IPL 2026 Auction: Top 3 Bowlers Every Franchise Will Target

The IPL 2026 Mega Auction is set to reshape teams once again, and franchises will be on the lookout for bowlers who can deliver instant impact. With batting-heavy squads and flat pitches becoming the norm, high-quality bowlers are more valuable than ever. Here are three bowlers who are expected to be on every franchise’s radar this season.

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Maheesh Theekshana Bowler

Maheesh Theekshana, a Sri Lankan cricketer, was elevated to the rank of Sergeant after winning the 2022 Asia Cup in Dubai.

Maheesh Theekshana

Maheesh Theekshana took a mere 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.76 in IPL 2025. The Sri Lankan spinner, who RR procured for 4.4 crore, was never the wicket-taking spinner the Rajasthan Royals (RR) were looking for. Even last season, Rajasthan had all kind of budget constraints as they barely had enough for purchase their top targets for the auction. 

Based on that, his release into auction seems required to procure some cash to spend, especially since he was at the lowest end of the spinner scale. The Royals can afford to play a spinner with the overseas slots that they have. If he is back to best, Theekshana could provide a decent rate of phase coverage and rated for his defensive abilities. Getting him at a price similar or close to base would be a win for the Rajasthan Royals.

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Kagiso Rabada Bowler

Kagiso Rabada is a South African fast-bowling all-rounder, born May 25, 1995, who is 30 years old as of 2025.

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada was bought for almost 11 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, but he played only four matches for the Gujarat Titans. He gave away too many runs, with an economy rate of 11.57. His season ended early because of a reported drug-related issue.

The Titans might be forced to release Rabada to give themselves the funds necessary to strengthen other areas of their lineup. His T20 form hasn't been particularly promising, and GT have enough resources in the domestic seam department to offset the South African's potential absence.
That said, however, buying Rabada back at a cheaper price, which he is primed to be available at, would be a smart move. His hit-the-deck style of bowling is ideally suited to Ahmedabad, and he has the experience Ashish Nehra values so highly.

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Trent Boult Bowler

Trent Boult, a New Zealand cricketer, is known for his left-arm fast-medium bowling style and his right-handed bat.

Trent Boult

In 16 matches, he picked up a decent 22 wickets, but his economy rate of 8.97 was on the higher side. More importantly, the Kiwi didn't offer enough at the death to warrant taking up an overseas pacer slot.

Boult still has some cricket left in him and is one of the fittest names on the circuit, but he's likely to warrant such a big amount at the 2026 auction. But MI would want their star overseas recruit to produce a little more with the ball and offer more versatility. So, as they once did with Nathan Coulter-Nile, the Indians could release him and repurchase him at a cheaper price.

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