Who Will Go Big? Top 5 Overseas Targets for IPL 2026 Auction

Former Indian cricketer and noted commentator Aakash Chopra recently claimed to have singled out a few foreign players for whom franchises might engage in gladiatorial battles come the IPL 2026 auction. According to Chopra, Australia's Cameron Green--locked out of action in 2025 with an injury--is thought to be poached by the year's most wanted overseas player.

The IPL 2026 auction is set to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi where teams can buy any of the 31 foreign players. Many top names have been shifted or have just retired from the game, so all IPL franchises are on the lookout for fresh foreign talent—be it a wicketkeeper-batsman, power-hitter, all-rounder, or death-overs player.

While all the teams have saved enough money in their kitties for the IPL 2026 auction, the biggest remaining sum for a single franchise was taken by Kolkata Knight Riders, making it another daunting chase for the big guns. Chennai Super Kings, which was in the second position with the second-largest purse, is also expected to make a series of buys to fortify their team.

"Recency Bias" Will Have a Role to Play -Aakash Chopra

"The ongoing series in South Africa could inflate the values of some players due to a recency bias. Consequently, Pathirana, Miller, and Nortje may be very much on the radar too at No. 5 if they are impressive against India."

As for Pathirana, Miller, and Nortje, the international batsmen quipped, "Pathirana, Miller, and Nortje are placed at No. 5 for me. If Nortje and Miller do well in the series, they'll definitely fetch big money." Chopra stated in his insights broadcast on X.

Michael Bracewell Could Attract Strong Bids

Among the all-rounders, Michael Bracewell and Cooper Connolly would attract a good bit of attention in Chopra's opinion. He felt that the case for Bracewell would be that an off-spinner who paddles is going to suit well for teams like CSK.

"Michael Bracewell should attract some interest. CSK need an off-spinner who can bat, so they should look at him. Connolly is another option, especially for Delhi Capitals," Chopra suggested.

“Jonny Bairstow Will Be a Top Pick”—Chopra

However, Liam Livingstone failed to match the big players' expectations at Punjab Kings and RCB, but with the scarcity of middle-order options, a rare power-hitting capability will always be a welcome boon.

Liam Livingstone generated a fair bit of excitement the season before last with Mumbai Indians and will draw considerable interest yet again.

"I have put Jonny Bairstow in No. 2. Many teams will bid for him—KKR needs a wicketkeeping-batter, DC needs someone that will open explosively. There will be intense demand for him," Chopra said.

Cameron Green to be the No. 1 overseas pick

The biggest overseas attraction in Chopra's mind is clearly Cameron Green. The potential allrounder was released by RCB in 2024 and sidelined in 2025. And with his age and all-around potential, this makes him one of the most promising foreign buyers for 2026. Looking into him as an option-are teams such as KKR and CSK.

“Cameron Green would probably be ranked atop; no one is close. He will be capped at around ₹18 crores, but his price might escalate to around ₹25–28 crores. KKR, CSK, maybe some other team, they all will go 'all out'.” Chopra provided his prediction."