IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: Ben Stokes And 2 Other England Stars Who Could Spark Bidding Wars – news24online.com

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The recently concluded Test series between England vs India was nothing short of a cricketing spectacle, and while the focus was largely on the fierce battles between bat and ball, a few England players managed to catch the eye with their exceptional performances.
Playing under the aggressive Bazball philosophy, these players not only impressed in red-ball cricket but also showed qualities that could translate brilliantly into the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League.
With the IPL 2026 mini-auction set to take place later this year, there’s a good chance that several English stars could enter the pool. If they do, franchises will certainly be taking notes and cheque-books will be ready. From seasoned all-rounders to rising batting talents, here are three England players who could be in high demand next season.
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Jamie Smith might still be in the early stages of his international career, but his talent is undeniable. In the recently concluded Test series, Smith was a consistent performer for England, scoring two fifties, one hundred, and two other forty-plus scores in 10 innings – a remarkable feat against a strong Indian bowling attack.
While he is better known for his red-ball exploits, Smith has also shown his worth in T20 cricket, scoring 1,484 runs in 90 matches with an impressive strike rate. He made his debut in both ODIs and T20Is earlier this year, further boosting his profile as a dependable, adaptable player. A franchise looking for a young wicketkeeper-batter with long-term potential could see Smith as a perfect fit.
Ben Duckett’s name is synonymous with fearless batting. With over 5,200 T20 runs under his belt, the left-hander has vast experience in leagues around the globe, including The Hundred, Vitality Blast, PSL, BBL, and Mzansi Super League.
Interestingly, Duckett registered for the IPL 2025 mega auction with a base price of Rs. 2 crore but went unsold – a decision that might not be repeated after his Test series performance in India. Facing quality spin and pace, Duckett stood tall and displayed the kind of aggressive stroke play that suits IPL’s high-scoring conditions. For franchises looking to strengthen their top order, he could be a tempting pick this time around.
When it comes to impact players, few can match the presence of Ben Stokes. The England Test captain is no stranger to the IPL, having featured in six seasons across three franchises – Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings.
Stokes has accumulated 935 runs and 28 wickets in the tournament so far, often turning games single-handedly. After missing IPL 2024 due to injury and opting out of IPL 2025 to prepare for The Ashes, Stokes returned to Test cricket in style, emerging as England’s best bowler in the IND vs ENG series with 20 wickets in just four Tests. His ability to deliver with both bat and ball, combined with his leadership skills, makes him a player any franchise would love to have – if he decides to put his name in the auction.
The IPL is a different beast compared to Test cricket, but the skills and temperament shown by Stokes, Smith, and Duckett in the high-pressure India vs England series make a strong case for their inclusion in the 2026 edition. If they choose to enter the mini-auction, expect a bidding war and perhaps the start of another chapter in their already promising careers.
Also Read: Inside The IPL Trade Window: How Franchises Build Super Squads Before The Season?
Senior Sub-Editor (Sports)
Aditya Mallick is a Senior Sub-Editor (Sports) with over 4+ years of experience covering a wide range of sports, including cricket and football. His in-depth coverage of major sporting events such as ICC Cricket tournaments and prominent football leagues demonstrates his expertise in the field. Aditya holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Maharshi Dayanand University and has contributed to leading media outlets like Zee News and The Times of India. Aditya’s articles undergo rigorous fact-checking by a dedicated News Desk team before publication, ensuring accuracy and reliability. His commitment to journalistic integrity has made him a trusted voice in sports media. Beyond the newsroom, Aditya actively engages with the sporting community and is a member of various sports journalism and media associations. Feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn to stay updated with his latest insights and contributions to sports journalism.
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