As the countdown begins for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, the focus is squarely on the crucial overseas slots, particularly for pace bowling. South African quick Lungi Ngidi is expected to be one of the most sought-after names on the auction table.
Ngidi, who brings proven international experience and a commendable IPL record, boasts 29 wickets from just 16 IPL matches at a brilliant average of 18.24 and a strike rate of 12.83. His ability to hit the deck hard and deliver crucial spells, especially in the death overs, makes him a valuable asset. Following his release by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), several franchises will be lining up to secure the services of the Proteas speedster to plug key bowling gaps.
5 teams that are poised to engage in a bidding war for Lungi Ngidi in the upcoming auction
1. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Purse Remaining: INR 21.80 crore | Slots Remaining: 8 (5 Overseas)
The Delhi Capitals badly need to fortify their fast-bowling unit. Last season, the team heavily relied on the consistency of Mitchell Starc but lacked a dependable overseas partner or cover. DC’s bowling was often exposed, particularly in the later stages of an innings.
Ngidi fits perfectly into the Capitals’ requirements. He can serve as an experienced, high-impact partner for Starc, bringing variety and a proven wicket-taking ability. His knack for striking early and controlling the middle overs would significantly bolster a DC attack that is seeking a reliable overseas quick to complement their domestic options.
2. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Purse Remaining: INR 22.95 crore | Slots Remaining: 6 (4 Overseas)
Lucknow Super Giants have clearly identified the need for an elite overseas death-overs specialist. While the team has added Mohammed Shami via trade, the pace attack still lacks an authoritative international presence who can execute yorkers and restrict runs at the death.
With four overseas slots available and a healthy purse, LSG will be aggressively pursuing a bowler like Ngidi. His high-end T20 skills, particularly his execution under pressure, make him an ideal candidate to provide the depth and balance required to complete their pace battery, especially on pitches that offer assistance to fast bowlers.
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Purse Remaining: INR 16.40 crore | Slots Remaining: 8 (2 Overseas)
As defending champions, RCB still have a couple of vital overseas spots to fill, and securing an experienced strike pacer is a priority. Ngidi was part of the RCB squad last season, which suggests a familiarity with the team environment and coaching staff, making a repurchase a strong possibility.
RCB needs a bowler who can partner with the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara. Ngidi’s pace and control provide a strong option, but the franchise will be looking for him to deliver exceptional performances in the high-stakes death overs to complete their bowling lineup. Given their previous association, RCB might be tempted to secure him again for continuity and experience.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Purse Remaining: INR 64.30 crore | Slots Remaining: 13 (6 Overseas)
Kolkata Knight Riders possess the largest auction purse, giving them the maximum flexibility to target top-tier talent. KKR’s primary weakness last season was the inconsistency and lack of depth in their pace attack. While they have a strong spin base with Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy retained, their pace unit needs a significant overhaul.
KKR are in dire need of an experienced overseas fast bowler who can anchor the attack and support young domestic talents like Harshit Rana and Umran Malik. Ngidi’s ability to lead a bowling unit and perform consistently across different phases of the game makes him an ideal, high-priority target for the franchise as they look to build a more balanced and formidable squad.
5. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Purse Remaining: INR 16.05 crore | Slots Remaining: 9 (1 Overseas)
For the 2008 winners, Rajasthan Royals, the strategy revolves around securing a quality fast bowler who can serve as both a partner and a reliable backup for the retained Jofra Archer. While they have Kwena Maphaka and Sam Curran (traded) as other overseas options, the team requires an experienced campaigner.
The major constraint for RR is that they have only one overseas slot available, meaning their choice must be a perfect fit. Ngidi’s relative experience, wicket-taking capability, and strong fundamentals tick every box. If the Royals decide to spend big on a single, high-impact foreign bowler, Ngidi will undoubtedly be high on their wishlist to maximize the value of that solitary overseas spot.
