as a countdown to ipl 2026 The auction gained momentum, cricket expert and former all-rounder of India Irfan Pathan He has revealed his list of five players he believes franchises will have keen interest in. With teams set to rebuild and restructure, Pathan’s selection focuses heavily on fast bowling – a commodity that is fast dominating T20 cricket. Their list also includes a high-impact all-rounder who could become one of the biggest talking points of the auction.
Star Indian bowlers lead the domestic pacer category
Pathan’s first choice was India’s emerging fast bowler. sky lampwhom he praised for his impressive control and ability with the new ball. But I am saying star sportsPathan explained that the right-arm fast bowler has a straight seam position, late movement and zippy release – all these things make him a dangerous bowler in the powerplay.
He suggested that Sunrisers Hyderabad, which has recently progressed Mohammed ShamiAkash could be one of the teams interested in securing Deep. Pathan stressed that any franchise looking for a reliable Indian fast bowler with strong new-ball skills will keep a close eye on him during the bidding process.
“If I talk about Akash Deep, his seam is very straightforward. If any team can utilize his new ball skills, he can be beneficial because he is excellent with the new ball. The way his balls zip and come on the bat, he comes on well. He also generates that late movement, which we saw in England. Akash Deep’s quality is there with the new ball. I think Sunrisers Hyderabad They are short of Indian fast bowlers, they have also released Mohammed Shami, so they can go for him.” Pathan said on Star Sports.
Pathan also included Akash Madhwal In its five-player watch list, his rapid rise to prominence in T20 cricket and his ability to handle pressure at the death were praised. Known for his accurate yorkers and disciplined bowling in tough moments, Madhwal has already showcased his temperament in high-stakes IPL matches.
Australian all-rounder garners massive attention
Among all-rounders, Pathan’s best choice was Australia cameron greenPredicting that teams will do everything possible for him despite the lack of money. Describing him as a rare entity in world cricket, Pathan noted Green’s high-arm action, natural bounce, ability to swing the ball and impact with the bat.
Green prefers to bat at the top but also offers flexibility in the middle order – a combination that makes him a strategic asset. Pathan said fast bowling all-rounders of his caliber are ‘rare in nature’, making him one of the most valuable names in the Australian auction.
Pace pair expected to create a stir
Adding to his list, Pathan picked two foreign fast players who are known for their blazing pace – Enrique Nortje And Mathisha Pathirana – He believes that there will be huge demand for both.
Nortje, with his ability to consistently hit speeds above 150 km/h, brings the ability to intimidate and take wickets at all stages of the innings. Pathan said Nortje’s experience in global T20 leagues makes him an immediate signing for any team looking for a strike bowler.
Pathirana, known as ‘Baby Malinga’ due to his brilliant action, has built a reputation as a lethal death over specialist. His ability to bowl accurate yorkers and destabilize batsmen from deceptive angles makes him one of the most exciting young fast bowlers available. Pathan believes that his unique skillset will lead to stronger competition among the franchises.
Also read: 5 uncapped stars who can start a bidding war in IPL 2026 mini auction
