As soon as the countdown starts Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The focus in the mini-auction is entirely on the important overseas slots, especially for fast bowling. south african quick lungi ngidi Expected to be one of the most sought-after names on the auction table.
Ngidi, who has proven international experience and a commendable IPL record, has taken 29 wickets in just 16 IPL matches at an impressive average of 18.24 and a strike rate of 12.83. His ability to hit the deck hard and deliver important spells, especially in death overs, makes him a valuable asset. After his release by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)Many franchises will be lining up to secure the services of the Proteas speedster to address the major bowling deficiencies.
5 teams who are ready to engage in bidding war for Lungi Ngidi in the upcoming auction
1. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Purse Balance: Rs 21.80 crore slots remaining:8 (5 foreigners)
Delhi Capitals is in dire need of strengthening their fast bowling unit. Last season the team relied heavily on continuity Mitchell Starc But a reliable foreign partner or cover was lacking. DC’s bowling was often exposed, especially in the latter stages of the innings.
Ngidi fits the Capitals needs perfectly. He can serve as an experienced, high-impact partner to Starc, bringing variety and proven wicket-taking ability. His knack of striking early and controlling the middle overs will greatly strengthen a DC attack that is looking for a reliable overseas paceman to complement their domestic options.
2. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Purse Balance: Rs 22.95 crore slots remaining:6 (4 foreigners)
The Lucknow Supergiants have clearly identified the need for an elite overseas death over specialist. While the team has added Mohammed Shami Through trade, the pace attack still lacks an authoritative international presence who can hit yorkers and stop runs at the death overs.
With four overseas slots available and a good purse, LSG will aggressively pursue a bowler like Ngidi. His high-level T20 skills, particularly his execution under pressure, make him an ideal candidate to provide the depth and balance needed to complete their pace battery, especially on pitches that favor fast bowlers.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Purse Balance: Rs 16.40 crore slots remaining:8 (2 foreigners)
As defending champions, RCB still have to fill some important overseas spots and securing an experienced strike pacer is a priority. Ngidi was part of the RCB squad last season, which suggests familiarity with the team environment and coaching staff, making a buyback a strong possibility.
RCB needs a bowler who can partner with players like these Josh Hazlewood And Nuwan ThusharaNgidi’s pace and control provide a strong option, but the franchise will look to him to deliver exceptional performances in the high-stakes death overs to complete their bowling lineup, Given his previous involvement, RCB may be tempted to secure him again for continuity and experience,
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4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
purse is left: INR 64.30 Crore | slots remaining: 13 (6 foreigners)
Kolkata Knight Riders have the largest auction fund, giving them maximum flexibility to target top-tier talent. KKR’s primary weakness last season was inconsistency and lack of depth in their pace attack. While they have a strong spin base Sunil Narine And Varun Chakraborty have been retained, their motion unit needs significant changes.
KKR is in dire need of an experienced overseas fast bowler who can lead the attack and support the young domestic talent Harshit Rana And Umran MalikNgidi’s ability to lead the bowling unit and deliver consistent performances at different stages of the game makes him an ideal, high-priority target for the franchise as they look to build a more balanced and strong squad,
5. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
purse is left: INR 16.05 Crore | slots remaining:9 (1 foreigner)
For the 2008 winners, Rajasthan Royals, the strategy revolved around acquiring a quality fast bowler who could serve as both a partner and a reliable backup to the retained players. jofra archerwhile they have quena mafaka And Sam Curran (Business) As with other overseas options, the team needs an experienced campaigner.
The big hurdle for RR is that they only have one overseas slot available, which means their choice has to be a perfect fit. Ngidi’s relative experience, wicket-taking ability and strong fundamentals tick every box. If the Royals decide to spend big on a single, high-impact overseas bowler, Ngidi will undoubtedly be at the top of their wish list to maximize the value of that lone overseas spot.
Also read: 5 franchises that can target Quinton de Kock in IPL 2026 auction