Sanjay Bangar He believes that CSK’s star player can prove to be the biggest profitable deal. ipl 2026 auctionHe was accused of “stealing” the Abu Dhabi event on 15 December. despite his release Chennai Super Kings (CSK), The 22-year-old’s death overs pedigree and early IPL impact have kept him firmly in the headlines ahead of the mini auction.
Sanjay Bangar calls CSK star a hidden gem of the auction
In a rapid-fire segment on Star Sports, the former India all-rounder and ex-punjab kings Chief coach Bangar targeted Mathisha Pathirana When he was asked to predict the biggest steal of the IPL 2026 auction. Bangar highlighted the Sri Lankan’s round-arm action, yorker accuracy and change-up as rare skills that can make for tough chases, emphasizing that such variety is difficult to find in a high-pressure, batsman-dominated tournament.
Pathirana’s IPL numbers underline why he is still viewed as a value pick after an inconsistent 2025 season. He was central to CSK’s 2023 title chase, taking 19 wickets in 12 matches at an average of under 20, working almost exclusively in the death overs and often ending games with it. ms dhoniDuring his CSK stint, he took over 40 wickets in just over 30 matches, cementing his reputation as a specialist despite a string of expensive spells,
CSK’s decision to release Pathirana ahead of the 2026 auction was influenced by fitness concerns and a decline in control, with the franchise management publicly admitting that injuries and technical changes at the release point had affected his form. Yet many analysts believe this very release could drive his value low enough that a shrewd franchise could take him down for marquee money, especially with teams like Kolkata Knight Riders And Lucknow Super Giants Known in the market for death over specialist. Bangar himself has indicated to LSG, who have gone ahead david miller and rebalancing its foreign mix, Pathirana can be considered as a high-upside investment in the middle class
Who crossed the ₹15 crore mark? Who made the biggest deal of the auction? Dale Steyn and Sanjay Bangar break down the boldest predictions ahead of the big day!#TATAIPLAuction 👉🏻Tuesday, December 16, 2 pm on Star Sports and JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/HDzk4uTP8S
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 13 December 2025
Also read: Dale Steyn gives no nonsense opinion on Steve Smith’s IPL 2026 auction prospects
Dale Steyn also names low-cost pace arms to consider in IPL 2026 auction
Bangar is not the only former fast bowler to bargain for fast bowlers in this auction dale steyn Possible theft is also being monitored. In the same Star Sports interaction, the former South African premier pointed out his compatriots Gerald Coetzee And Enrique Nortje As players who can provide returns well above their potential price tag. Coetzee has already shown glimpses of his usefulness in the IPL Mumbai Indians And Gujarat TitansClaiming 15 wickets at a strike rate of 15 in 14 matches, which reflects his ability to strike in short, hostile bursts, even as his economy remains a work in progress.
Meanwhile, Nortje has emerged as a proven stalwart in the IPL with 61 wickets in 48 matches Delhi Capitals And KKR, built on high pace, tough lengths and powerplay successes. Injury setbacks and a dip in form have dimmed his aura a bit, but with the franchise looking for an experienced enforcer who can bowl with the new ball and in the death overs, he is expected to keep a close eye on his price band. With both Bangar and Steyn having gauged the value in high-velocity fast bowling rather than just marquee all-rounders, the narrative of the IPL 2026 auction is increasingly tilting towards which franchise understands the fast bowling market the smartest rather than who bowls the fastest.
Also read: Aakash Chopra predicts 5 most expensive foreign players in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction
