IPL 2026 auction: Top 5 Overseas Batters Who Could Start a Bidding War. The IPL 2026 auction will take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. The franchises have already started rebuilding their squads by trading and releasing players. Overseas batters with both proven T20 and IPL experience will be the ones that might trigger bidding wars. CSK, KKR, DC, RCB, and other teams with high purses are looking forward to betting on these players.
1. Cameron Green
Cameron Green is still regarded as one of the most valuable all-rounder batting choices in T20 cricket globally. The Australian cricketer has over 90 T20 matches of experience. He has scored more than 1,800 runs at an impressive average of around 27 and a strike rate of about 145. This shows that he could quickly score runs in the middle order. His IPL career includes 42 matches played, during which he scored 707 runs with an impressive strike rate of over 150, including one outstanding innings of an unbeaten 100. Adding up to his batting records, 16 wickets taken by him in IPL also count as teams that seek a star player with multi-skills. KKR and CSK will fight for him, as they have the highest purse in the auction.
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2. Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra’s price may go up because of his performance and versatility across all three formats. In T20, he has played over 95 games and scored more than 2,000 runs, with an average of about 29 on a strike rate in the mid-130s. His IPL runs are still modest, with 222 off 10 at 131. The franchises’ expectation of him growing in the Indian climate is there. Add to that the balling aspect of Ravindra, and it makes his value enhancement more so. Hence, it can slowly be seen as a long-term investment that could reap bids from multiple bidders.
3. Jamie Smith
Jamie Smith is among the very few overseas batsmen who have already been recognised as young talents. He has not played a game yet during IPL. The English keeper-batsman made a T20 profile that is hard to miss, with runs close to 1,900 in 75 matches with an average of 32 plus and a strike rate of near 150. His attacking and aggressive style, along with trustworthy and secure keeping, create an impressive mix that attracts teams who are looking for a modern opener and, at the same time, can fill an overseas slot.
4. Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone has already become a reputable IPL match-winner and a well-known figure in the auction. The England all-rounder has, to date, scored more than 6,500 runs in T20 cricket while playing in over 250 matches with a strike rate of around 150. This already indicates his power-hitting nature. In IPL, Livingstone played 39 matches so far, and scored an incredible 939 runs with a strike rate of 160. His best is 94. His huge sixes, short bowling, and safe catching ensure that he is always among the top overseas batsmen wanted in every season.
5. Devon Conway
Devon Conway is one of the most stable overseas openers in IPL history. The Kiwi has over 6,700 T20 runs from 200-plus games, with an average of almost 40 and a solid strike rate. In the IPL, he was exceptional and scored 924 runs in 23 games with an average of 48.6 and a strike rate of 141. It included nine fifties. His capability of sustaining the innings while at the same time upping the scoring rate makes him a prime target for franchises that are looking for stability at the top.
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The combination of these five overseas batsmen contains the mix of recognised IPL winners and high-potential international stars.