IPL 2026: Cricketers who might make a comeback after years of absence

The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) could see the return of some popular names in world cricket, who had been a part of the tournament in the past. While these players continue to shine

at the domestic or international level for their respective sides, they have often remained on the sidelines for the IPL owing to injuries, or due to failure in finding any takers at the auction table.

With most of the big names already being roped in at the mega auction last year, there is a scope for teams to secure the services of players who have had the experience of playing in the league and are accustomed to the atmosphere.

Here are 3 players who might make comeback in IPL 2025 after years of absence:

3. Shivam Mavi

Shivam Mavi burst onto the scene with some brilliant bowling performances during the 2018 U-19 World Cup. He went on to make his IPL debut later in the year, playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. Mavi played his last match in the cash-rich league in 2022, representing the Knights. Ahead of IPL 2023, he was roped in by the Gujarat Titans for INR 6 crore. However, he did not get to play a game.

Mavi was set to play in IPL 2024 for Lucknow Super Giants. However, he sustained an injury ahead of the tournament and had to watch his team go about its business from the sidelines. The right-arm pacer, who has played six T20Is for India, went unsold in IPL 2025. However, he could find a team in the IPL 2026 mini auction, as many teams are looking to recruit experienced domestic fast bowlers.

2. Matthew Short

Matthew Short was picked by the Punjab Kings in the 2023 edition of the IPL. He played six matches, scoring 117 runs at a strike rate of 127.17. However, the all-rounder was released by the franchise after the season. In the IPL 2024 auction, he found no takers, despite having a base price of INR 50 lakh, which wasn't too high for someone who can also bowl handy off-spin apart from tonking the ball at will.

In the IPL 2025 mega auction, Short tried his luck once again, opting to set his base price at INR 75 lakhs. However, no team placed a bid for the Aussie cricketer during the auction. Short has been a regular in the Australian T20 side of late. With not too many high-profile picks available at the mini auction, the 30-year-old seems well on course to make a comeback to the league.

1. Jason Holder

Jason Holder is among the most experienced players around in world cricket. He can change the game with both bat and ball. The genuine all-rounder had been in demand for years, even signing a staggering INR 8.75 crore contract with Lucknow in IPL 2022. However, he went unsold in IPL 2024 and IPL 2025 auctions, keeping his base price at INR 1.5 and 2 crore, respectively, at the two events.

Holder has been in fine form in international cricket as well as franchise leagues in recent times. He was recently appointed as the captain of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, replacing Sunil Narine. For teams looking for experienced seam-bowling all-rounders, Holder, who surpassed Dwayne Bravo's tally of highest wickets for West Indies in T20Is earlier this year, could be on top of their priority list.