sunny sandhu is a highly promising young Indian domestic all-rounder, known for his right-arm medium fast bowling and aggressive right-arm middle-order batting. Sandhu has formally registered his name Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Mini-Auction In the uncapped bracket with a base price of Rs 30 lakh.
Cryptic IPL 2026 mini-auction support from Ravichandran Ashwin
represented Punjab And, most recently, in domestic T20 cricket in Tamil Nadu, Sandhu’s stock has skyrocketed due to his recent domestic performances. In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025he gave a clutch performance Tamil NaduPlayed a match-winning inning of 30 runs in just 9 balls while chasing an important target. Saurashtra,
4️⃣,4️⃣,6️⃣,6️⃣,4️⃣
When 40 runs were needed in four overs, Sunny Sandhu turned it around with a game-changing over
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/DlpijtPpFx@IDFCFIRSTBANK , #SMAT pic.twitter.com/bkaaSpEl1S
– BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) 8 December 2025
The performance immediately caught the attention of the cricket world, leading to cryptic support from Ravichandran Ashwin, who posted a visual pun referencing “Sunny”, which fans immediately decoded as a shout-out to the young sensation. As a 22-year-old Indian player with proven finishing ability, he represents a significant investment for any franchise looking for a homegrown fast-bowling all-rounder.
– Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) 9 December 2025
5 franchises that can target Sunny Sandhu in IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR will enter the auction with the biggest purse of ₹64.30 crore and there is a significant need to rebuild their Indian all-rounder base, especially after the release of Venkatesh IyerKKR needs an uncapped player with high potential and two-dimensional skills for the future, Sandhu, as a fast bowling all-rounder, fits the mold of a high-upside investment perfectly, His ability to bowl at a steady medium pace and his recent explosive finishing with the bat provides the kind of flexibility that KKR is looking for in its lower-middle order, With their ample funds, KKR can comfortably acquire Sandhu and groom him as the premier Indian all-rounder of the future to emerge on the Eden Gardens surface,
2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) They have the second largest purse of ₹43.40 crore and are focusing heavily on strengthening their Indian bowling depth and all-round options. The secret support given by Ashwin (CSK legend) regarding “Sunny Sandhu” has completely brought him on the radar of the franchise. CSK’s philosophy of investing in promising homegrown talent and developing them into specialists makes Sandhu an ideal candidate. He will be seen as a reliable right-arm medium pace option who can bowl non-marquee overs and contribute with the bat. Their acquisition will be seen as a long-term strategic move to provide critical domestic backup and utility.
3. Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans (GT) They have a medium purse of ₹12.90 crore and are looking to add an aggressive Indian fast all-rounder to their squad to provide depth to the core they have built. GT has a history of unearthing homegrown artists and maximizing their value. Sandhu’s combined skill set, consistent medium pace and proven T20 striking ability (highlighted by his SMAT cameo), makes him an ideal target for GT’s scouting model. He provides a cost-effective solution to the fast bowling all-rounder slot, ensuring they have a reliable domestic utility player for the middle and lower order, without having to commit their limited funds to a high-priced international star.
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4. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals (DC) They have a solid purse of ₹21.80 crore and are in constant need of more Indian fast bowling options and depth among their domestic all-rounders. DC needs reliable bench strength that can step up when required. Sandhu’s consistent domestic performances, especially his medium pace, make him a valuable asset. DC can see him as an essential Indian fast-bowling backup who also contributes with the bat while meeting two needs of the team with the same investment. His versatile skill set provides vital domestic balance to their strong overseas contingent, making him a smart choice for the middle rounds of the auction.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RCB has a purse of ₹16.40 crore and is in dire need of strengthening their entire bowling attack as they have released several Indian fast bowlers. RCB needs a high-calibre domestic fast-bowling all-rounder to support their high-profile overseas stars. Sunny Sandhu’s youth and dual skills make him a compelling target. If they secure their key pace targets, Sandhu provides a reliable, young Indian talent to build on for the future. RCB need a reliable domestic finisher who can bowl, and Sandhu’s profile as an aggressive middle-order batsman and consistent bowler fits the high-impact role often required at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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