Former India cricketer opens up on Rajasthan Royals’ options ahead of IPL 2026 auction

With the IPL 2026 auction just around the corner, all 10 franchises are gearing up to fine-tune their squads for the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League, scheduled to begin in March 2026. The auction, set to take place on December 16, is expected to play a crucial role in shaping team combinations for the upcoming season.

Ahead of the high-stakes event, former India cricketer and ex-BCCI chief selector Kris Srikkanth shared his insights on the potential auction strategies of Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), highlighting key players who could fit into their setups.

Srikkanth highlights Rajasthan Royals’ key targets

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth focused on Rajasthan Royals’ need to strengthen their middle order and spin-bowling options. He particularly praised young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has impressed consistently since his standout century against Gujarat Titans.
“Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been extraordinary since scoring that hundred against GT. He should actually be in the 15 for the T20 World Cup; he’s playing at that level,” Srikkanth said.

According to him, Royals could also look at proven all-round and top-order options to solidify their batting depth.
“Venkatesh Iyer or Rachin Ravindra might be good fits for them at No. 3,” he added.

When it came to spin bowling, Srikkanth weighed in on the choice between Ravi Bishnoi and Rahul Chahar, expressing a clear preference.
“Between Ravi Bishnoi and Rahul Chahar, I’ll go for Chahar. He’s a brilliant leg-spinner. I won’t go for Bishnoi, but maybe RR will go for him.”

He also identified Michael Bracewell as a versatile pick who could add balance to the side.
“Bracewell will be an ideal fit for them too. He can be a strong secondary spinner and fits perfectly at No. 8,” he said.

With Rajasthan traditionally valuing multi-skilled players, Bracewell’s all-round ability could make him an attractive option in the auction.

Srikkanth’s take on Lucknow Super Giants’ auction plans

Turning his attention to Lucknow Super Giants, Srikkanth stressed the importance of clarity in their batting order, particularly regarding Nicholas Pooran.
“Nicholas Pooran has to bat at No. 3. He can’t bat at No. 5,” Srikkanth said.

He suggested that if LSG were to sign Venkatesh Iyer, the team would need to reshuffle their middle order accordingly.
“Even if they go for Venkatesh Iyer, he has to bat at 4, with Rishabh Pant at 5.”

Addressing LSG’s spin department, especially after releasing Ravi Bishnoi, Srikkanth felt Rahul Chahar could be a suitable replacement.

On the pace-bowling front, he named several overseas fast bowlers who could strengthen the squad.
“Fast bowlers, they can go for Duffy or Nortje. Matt Henry is also an option. Ngidi is another one almost all teams can look at—he’s a much-improved bowler now.”

What lies ahead

With franchises working within limited purses and specific squad requirements, the IPL 2026 auction promises intense bidding wars and strategic decisions. Insights from seasoned cricket minds like Kris Srikkanth underline how teams like Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants could approach the auction, balancing youth, experience, and versatility.

All eyes will now be on December 16, as teams attempt to assemble the final pieces of their puzzle ahead of another blockbuster IPL season.