IPL 2026 Auction Strategy: Top-3 ‘Unsold Stars’ who could spark a bidding war, These players are… – news24online.com

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IPL 2026 Auction Strategy: The 2026 edition of IPL is shaping up to be an exciting one – not just for fresh talent, but also for the potential return of some well-known names who’ve graced the tournament in the past.
Over the years, several seasoned cricketers have drifted away from the IPL scene due to injuries, inconsistent form, or simply the lack of interest from franchises at the auction table. However, with teams now seeking experience and balance ahead of the new season, the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction could open doors for a few of these familiar faces to make a strong comeback.
Let’s take a look at three such players who could be on the radar this time:
Once considered one of India’s brightest fast-bowling prospects, Shivam Mavi first caught attention during the 2018 U-19 World Cup, where his pace and accuracy stood out. He made his IPL debut the same year with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and showed flashes of brilliance in the seasons that followed.
After a decent stint with KKR, Mavi was picked by the Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2023 for a whopping Rs 6 crore, but unfortunately didn’t get a single game. His move to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2024 also ended in disappointment after an untimely injury ruled him out of the entire season.
Now fit and ready, the right-arm pacer, who has represented India in six T20Is – could be a smart pick for teams looking for an experienced Indian seamer. With many franchises eyeing reliable domestic pacers, Mavi’s name might once again feature among the contenders in the IPL 2026 mini auction.
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Australian all-rounder Matthew Short had a brief taste of IPL action when he turned out for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2023, scoring 117 runs in six matches at a healthy strike rate of 127.17. Despite his potential as a power-hitter and a part-time off-spinner, he was released after the season and went unsold in both the 2024 and 2025 auctions.
Now, with a solid run of performances in Australian domestic cricket and growing international exposure, Short could finally attract interest again. The 30-year-old offers the flexibility every T20 team craves, a player who can open the innings, bat aggressively in the middle order, and contribute with the ball when needed.
Given the lack of high-profile all-round options in this year’s auction pool, Short might just be among the surprise comeback stories of IPL 2026.
When it comes to experience and versatility, few players can match Jason Holder. The former West Indies captain has been a proven performer across formats, capable of changing the game with both bat and ball. After enjoying a lucrative Rs 8.75 crore deal with Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022, Holder surprisingly went unsold in the 2024 and 2025 auctions despite keeping a reasonable base price.
However, his recent form suggests a potential turnaround. The tall Barbadian has been in good rhythm in both international cricket and various franchise leagues, even taking over as captain of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20. Earlier this year, Holder also surpassed Dwayne Bravo’s record for the most T20I wickets by a West Indian – a testament to his longevity and consistency.
With several IPL teams keen to strengthen their lower middle order and add a seam-bowling all-rounder to their squad, Holder’s name could very well re-emerge at the 2026 auction.
As the countdown to the IPL 2026 mini auction begins, the focus won’t just be on rising stars or big-money signings. Players like Shivam Mavi, Matthew Short, and Jason Holder bring with them the kind of experience and hunger that can add real depth to any squad.
Also Read: RCB Auction strategy: Royal Challengers Bengaluru likely to release two big players ahead of IPL 2026
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