Qualifier on 20 January, while 3rd and 4th contest the Knockout on 21 January; the Qualifier winner moves straight into the Final, and the loser gets a second chance in the Challenger on 23 January against the Knockout winner, with the champion decided in the Final on 25 January 2026.

BBL 2025-26: Fixtures

Also READ: BBL|15: Check out the full list of Pakistan and Bangladesh players playing in the Big Bash League

BBL 2025-26: Squads

Adelaide Strikers: Matthew Short (c), Alex Carey, Hassan Ali, Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Mackenzie Harvey, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Harry Nielsen, Jamie Overton, Lloyd Pope, Alex Ross, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Tom Straker, Henry Thornton, Luke Wood

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

Hobart Hurricanes: Nathan Ellis (c), Tim David, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Beau Webster, Jake Weatherald, Chris Jordan, Rishad Hossain, Rehan Ahmed, Mac Wright, Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake

Melbourne Renegades: Will Sutherland (c), Tim Seifert, Adam Zampa, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Caleb Jewell, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Lyon, Hassan Khan, Ollie Peake, Mohammad Rizwan, Tom Rogers

Melbourne Stars: Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke, Tom Curran, Mark Steketee, Scott Boland, Mitchell Swepson, Haris Rauf, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle, Liam Hatcher, Hamish McKenzie

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

Sydney Sixers: Moises Henriques (c), Steve Smith, Babar Azam, Sean Abbott, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Todd Murphy, Kane Richardson, Jordan Silk, Lachlan Shaw, Josh Philippe, Hayden Kerr, Sam Curran

Sydney Thunder: David Warner (c), Sam Billings, Lockie Ferguson, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Cameron Bancroft, Wes Agar, Ollie Davies, Shadab Khan, Matthew Gilkes, Tanveer Sangha, Ryan Hadley, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Tom Andrews, Ravichandran Ashwin, Blake Nikitaras

Also READ: From Shaheen Afridi to Sam Curran: Full list of overseas players selected in the BBL|15 draft

The five-match series shifts to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala for the 3rd T20I, with the series level at 1-1 after South Africa’s win in the last game. This scenic, high-altitude venue is famous for fast outfields, extra bounce, and dramatic conditions, promising a different challenge than the Mullanpur track.

Historically, the ground offers an even contest between bat and ball, with average first innings scores in the T20 format often in the 137-152 range, although recent IPL games have seen scores breach 200, indicating a potential for high-scoring matches. The pitch is known to offer good carry for pacers, aiding initial seam movement, but the true bounce also favors fluent strokeplay once the batters are set.

IND vs SA, 3rd T20I: Dharamshala Weather Forecast

The match on Sunday, December 14, 2025, is expected to be played in cold conditions with temperatures ranging between a maximum of 14°C and a minimum of 9°C during the evening. While the high-altitude weather is volatile, current forecasts predict generally clear skies with a low chance of rain (some sources suggest a slight possibility of light drizzle).The cool, crisp December air at this altitude (approx. 1,300–1,450 meters) is ideal for spectators but challenging for player’s grip. The main weather-related concern remains the dew factor rather than rain interruptions, ensuring a full match is likely.

IND vs SA, 3rd T20I: Dew Factor

The significant altitude of the HPCA Stadium, combined with the typical cool December evening, causes a heavy build-up of dew after sunset. This dew is expected to be a major game-changer, causing the ball to get wet, slick, and difficult to grip for bowlers in the second innings. The wet ball skids on the notoriously quick outfield, further aiding the chasing side by making it easier to hit through the line and concede boundaries. This effect neutralizes the threat of both spinners and pacers late in the game, amplifying the advantage for the team batting second, a characteristic seen in high-altitude night games here.

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

IND vs SA, 3rd T20I: Toss Prediction

Captains will likely choose to bowl first upon winning the toss for these key reasons:

• Dew Advantage: The significant evening dew makes bowling in the second innings extremely difficult, substantially boosting the chances of the team batting second.
• HPCA History: Although T20I wins are slightly balanced, the consistent presence of heavy dew strongly suggests the chasing team is highly favored in night games at this venue.
• Pacer’s Early Benefit: Bowling first allows the pace attack to exploit the extra bounce and potential seam/swing offered by the pitch with the hard, dry new ball before the dew settles.
• Batting Comfort: The high-altitude pitch provides true bounce and a fast outfield which is ideal for stroke-making, especially when the ball is wet and skidding on later in the match.

Also READ: David Willey drops a truth bomb on why veteran overseas players are shifting from IPL to PSL

The five-match T20I series, now leveled at 1-1 following South Africa’s decisive victory in Mullanpur, moves to the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala for the 3rd T20I. This high-altitude venue, known for its stunning Dhauladhar mountain backdrop, offers a vastly different challenge than the flat tracks of the north. India will look to their bowlers, especially pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, to exploit the conditions, while South Africa’s high-pace attack, spearheaded by Anrich Nortje, is perfectly suited to the extra bounce and carry the pitch offers. The series is finely poised, making this mountain clash a crucial decider.

HPCA Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at the HPCA Stadium is traditionally a sporting surface, offering a good contest between bat and ball. The high altitude causes the ball to travel faster and provides extra bounce and carry, which is a boon for genuine fast bowlers if they hit the deck hard. Batters, in turn, can rely on the true bounce to play their strokes fluently once they negotiate the initial new-ball spell, making for a run-filled middle and death over segment. While the general T20I average is lower, recent results, particularly in the IPL, indicate the potential for high-scoring games with successful totals over 200 possible. The presence of heavy dew in the second innings is the most significant factor, making the surface slicker and favoring the chasing side.

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

HPCA International Stadium T20I Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 11
• Matches won batting first: 4
• Matches won bowling first: 6
• Average 1st innings Score: 137
• Average 2nd innings Score: 128
• Highest total recorded:200/3 (19.4 Overs) By South Africa vs India
• Highest score chased:200/3 (19.4 Overs) By South Africa vs India
• Lowest score defended: 59/5 (6 Overs) By Netherlands vs Ireland

Also READ: David Willey drops a truth bomb on why veteran overseas players are shifting from IPL to PSL

As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is one of the most coveted players, with several teams like KKR and CSK reportedly preparing to engage in a bidding war for the 26-year-old. With his explosive batting and handy bowling skills, Green’s price could exceed Rs. 18 Crore.

Why Cameron Green will command a high price at IPL 2026 Auction

Cameron Green is widely expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, scheduled for December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), both of which have large purses, are expected to lead the charge for Green’s signature. His all-around ability makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket, especially with KKR needing a replacement for Andre Russell and CSK looking to add more firepower in their foreign player contingent.

In the previous mini-auction, foreign players like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins fetched record amounts. Green’s performance in the 2023 auction, where he was bought by Mumbai Indians (MI) for Rs. 17.5 Crore, further adds to his market value, and many predict that his price could easily cross the Rs. 20 Crore mark. However, there’s a catch: no matter the bidding war, Green’s final price cannot exceed Rs. 18 Crore, thanks to a new IPL policy.

Reasons why Cameron Green’s IPL 2026 auction price is unlikely to cross Rs. 18 crore

However, due to a new IPL rule introduced last year, Green cannot be sold for more than Rs. 18 Crore, no matter how high the bids go. The rule in question was introduced by the IPL to ensure fairness in the auction process and to address concerns about overseas players registering only for mini-auctions to secure inflated bids. According to the rule, the maximum salary for any overseas player in a mini-auction is capped at the highest retention price or auction price for an Indian player from the previous mega-auction.

In IPL 2025, the highest retention amount for an Indian player was Rs. 18 Crore. As a result, no foreign player in the mini-auction, including Green, can be paid more than this amount, regardless of the final bid. This rule aims to curb the tendency of overseas players opting out of mega-auctions for the higher payouts typically seen in mini-auctions. If Green’s bid exceeds Rs. 18 Crore, the excess amount will not go to him. Instead, it will be diverted to the BCCI for player welfare. This ensures that while Green can still fetch a high price, his earnings remain capped at Rs. 18 Crore.

Also READ: 5 franchises that can target Cameron Green in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

IPL 2026 Auction: How the cap affects teams and Green’s earnings

While this cap limits Green’s direct earnings, it also impacts the bidding strategy of franchises. If a team bids more than Rs. 18 Crore, they will still have to bear the entire cost, but the amount beyond Rs. 18 Crore will be deducted from their auction purse, with the extra funds allocated to player welfare.

This new rule, introduced to ensure a more level playing field in the mini-auction, has certainly stirred the auction dynamics. Teams can still aggressively pursue high-profile overseas players like Green, but their spending will be limited by the cap, ensuring that the funds are used more equitably across all franchises.

Despite the rule that caps his earnings at Rs. 18 Crore, Green’s IPL 2026 auction is still likely to be one of the most talked-about events of the season. Given the demand for foreign all-rounders and the competitive nature of IPL mini-auctions, his final price will likely hover near the upper limit. However, even if bidding crosses the Rs. 18 Crore mark, Green will only pocket that capped amount, with the excess going to the BCCI for the benefit of the players’ welfare. This ensures a unique dynamic in the upcoming IPL auction that balances team finances with the well-being of players.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: 350 players to go under the hammer; Cameron Green, Prithvi Shaw, Steve Smith among the big players

The IPL 2026 mini-auction is currently facing an unprecedented challenge with a notable number of veteran overseas superstars electing to bypass the bidding process entirely. This unexpected exodus includes high-profile, long-time IPL participants such as Moeen Ali, Faf du Plessis all of whom have chosen to register for the rival Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to a direct clash in tournament schedules. This shift has prompted former England cricketer David Willey to offer a candid explanation for this choice, framing the decision as a pragmatic trade-off.

David Willey uncovers the real reason why veteran overseas stars are moving from IPL to PSL

Former England international Willey, who has experience playing for both Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), precisely identified the key motivational factor driving veteran players to favor the PSL over the IPL, which he confirmed is a search for guaranteed match participation. Willey emphasized that the IPL’s rigid restriction of only four overseas players in the starting eleven creates a substantial risk of high-profile players spending the entire season on the bench, making the PSL’s offering of more consistent playing time far more appealing to seasoned professionals who prioritize on-field activity. Willey offered a clear, direct quote on the individual nature of this decision:

“I think it’s very individual. You may never quite know how the IPL auction will pan out. I think there’s a little bit more certainty and security with the PSL for players. And, you know, depending on individual circumstances, people might feel like they’ve got more chance of actually playing in the PSL rather than just sitting on the sidelines for 10-11 weeks, which can be a defining factor for people.” Willey was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.

This sentiment directly addresses the reality that even top-tier overseas bowlers, such as Nathan Ellis, were often confined to the sidelines, featuring in only one match during the entire IPL 2025 season. The auction’s inherent unpredictability and high competition among younger, currently in-form players further increase the risk of older or recently struggling stars going unsold,  historical precedent set by legends like Chris Gayle in the 2011 auction. Therefore, the security of a guaranteed playing contract and a defined role in the PSL is increasingly viewed as a more valuable commodity than the potential, yet uncertain, larger paycheck from the highly competitive IPL auction.

Also READ: Has India-Pakistan rivalry lost spark? Tickets for the T20I World Cup 2026 ‘biggest clash’ begin at THIS price

Willey’s dual presence in both IPL and PSL 

Willey, the English bowling all-rounder, has maintained a dual presence in the world of franchise cricket, representing multiple teams in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) throughout his career. In the IPL, Willey has notably played for the CSK, where he first debuted in 2018, and the RCB, where he featured in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, later also being associated with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Across his entire IPL career spanning 11 matches, Willey has scored 53 runs with a highest score of 20 against KKR in 2023, while his bowling performance has yielded 6 wickets overall, with a best figure of 2/16. Conversely, his presence in the PSL has been marked by stints with teams including Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Multan Sultans and most recently opted out of the IPL 2025 auction to play in the PSL 2025 season.

Also READ: No Cameron Green! CSK drops big hint regarding Top 3 potential targets for IPL 2026 mini-auction

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are heading into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction with a highly defined strategic focus, armed with ₹22.95 crore and looking to fill their full quota of four overseas slots. Despite an overall disappointing 7th-place finish in IPL 2025, the team retained a powerful core, including elite talents like Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram.

Lucknow Super Giants: Targeting overseas specialists for balance ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

Their most critical structural need is for a specialist death bowler, an Indian spinner (following Ravi Bishnoi‘s release), and a versatile pace all-rounder to provide flexibility. LSG will spend big on specialist roles, ensuring their team is structurally sound and balanced for a title push.

Despite an overall disappointing 7th-place finish in IPL 2025, the team retained a powerful core of foreign players and aggressively traded in Mohammed Shami. Their biggest structural need is a specialist overseas death bowler (Matheesha Pathirana is a prime target), a high-quality reserve keeper, and a high-impact domestic spinner following the release of Bishnoi. LSG will spend big on specialist roles, ensuring their team is structurally sound and balanced for a title push.

5 players that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Matheesha Pathirana (Overseas Express Pacer)

Pathirana is LSG’s highest priority target and a necessity for their death-overs bowling. Despite retaining Shami, LSG lacks a dedicated, specialist final-overs bowler, and Pathirana perfectly fills this void. Known for his unique sling-shot action and pin-point yorkers, he is an elite, high-volume wicket-taker (47 wickets in 32 IPL matches). Acquiring the young Sri Lankan would instantly provide Captain Pant with a world-class overseas strike bowler, an essential element for defending low scores or controlling big totals.

2. Jason Holder (Overseas Pace-Bowling All-Rounder)

Jason Holder is a crucial target to fill the vacuum of a genuine fast-medium bowling all-rounder in the squad. Holder offers invaluable utility: a genuine fast-medium bowler who can operate in the middle overs and provide useful, right-arm pace in the death. His ability to hit the long ball with the bat provides a reliable lower-middle-order insurance alongside Ayush Badoni, a role LSG desperately needs to ensure resilience late in the innings. His experience and dual skillset offer essential structural flexibility.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga (Overseas Spin-Bowling All-Rounder)

Following the release of Ravi Bishnoi, LSG needs a high-impact, wicket-taking spinner. Wanindu Hasaranga is the premier overseas leg-spinning all-rounder available. He not only guarantees wickets in the middle overs but also provides valuable lower-order power-hitting (T20 SR over 140) to boost the score. Hasaranga’s dual utility makes him an ideal acquisition, as he strengthens both the bowling attack with his strike ability and the batting line-up with his aggressive hitting, offering excellent flexibility in team composition.

Also READ: 5 franchises that can target Sunny Sandhu in the IPL 2026 auction

4. Jake Fraser-McGurk (Overseas Opening Batter/Reserve)

Jake Fraser-McGurk, released by DC, represents an exciting, aggressive long-term investment for LSG. The young Australian is known for his ultra-aggressive approach (T20 SR over 150) and his ability to dismantle bowling attacks from the start. Acquiring him would provide LSG with a high-potential, low-cost overseas batter who can be rotated with Stoinis or Daryl Mitchell depending on pitch conditions and form. Fraser-McGurk’s high-impact style and young age align perfectly with LSG’s desire to secure talent for the future.

5. Rahul Chahar (Indian Leg-Spinner)

With the confirmed release of Bishnoi, LSG has a critical need for a quality, proven Indian leg-spinner to lead their domestic spin attack. Rahul Chahar, a regular performer in the IPL, is the prime candidate. Chahar is known for his control, ability to take wickets in the middle overs, and his excellent economy rate (7.72 in IPL). Targeting him ensures LSG secures an experienced domestic spinner who can handle the pressure of bowling in the crucial middle phase of the innings, providing the necessary depth to their bowling arsenal.

Also READ: 5 franchises that can target Lungi Ngidi in the IPL 2026 auction