The IPL 2025 had created a wonderful IPL season and exciting matches throughout the tournament with all-round performances, players gave their best efforts and performances to help their teams win in the crucial times. As the IPL 2026 auction gets closer, expected in mid-December, all teams will look to add strong players to their squads for IPL 2026.
Wicket-keeping is one of the most crucial jobs in cricket. A good wicket-keeper not only needs quick hands behind the stumps but should also be able to score crucial runs when the team needs them. IPL Teams will be searching for talented and skilled wicketkeeper-batters who can remain calm under pressure and change the game's momentum in the crucial times and when team needs. Here are five wicket-keepers who could be in high demand at the IPL 2026 auction.
Top 5 Wicketkeepers in High Demand at the IPL 2026 Auction
5. Sam Billings (England)
Sam Billings is a skilled wicketkeeper from England. He played 30 IPL matches for three teams and scored some important runs in the middle order. His experience and calm nature in crucial times, and he can score runs when the team needs make him a good choice for any team in IPL 2026.
T20 Stats
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave |
|---|
| Men's 100 (OI-M) | 42 | 37 | 12 | 494 | 76* | 19.76 | 369 |
| Vitality Blast (KEN) | 155 | 151 | 25 | 3092 | 106 | 24.53 | 2355 |
| PSL (2 teams) | 29 | 27 | 5 | 563 | 78* | 25.59 | 393 |
| ILT20 (2 teams) | 29 | 25 | 4 | 649 | 67 | 30.90 | 509 |
| BBL (3 teams) | 58 | 55 | 6 | 1430 | 83 | 29.18 | 1023 |
| CPL (ABF) | 8 | 7 | 0 | 129 | 56 | 18.42 | 114 |
| BPL (RAR) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.00 | 4 |
| IPL (3 teams) | 30 | 27 | 1 | 503 | 56 | 19.34 | 388 |
4. Narayan Jagadeesan (India)
Narayan Jagadeesan is known for his classic batting and smart keeping from Tamil Nadu. He has played 13 IPL matches and has a T20 average of 31.38. With more opportunities, he can become a strong Indian wicketkeeper option.
T20 Stats
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF |
|---|
| IPL | 2 teams | 13 | 10 | 1 | 162 | 39* | 18.00 | 147 |
3. Tim Seifert (New Zealand)
Tim Seifert is an attacking batter from New Zealand who can hit all around the ground. He has a 142.52 T20I strike rate, and his experience from many leagues helps the teams in crucial times. His aggressive batting makes him a great fit for IPL 2026.
T20 Stats
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave |
|---|
| CPL (2 teams) | 57 | 50 | 9 | 1184 | 125* | 28.87 | 913 |
| Major League Cricket (SF) | 7 | 6 | 1 | 114 | 33 | 22.80 | 108 |
| PSL (KK) | 17 | 17 | 0 | 424 | 49 | 24.94 | 300 |
| ILT20 (SW) | 8 | 6 | 1 | 101 | 40* | 20.20 | 92 |
| BBL (MR) | 10 | 10 | 1 | 200 | 55 | 22.22 | 163 |
| LPL (GAM) | 17 | 17 | 4 | 631 | 104* | 48.53 | 469 |
| Vitality Blast (SUS) | 4 | 4 | 1 | 139 | 100* | 46.33 | 83 |
| IPL (2 teams) | 3 | 3 | 0 | 26 | 21 | 8.66 | 23 |
2. Urvil Patel (India)
Urvil Patel is a young and fearless wicketkeeper-batter from India. He impressed in IPL 2025 for Chennai Super Kings with his quick scoring and attacking shots all around the ground. His attacking approach makes him one to watch at the IPL 2026 auction and the best choice for all teams for IPL 2026.
T20 Stats
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF |
|---|
| IPL | CSK | 3 | 3 | 0 | 68 | 37 | 22.66 | 32 |
1. Jonny Bairstow (England)
Jonny Bairstow is one of the most powerful wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket. He scored 445 runs in 10 matches for SRH in 2019 and later played for PBKS and MI. His explosive starts make him a top pick for IPL 2026.
T20 Stats
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave |
|---|
| Men's 100 (WF-M) | 21 | 21 | 2 | 586 | 86* | 30.84 | 425 |
| Vitality Blast (YOR) | 75 | 70 | 11 | 1710 | 116 | 28.98 | 1240 |
| IPL (3 teams) | 52 | 52 | 4 | 1674 | 114 | 34.87 | 1146 |
| SA20 (JSK) | 10 | 8 | 2 | 232 | 60 | 38.66 | 173 |
| PSL (PZ) | 11 | 10 | 1 | 151 | 15 | 15.00 | 169 |
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