The IPL 2026 auction list is out, and 350 names are included for the upcoming mini auction. Amid the names, there are 35 newly listed inclusions who were not part of the primary spreadsheet.
Among those new entrants, Kerala's Jikku Bright remains an interesting choice. While players like Sachin Baby, MD Nidheesh have failed the cut, Jikku's name features in no. 259 of the long column.
Who is Jikku Bright?
Jikku Bright is a 28-year-old off-spinner from Kerala. Born in Trivandrum on 16th January, 1997 - Jikku has mostly been a tennis player in his life. The player is known for his yorker ability in local circuit, and was part of the Mumbai Indians setup last year as a net bowler.
Jikku's father Bright Mohan is a tailor and gardener, while his mother Mary Selin is a housewife.
Despite their financial struggles, Mr Mohan has always been supportive of his kid. MyKhel caught up with the player and he is immensely thankful to his parents, while crediting coaches who have helped him with fees, equipment. Switched to mainstream cricket three years ago, Jikku is a bit surprised about his inclusion in the final auction list.
"It's a bit surprising. Last year, I had a good performance in net bowling. But the name in the auction was a surprise. "
Jikku is mainly an off-spinner who has a lot of variety, which keeps him in the same bracket as a mystery spinner. The Kerala-born's bowling video was shown to Mumbai Indians, from where he was selected as a net bowler. With the guidance of Lasith Malinga at MI, Jikku has also mastered the ability to bowl yorkers, a rare commodity among spinners.
And as the name arrives in the auction for Jikku, a dream has been reignited for the 28-year-old, who may have an opportunity of a lifetime come December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
Jikku Bright Career
Jikku currently plays for Travancore Cricketing Union in the A Division of the Trivandrum District Cricket Association League. Apart from that, he has played for tennis ball teams such as Atlas UTC, Ashes and others. The player has never represented Kerala in any age divisions, and was not part of the Kerala Cricket League auction as well.
