Courtesy: BCCI/IPL
With the TATA IPL 2026 mini‑auction scheduled for December 16, franchise strategies are in focus. Speaking on ‘TATA IPL Auction Most Wanted’, JioStar experts MSK Prasad, Dale Steyn, Irfan Pathan, and Sanjay Bangar shared their views on key players likely to draw big bids, including Venkatesh Iyer, Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone, Daryl Mitchell, David Miller, and Jonny Bairstow.
Speaking on ‘TATA IPL Auction Most Wanted’ show, JioStar expert MSK Prasad praised Venkatesh Iyer for his adaptability and consistency across roles for Kolkata Knight Riders:
“Venkatesh Iyer is a special talent — a versatile left-hander who’s delivered for KKR in multiple roles. He’s shown the ability to open the innings, anchor the middle order, and even finish games when required, which speaks volumes about his flexibility and impact.”
On why Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings might target Ravi Bishnoi at the auction:
“Ravi Bishnoi brings great energy to any side. We’ve seen him perform impressively in the IPL — first with Rajasthan Royals and later with Lucknow Super Giants. Teams will always value a pure bowler who’s also an exceptional fielder. Sunrisers Hyderabad will likely have their eyes on Ravi Bishnoi since they’re short on quality spinners. Chennai Super Kings could also be interested — the Chennai surface naturally assists spin, and Bishnoi’s exceptional fielding adds even more value, something MS Dhoni always appreciates in his players.”
Speaking ‘TATA IPL Auction Most Wanted’ show, JioStar expert Dale Steyn shared his thoughts on why Liam Livingstone is a valuable all-rounder:
“Liam Livingstone is the kind of player who can clear any boundary with ease and will be highly sought after by most teams. He also contributes with the ball, bowling both leg-spin and off-spin, and brings plenty of experience from playing leagues worldwide. He’s the sort of batter who creates a fear factor — captains often bring on their best bowlers early when he’s at the crease.”
Speaking on ‘TATA IPL Auction Most Wanted’ show, JioStar expert Irfan Pathan discussed why Cameron Green will attract strong interest from teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings at the auction:
“Cameron Green is a top-quality all-rounder, and with KKR entering the auction with a sizeable purse, they’ll surely target him. With Andre Russell retired, Green offers a like-for-like replacement — someone who can contribute with both bat and ball, though he’ll probably bat a bit higher in the order. I expect CSK to show interest too.”
On why Daryl Mitchell remains a valuable overseas option:
“Daryl Mitchell is a quality overseas batter who plays spin exceptionally well — that’s exactly why Chennai Super Kings invested heavily in him earlier, paying around 14 crore. His ability to handle spin on tricky surfaces like Chennai’s makes him a strong asset. With solid experience in both international and league cricket, he brings the temperament and skill teams look for in a proven overseas performer.”
Speaking on ‘TATA IPL Auction Most Wanted’ show, JioStar expert Sanjay Bangar on why David Miller could be a prime target for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders:
“David Miller will likely be among the top three most expensive players in this auction. Several teams need a player with his finishing ability — Gujarat Titans, for instance, would benefit from his experience, while Kolkata Knight Riders could target him too, especially with Andre Russell’s retirement and a healthy purse at their disposal.”
On why Jonny Bairstow could attract strong interest from franchises seeking a dependable top-order batter-wicketkeeper:
“Jonny Bairstow offers dual value as a wicketkeeper and a top-order batter. He has a proven pedigree and, since he’s currently focused solely on T20 cricket, his full availability makes him an even stronger prospect. Teams like Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders could be in the mix — Delhi need a top-order option after releasing Jake Fraser-McGurk, while KKR might also look at him given their limited choices beyond Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.”
