Overseas All-Rounders Poised for Bargain Buys at IPL 2026

As the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction approaches, the league is set to witness a solid pool of overseas players available for grabs. With all 10 franchises looking to finetune their rosters, many are expected to release names in order to fund their target hunting at the event.

This could lead to the release of several big-name overseas all-rounders, who may be available at significantly lower prices. The IPL 2025 season saw a surge of replacement signings, some of whom have impressed teams enough to be retained at throwaway prices. To accommodate these players, franchises seem primed to trim their books and potentially reclaim certain high-profile names at more appropriate price tags.

The Rajasthan Royals (RR), for instance, are likely to release Wanindu Hasaranga, whom they had acquired for ₹5.25 crore in the previous auction. The Sri Lankan leg-spinner failed to live up to expectations, picking up just 11 wickets in as many matches at an economy rate of 9.05. With RR thin on spinners and needing funds to strengthen other areas, they could buy Hasaranga back at a cheaper price.

Similarly, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) may attempt to free up a significant portion of their budget by releasing Marcus Stoinis. The Australian all-rounder, signed for over ₹10 crore, was sparingly used with the ball and struggled to make an impact. PBKS have other options like Azmatullah Omarzai and Mitchell Owen, and could snap Stoinis back at a lower price.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who won the IPL 2025 title, are also considering the release of Liam Livingstone. The Englishman lost form and was replaced in the playing XI by Romario Shepherd. With Livingstone earning in double digits, RCB may choose to let him go and potentially re-acquire him at a cheaper rate.