IPL 2026 Auction: Experts tip Venkatesh Iyer, Cameron Green and David Miller for big bids

With the IPL 2026 mini auction set for December 16, team strategies are coming into sharp focus as franchises prepare their plans.

On the show ‘TATA IPL Auction Most Wanted’, JioStar experts MSK Prasad, Dale Steyn, Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Bangar shared their views on players expected to draw heavy bidding, including Venkatesh Iyer, Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone, Daryl Mitchell, David Miller and Jonny Bairstow.

Also Read: IPL 2026 auction: What the ten teams have and who they’ll be desperate to get


MSK Prasad highlighted Venkatesh Iyer’s value to Kolkata Knight Riders, pointing to his ability to adapt across roles in the batting order. “Venkatesh Iyer is a special talent — a versatile left-hander who’s delivered for KKR in multiple roles. He’s shown the ability to open the innings, anchor the middle order, and even finish games when required, which speaks volumes about his flexibility and impact.”

Prasad also spoke about Ravi Bishnoi’s appeal to teams such as Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings. “Ravi Bishnoi brings great energy to any side. We’ve seen him perform impressively in the IPL — first with Rajasthan Royals and later with Lucknow Super Giants.” He said teams value a specialist bowler who is also an outstanding fielder. According to Prasad, Sunrisers Hyderabad may look at Bishnoi due to their lack of quality spin options, while Chennai Super Kings could also show interest given the spin-friendly nature of the Chennai pitch and the importance MS Dhoni places on fielding.

Also Read: IPL Auction 2026: 10 big players teams may target this year

Dale Steyn focused on Liam Livingstone’s all-round impact. “Liam Livingstone is the kind of player who can clear any boundary with ease and will be highly sought after by most teams.” Steyn said Livingstone’s ability to bowl both leg-spin and off-spin, along with his experience across global leagues, adds to his value. “He’s the sort of batter who creates a fear factor — captains often bring on their best bowlers early when he’s at the crease.”

Irfan Pathan spoke about Cameron Green’s appeal, especially to Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. “Cameron Green is a top-quality all-rounder, and with KKR entering the auction with a sizeable purse, they’ll surely target him.” He said Green could serve as a replacement for Andre Russell following his retirement, offering contributions with bat and ball, while possibly batting higher in the order. Pathan added that CSK are also expected to show interest.

On Daryl Mitchell, Prasad said his strength against spin continues to make him valuable. “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.” He added that Mitchell’s experience and temperament suit challenging conditions like Chennai.

Sanjay Bangar said David Miller could be among the most expensive names at the auction. “David Miller will likely be among the top three most expensive players in this auction.” He said teams such as Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders could benefit from Miller’s finishing ability, particularly with KKR holding a strong purse after Russell’s retirement.

Bangar also discussed Jonny Bairstow’s appeal. “Jonny Bairstow offers dual value as a wicketkeeper and a top-order batter.” He said Bairstow’s full availability due to his focus on T20 cricket could attract teams such as Delhi Capitals, who need a top-order option after releasing Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Kolkata Knight Riders, who have limited choices beyond Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.