Abhimanyu EaswaranThe Bengal The captain is one of the most consistent and prolific run-scorers in Indian domestic cricket. While known primarily for his red-ball excellence (averaging almost 49 in first-class cricket with 27 centuries), his recent T20 form has been explosive, highlighted by a blistering 130 not out from just 66 balls. Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 (SMAT)An innings which included 8 sixes.
With an overall domestic T20 average of over 37 and a strike rate of nearly 129 in 34 matches, Easwaran offers the franchise a rare combination: a technically strong top-order Indian batsman who can handle innings, convert starts into big scores, and accelerate aggressively when required, making him a prime target for teams needing stability and quality in the top three.
5 franchises that could target Abhimanyu Easwaran in IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR will enter the auction with a huge amount ₹64.30 crore And there is a significant need to restructure their entire Indian batting corps, especially after releasing Venkatesh Iyer. KKR needs a reliable Indian batsman for the critical number 3 slot To (possibly) follow their retained openers. Rahmanullah Gurbaz,jason roy And Rinku SinghHailing from Bengal and captaining the Ranji team, Easwaran has a strong local connect and the requisite flair. KKR could invest a substantial amount in Easwaran to provide the stability and consistency needed to build a long-term, high-quality Indian top-order, thereby reducing the risk of an early collapse.
2. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals keep a solid purse of ₹21.80 crore And are looking for a consistent, high quality Indian batsman for their top order Faf du Plessis And Jake Fraser-McGurkDC’s top order often relies heavily on its star overseas batsmen, giving priority to the Indian anchor, Easwaran’s recent explosive form in the SMAT proves that he is not just a red ball specialist, and he can be easily ranked Number 3 or as an openerEaswaran’s acquisition will provide technical assurance and big-scoring ability to stabilize DC’s innings and ensure the presence of a reliable domestic run-scorer,
3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Is the second largest purse of ₹43.40 crore And are undergoing a strategic reconstruction. while he retained Ruturaj Gaikwad and achieved sanju samsonThey lack the depth of experienced, high-quality Indian batsmen Number 3/4 positionEaswaran’s ability to play long innings and adapt his strike rate makes him an attractive option for the traditionally slow Chepauk surface, where anchoring is paramount, CSK value players with solid domestic track records, and Easwaran fits the bill perfectly, providing a steady and reliable Indian batting option whom they can groom for a crucial middle-order role,
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4. Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans Purse should be medium ₹12.90 crore and their heavy reliance on the intact Indian top-order pair, Shubman Gill And Sai SudarshanHowever, they need a strong indian backup opener And a reliable third Indian batsman in case of injury or poor form for Gill or Sudarshan. Easwaran’s high T20 average and big-match temperament make him an ideal signing for the role. GT’s strategy often involves picking undervalued domestic performers with big upside, and Easwaran’s recent display of aggressive T20 batting would make him a prime candidate to provide quality domestic reserves.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RCB, with purse ₹16.40 croreretained a strong top order but released several Indian batsmen, including Mayank AgarwalThey need a proven, highly rated Indian batsman who can serve as an opening batsman or a reliable No. 3/4 Batter To ensure stability should his explosive players fail. Easwaran’s recent SMAT century demonstrates the high-impact T20 performances that RCB needs to see from their homegrown talent. Given the short boundaries at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a technically gifted batsman like Easwaran, who can exploit the surface and change starts, would be an excellent investment to round out their Indian batting line-up.
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