The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction is set to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. As teams reshaped their squads through a mix of retention and releases, several big names unsurprisingly
parted ways with their franchises.
However, a handful of underrated yet highly valuable players were also released, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts. These cricketers may not always dominate headlines, but their potential and past performances suggest they could be impactful assets for the right teams.
On that note, let us take a look at the five most underrated players released ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Here are 5 most underrated players released ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Tim Seifert
New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert is among the most underrated players to be released before the auction. A member of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025, Seifert did not get an opportunity to take the field. His earlier stints with Kolkata Knight Riders (2021) and Delhi Capitals (2022) also saw him benched for most of the season.
Despite his lack of IPL game time, Seifert has a strong T20 reputation, boasting an impressive strike rate of 142.52 in international cricket. His ability to accelerate quickly and adapt in pressure situations makes him an asset, yet he finds himself back in the auction pool once again.
Shaik Rasheed
A promising top-order batter Shaik Rasheed is another eyebrow-raising release. He was part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025, and played five matches but failed to produce standout performances. However, the youngster showed brief flashes of potential and continues to shine in domestic cricket, consistently scoring runs for Andhra in the Ranji Trophy.
With the right backing and more opportunities, Rasheed has the skillset to evolve into a dependable top-order option. Any franchise willing to invest in young talent could unlock his true potential in IPL 2026.
Vignesh Puthur
Left-arm spinner Vignesh Puthur, who earned his IPL call-up through strong showings in the Kerala Cricket League, was another surprising release. Selected by Mumbai Indians (MI) for IPL 2025, he featured in five matches and took six wickets, including an eye-catching three-wicket haul on debut against CSK.
His ability to extract turns at a slow pace and build pressure in the middle overs makes him a valuable player in the format. Despite showing promise, MI decided to release him, making him an intriguing pick for spin-hungry teams in the coming auction.
Ravi Bishnoi
Legspinner Ravi Bishnoi being released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) certainly raised eyebrows. Although he managed only nine wickets in 11 matches in IPL 2025, Bishnoi’s overall T20 pedigree remains impressive.
His international record, 61 wickets at a strong economy rate, demonstrates his ability to consistently trouble batters. Bishnoi is known for his sharp googly, control under pressure, and has the potential to bounce back strongly.
David Miller
Veteran South African batter David Miller is arguably the most surprising releases ahead of the auction. With over 3000 IPL runs across four franchises, Miller’s experience and finishing ability are undeniable. Playing for LSG in IPL 2025, he featured in 11 matches but struggled to make a significant impact, partly due to limited batting opportunities.
Despite this dip, Miller remains a proven match-winner with a history of rescuing teams from challenging situations. Whichever franchise secures him could gain one of the most valuable finishers in the tournament.
