IPL 2026 mini-auction, set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, promises intense bidding with teams like KKR and CSK holding substantial purses of ₹64.3 crore and ₹43.4 crore respectively to fill multiple slots. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has spotlighted two overseas talents as prime targets for these franchises, citing their all-round prowess amid key squad gaps. With 110 overseas players in the 350-strong pool, franchises prioritize versatile performers who balance bat and ball effectively.
Irfan Pathan predicts foreign players that will have massive interest from CSK, KKR
Cameron Green emerges as a top draw due to his seamless all-round skills, making him a direct successor for KKR post-Andre Russell‘s IPL retirement and shift to a coaching role. The 26-year-old Australian boasts impressive IPL credentials, amassing 452 runs at a strike rate over 140 in 2023 for Mumbai Indians, followed by 255 runs and 10 wickets in 2024 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Pathan emphasized KKR’s massive purse positioning them to chase Green aggressively, while CSK eyes him as a like-for-like swap for Sam Curran, traded to Rajasthan Royals in a multi-player deal involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson. Green’s ability to bat higher up and seam bowl adds immense value on spin-friendly pitches, potentially fetching bids beyond his ₹2 crore base price.
“Cameron Green is a top-quality all-rounder, and with KKR entering the auction with a sizeable purse, they’ll surely target him. With Andre Russell retired, Green offers a like-for-like replacement — someone who can contribute with both bat and ball, though he’ll probably bat a bit higher in the order. I expect CSK to show interest too,” Pathan said on JioStar’s pre-auction show.
Pathan forecasts 2nd foreign player as CSK’s backup plan
Should CSK miss Green, Pathan predicts a reunion with Daryl Mitchell, praising his spin-handling expertise suited to Chennai’s conditions. The New Zealand batter delivered 351 IPL runs at a 131-plus strike rate across 15 matches, including two fifties, with notable contributions like 63 off 34 balls. CSK’s prior ₹14 crore investment underscores his proven middle-order stability and occasional bowling utility.
“Daryl Mitchell is a quality overseas batter who plays spin exceptionally well — that’s exactly why Chennai Super Kings invested heavily in him earlier, paying around 14 crore. His ability to handle spin on tricky surfaces like Chennai’s makes him a strong asset. With solid experience in both international and league cricket, he brings the temperament and skill teams look for in a proven overseas performer,” Pathan added.
Pathan’s insights from JioStar’s pre-auction analysis highlight how both players address overseas slot demands, fueling a potential bidding war as franchises rebuild for the 2026 season. This strategic focus on quality all-rounders could redefine team balances in the cash-rich event.
