liam livingstoneEngland’s explosive all-rounder has been released Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) next to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auctionMainly due to an underperforming IPL 2025 season where he struggled to justify his Rs 8.75 crore price tag (scoring 112 runs in 8 innings).
However, Livingstone is one of the most destructive T20 players globally, known for his tremendous power-hitting, versatility in the batting order and the rare ability to bowl both leg-spin and off-spin (match-up bowling). His recent form in the T20 league has been explosive, including an unbeaten 82 off 38 balls Abu Dhabi Knight Riders ILT20 2025 League vs Sharjah WarriorsTeams needing a high-impact, multi-faceted overseas finisher who can provide flexible spin bowling will see him as a big-value man, especially since he is available at a potentially lower price than his previous retention,
5 franchises that could target Liam Livingstone in IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings They will enter the auction with the second-highest purse of Rs 43.40 crore and a major deficit in their overseas all-rounder department. Sam CurranCSK are in dire need of a versatile middle-order batsman who can finish games and provide a quality spin option, Livingstone plays this role perfectly, bringing explosive batting to the lower-middle order and the unique flexibility of spin bowling that is highly valued on the Chepauk surface, With his significant budget, CSK will be a primary bidder, seeing him as an ideal high-impact, multi-skill replacement to maintain the balance of their traditional squad,
2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR has the biggest auction purse of Rs 64.30 crore and has a clear priority: to compensate for the overseas all-rounder firepower lost with the release of Andre Russell. Whereas cameron green A potential top target, Livingstone offers a proven, devastating option. KKR needs a foreign batsman who can come in the death overs and bowl some tough overs. Livingstone’s ability to hit long boundaries at the Eden Gardens and his flexible spin bowling make him a perfect fit for KKR’s historically aggressive, all-round-heavy strategy. Their vast financial resources mean they can outbid any competitors for their services.
3. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have a moderate purse of Rs 11.50 crore but have a history with Livingstone, for whom they enjoyed their best IPL season in 2022. PBKS recently released glen maxwell And they need to acquire a foreign power-hitter for their middle and lower order to support the retained players Michelle Owen And Shashank SinghLivingstone’s familiarity with the franchise, his proven success batting anywhere from No, 3 to 6, and his destructive power matches PBKS’ strategy of fearless, high-scoring cricket, For a team that needs a high-impact foreign player within a limited budget, Livingstone offers a known quantity and huge value,
Also read: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Abhimanyu Easwaran in the mini-auction
4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has a strong purse of Rs 25.50 crore and is known to invest in aggressive, high-growth players. SRH need to add more firepower and depth to their middle order, which has been inconsistent at times. Livingstone can fit in perfectly at number 5 or 6, providing an intimidating counter-attacking option if the top order collapses, or accelerates ruthlessly when set. Additionally, his flexible spin options will add vital balance to a team that often relies heavily on its fast bowlers. His profile is in line with SRH’s current philosophy of maximizing T20 aggression.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Despite releasing him due to his high price tag, RCB can still target Livingstone if he falls for a reasonable price, as they have a purse of Rs 16.40 crore. RCB need to fill two overseas slots, and their immediate priority will be to secure a specialist fast bowler (like Enrique Nortje) and an all-rounder. Livingstone is a familiar face who understands Chinnaswamy’s dynamics. If their primary overseas all-rounder targets (like Green or another big name) prove too expensive, buying back Livingstone would ensure they secure a proven, high-impact all-rounder who the management and the retained core knows well.
Also read: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Anrich Nortje in mini-auction