The Rise of a Pace Sensation
Josh Tongue is no stranger to hype, but 2026 has been the year he truly delivered on his immense promise. After battling back from career-threatening injuries, the 6-foot-4-inch speedster has become a formidable force. Capable of consistently bowling
over 145 km/h, his high release point, awkward action, and ability to generate bounce make him a nightmare for batters. This was evident during his recent exploits in The Hundred, where he finished as the joint leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps. He also made headlines with a stunning performance in the tournament's Eliminator, taking four wickets. This form follows a strong showing for England in both red and white-ball cricket, where he has demonstrated a knack for taking crucial wickets, including dismissing top international batsmen. With the IPL 2027 auction likely to be a mega auction where teams rebuild, a genuine overseas fast bowler with Tongue's attributes will be in high demand. His ability to perform under pressure and take wickets across different phases of the game makes him an attractive, and potentially lucrative, option.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have perennially searched for a settled and lethal pace attack to complement their explosive batting. While they have had quality pacers like Arshdeep Singh, the overseas fast bowling slots have often seen a revolving door of players. For the 2027 season, PBKS will be desperate to build a core group that can deliver consistently, especially in the death overs—an area where they have struggled. Josh Tongue fits the bill perfectly. His express pace provides a shock factor that few bowlers in the world possess. Pairing him with a crafty bowler like Arshdeep could create a formidable new-ball and death-bowling combination. Tongue’s height allows him to extract uncomfortable bounce even on flatter Indian pitches, a quality that can trouble the best in the business. Furthermore, Punjab Kings have often shown a willingness to invest heavily in high-impact overseas players during mega auctions. Given Tongue's recent form and his relatively low profile in the IPL so far, they could see him as a valuable asset to build their new-look bowling attack around without necessarily breaking the bank compared to more established names.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their quest for a death-bowling spearhead is a tale as old as the IPL itself. The small boundaries and flat pitch at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium demand bowlers who possess either exceptional skill or raw, intimidating pace. Josh Tongue brings the latter in abundance. His ability to hit speeds approaching 150 km/h could be the X-factor RCB needs to finally solve their bowling woes. Imagine Tongue steaming in during the final overs, a phase where RCB has historically leaked runs. His primary weapon is not just speed but the difficult angles he creates, making it hard for batters to line him up. In the 2026 season, RCB continued to rely on a mix of pacers without one standout overseas leader. Looking towards 2027, the franchise will surely prioritise a genuine wicket-taker who can lead the attack. Tongue, with his proven ability to dismiss top-order batsmen and clean up the tail, offers a complete package. A successful mega auction for RCB will depend on identifying and securing bowlers who can win them matches, and Tongue's profile as an aggressive, in-form strike bowler makes him an ideal candidate.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have often built their success on a foundation of mystery spin and a solid pace attack. However, their fast-bowling resources have appeared thin at times, forcing over-reliance on their spinners. While they have invested in pacers, finding a consistent overseas quick who can complement their Indian bowlers has been a challenge. Josh Tongue offers a different dimension to their attack. His aggressive, hit-the-deck style would be a potent weapon at the Eden Gardens, which can offer assistance to pacers with bounce and carry. KKR's management has a history of scouting and backing talent from England, and Tongue's performances would not have gone unnoticed. In a potential 2027 mega auction, KKR might look to add a high-impact fast bowler who can share the wicket-taking burden. Tongue's ability to bowl in the middle overs and at the death gives the captain a flexible and attacking option. His recent success in white-ball cricket, especially in high-pressure situations like The Hundred Eliminator, showcases a temperament well-suited for the IPL. He could be the missing piece in KKR's puzzle as they look to build another title-contending squad.
