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.

New Zealand have announced a revised 14-member squad for the third and final Test against the West Indies, scheduled to be played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The Black Caps, who currently lead the three-match series 1-0 after a dominant nine-wicket win in the second Test, will be aiming to seal the series with a victory on home soil.

Blundell returns after injury layoff

Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell has been recalled after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the opening Test in Christchurch. The injury forced Blundell to miss the remainder of the first match as well as the second Test, where debutant Mitch Hay stepped in admirably, scoring a fluent 61 in Wellington.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter welcomed Blundell’s return, highlighting his importance to the squad.
“Tom has recovered very well from his hamstring tear, and we’re grateful to have someone of his calibre back in the side. His experience is invaluable, especially with several players relatively new to Test cricket,” Walter said.

Hay has been released from the squad and will return to domestic duties with Canterbury, though Walter acknowledged his positive impact.
“Mitch did a great job for us on debut, and it’s pleasing to have that depth in our wicketkeeping stocks,” he added.

Ajaz Patel back to bolster spin attack

Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel also returns to the Test squad, marking his first inclusion since New Zealand’s home series against India last year. The Bay Oval surface, known for offering more assistance to spinners than most New Zealand venues, played a key role in Patel’s recall.
“Ajaz is someone we can trust to come in and do a job if required. Bay Oval has typically offered more turn, and his ability to turn the ball away from right-handers adds a valuable dimension to our attack,” Walter explained.

Patel is in line to make his first home Test appearance since 2020, adding experience and variation alongside New Zealand’s seam-heavy bowling unit.

Pace attack largely unchanged

New Zealand have largely retained the pace group that impressed in the second Test. Blair Tickner has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury, while Michael Rae, Jacob Duffy, and Zak Foulkes are expected to continue. Patel provides an additional spin option should conditions warrant a two-spinner strategy.

Series context

After a rain-affected draw in the opening Test, New Zealand seized control of the series with a commanding performance in the second match. With key players returning and momentum on their side, the hosts will look to wrap up the series, while the West Indies will be hoping to level it and take confidence into future tours.

New Zealand squad for third Test

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction without their head coach Ricky Ponting, who will be unavailable due to commentary commitments for the Ashes series with Australia’s Channel Seven Network. According to a Cricbuzz report, team captain Shreyas Iyer is expected to lead the franchise’s auction table at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on December 16.

Despite Ponting’s absence, the Punjab Kings management is reportedly confident, mainly because the team has minimal activity planned for the auction. PBKS has only four slots left, including two overseas positions, and a remaining purse of ₹11.50 crore.

Shreyas Iyer’s Leadership Turned Punjab Kings’ Fortunes

Shreyas Iyer’s leadership proved transformative for Punjab Kings during IPL 2025. In his reunion with Ricky Ponting—whom he previously worked with at Delhi Capitals—Iyer guided the team to:

• Their first playoffs appearance in 11 years
• Their first final since the 2014 season

Iyer also led from the front with a phenomenal batting season, finishing as PBKS’ leading run-scorer with:

• 604 runs
• An average of 50
• A strike rate of 175

His performance made him the backbone of the franchise and a natural choice to represent PBKS at the auction.

Iyer will be joined at the auction table by:

• Sairaj Bahutule – Spin Bowling Coach
• Trevor Gonsalves – Assistant Bowling Coach
• Ashish Tuli – General Manager

Punjab Kings’ Likely Auction Strategy

PBKS released three overseas players — Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, and Kyle Jamieson — suggesting the franchise may prioritize overseas reinforcements.

Likely targets include:

1. Indian Backup Spinner

A domestic spinner who can support Rahul Chahar or serve as bench strength.

2. Overseas Top-Order Batter / Batting All-Rounder

A flexible player who can anchor or accelerate, especially in case of injuries or form issues.

3. Overseas Fast Bowling Backup

With Jamieson released, PBKS is expected to look for a reliable pace option to balance their squad.

The team aims to complete its 25-member squad while making impactful yet value-driven buys.

Other Franchise Updates

Vettori to Attend SRH Auction Table

Daniel Vettori, Australia’s assistant coach, will be present for Sunrisers Hyderabad despite the third Ashes Test starting the next day. SRH has:

• 10 slots to fill
• A substantial purse of ₹25.50 crore

Vettori made a similar arrangement with Cricket Australia during last year’s auction, leaving in between the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Lucknow Super Giants’ Representation

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will have full management representation, including:

• Justin Langer – Head Coach
• Tom Moody – Global Director of Cricket
• Bharat Arun – Bowling Coach
• Members of the ownership group