Former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared his prediction on which foreign players can get the highest bid in the IPL 2026 auction. The cricketer turned commentator said that Cameron Green, who missed the last season due to injury, is expected to receive multiple bids from franchises in the auction.
The IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Teams can sign 31 foreign players during the auction. With the release of big names and the retirement of some stars, franchises have been aggressively looking for overseas talent, ranging from wicketkeepers and power hitters to all-rounders and specialist bowlers.
Kolkata Knight Riders have the highest purse for the IPL 2026 auction, allowing them to achieve every target on their wish list. Chennai Super Kings, who have the second-highest purse, are also expected to be active as they look to add key players and strengthen their core for the upcoming season.
There is going to be some recency bias – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said that three foreign players could become valuable No. 5 picks in the IPL 2026 auction. He selected South Africans David Miller and Anrich Nortje as well as Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana.
“The South Africa series is going on, so there is going to be some recent bias. I have Mathisha Pathirana, David Miller and Anrich Nortje at No. 5. If Nortje and Miller perform well against India, they will get a lot of money,” he said in a clip posted on Twitter.
There should be a lot of interest for Michael Bracewell in the IPL auction – Aakash Chopra
Chopra believes that all-rounders Michael Bracewell and Cooper Connolly could attract attention in the auction. He said Bracewell offers the kind of off-spin and lower-order hitting that a team like CSK might need. Chopra also revealed that Delhi Capitals may consider Connolly.
Chopra said, “There should be a lot of interest for Michael Bracewell, but unfortunately there is not. CSK you need an offie, he bats well too. So CSK should think about him. Ricky Ponting has an overseas slot vacant right now, so Connolly is an option there.”
I have placed Jonny Bairstow at number 2- Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said that although Liam Livingstone has performed poorly for Punjab Kings and RCB, the lack of power-hitters in the middle order will keep his value high. Chopra said that Jonny Bairstow is expected to attract interest from many franchises after his stint with Mumbai Indians.
Chopra said, “Livingstone has not been good, be it for Punjab or RCB. But, it is all about supply and demand now, there are no explosive players in the middle-order, even Maxi (Maxwell) is not there now. So, I think Livingstone will make money this time too.”
He said, “I have placed Jonny Bairstow at No. 2. He has hit a lot and also played a few matches for Mumbai Indians last season. Many teams can go after him. KKR need a keeper-batsman and DC need an explosive batsman at the top of the order, so I think there will be a lot of interest for him.”
Cameron Green will be at number 1 – Aakash Chopra
Cameron Green is expected to be the star attraction of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He was released by RCB in 2024 and missed the 2025 season due to injury. Aakash Chopra said that teams like KKR and CSK can work hard for Green.
Aakash Chopra concluded, “Cameron Green will be at No. 1, no one is coming close to him. No matter what the final price is, he will get a maximum of Rs 18 crore, but the bidding, it could be a fair bidding war. There will be KKR and there will be CSK, and if some other team comes before CSK, then it could actually be Rs 25 to 28 crore for him.”
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