IPL Auction 2026: What the Teams Need – Part II

As IPL Auction 2026 approaches, several franchises are fine-tuning their squads rather than rebuilding from scratch. Here’s a team-wise breakdown of key gaps, auction strategies and likely targets, using current purse value and squad balance.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Purse: INR 64.30 Cr | Slots: 13 | Overseas: 6

Key Needs

• Like-for-like replacement for Andre Russell

• Stable opening combination

• Reliable wicketkeeper

• Overseas fast bowler

KKR have the biggest flexibility at the auction table. With Russell gone, an elite pace-bowling allrounder is their top priority, and Cameron Green fits the bill perfectly. The opening slot remains uncertain with Sunil Narine’s form dipping, while the franchise currently has no specialist wicketkeeper, making that role critical. An overseas quick such as Matheesha Pathirana could complete the XI.

Potential Targets: Cameron Green, Quinton de Kock, Jonny Bairstow, Venkatesh Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Matheesha Pathirana

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Purse: INR 16.05 Cr | Slots: 9 | Overseas: 1

Key Needs

• Specialist wrist spinner

• Backup Indian wicketkeeper

• Domestic batting depth

Despite a limited purse, RR’s core looks strong. Their biggest concern is the lack of a wrist spinner, an area that once powered their success with Ashwin and Chahal. With Sanju Samson gone, a local wicketkeeping backup to Dhruv Jurel is essential. Middle-over bowling and death overs also need reinforcement through smart domestic buys.

Potential Targets: Ravi Bishnoi, Rahul Chahar, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma, Salman Nizar

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Purse: INR 22.95 Cr | Slots: 6 | Overseas: 4

Key Needs

• Overseas allrounder

• Middle-order batter

• Additional spinner

LSG are well stocked in pace bowling, especially after adding Mohammed Shami. However, the absence of a genuine allrounder in the XI is glaring. With only Digvesh Rathi as a wrist spinner, spin depth is also an issue. Expect LSG to target versatility rather than star power.

Potential Targets: Jason Holder, Wiaan Mulder, Deepak Hooda, Alzarri Joseph, Abhinav Manohar

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Purse: INR 12.90 Cr | Slots: 5 | Overseas: 4

Key Needs

• Overseas middle-order batter

• Backup overseas wicketkeeper

• Reserve overseas pacer

GT are among the most settled teams. A reunion with David Miller or adding a dynamic bat like Liam Livingstone could strengthen the middle order. With Gerald Coetzee released, a fast-bowling backup for Rabada is also expected.

Potential Targets: David Miller, Liam Livingstone, Kusal Mendis, Matt Henry

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Purse: INR 2.75 Cr | Slots: 5 | Overseas: 1

Key Needs

• Backup wicketkeeper

• Domestic middle-order batter

MI enter with the lowest purse, reflecting squad stability. Their main concern is cover for Ryan Rickelton and adding a dependable Indian batter. Expect low-cost, tactical buys rather than bidding wars.

Potential Targets: Jonny Bairstow, Jamie Smith, Tim Seifert

Safe Cricket Betting Advice (IPL 2026)

From a betting perspective, auction outcomes significantly influence early IPL odds. Focus on squad balance and role clarity, not just big names. Teams filling critical gaps—like KKR’s allrounder or RR’s spinner—often outperform expectations in the opening phase of the tournament.