From Sanath Jayasuriya’s fearless stroke play to Lasith Malinga’s toe-crushing yorkers, and the calm leadership of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lankan cricketers have long left an indelible mark on the Indian Premier League. That proud legacy continues to evolve, with the new generation led by the likes of Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga, carrying the island’s
IPL story forward with flair and fire.
As in previous years, the IPL 2026 season promises its trademark extravagance,
beginning with the much-anticipated IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. A total of 359 players will go under the hammer, with 77 slots available; including 31 overseas positions. Kolkata Knight Riders head into the auction with the largest squad openings (13), followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad with ten.
Ahead of the auction, the Sri Lankan players, Kamindu Mendis, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera have already been retained by their respective franchises. With twelve more players from the island nation shortlisted for the IPL 2026 auction, CricTracker has a closer look at the top five Sri Lankan players to watch, who are expected to attract strong interest when the bidding begins.
Here are top 5 Sri Lankan players to watch out for at IPL 2026 Auction
5. Matheesha Pathirana
Once Chennai Super Kings’ go-to weapon at the death, Matheesha Pathirana enters the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore after a below-par 2025 season that led to his release. Injury concerns and inconsistent form may worry some teams, but everyone knows how dangerous he can be when he hits his rhythm, especially with those trademark yorkers. In 32 IPL matches, Pathirana has claimed 47 wickets at an economy rate under nine; proof of the impact he can make.
With the impact player rule placing greater emphasis on specialist death bowlers, franchises are actively hunting for pace options who can close out innings. Kolkata Knight Riders are widely tipped to target the young fast bowler and head into the auction with a hefty purse of INR 64.30 crore, giving them the flexibility to go hard at the bidding. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants are also likely to be in the mix as they look to strengthen their death-bowling options. Chennai Super Kings, given their familiarity with his skill set, may keep a close watch on proceedings as well.
4. Pathum Nissanka
Form is currency at an auction, and Pathum Nissanka brings plenty of it. Ranked No. 3 in T20I batting, Nissanka has had a stellar 2025, scoring 976 runs in 26 T20 innings with a strike rate over 160. His century against India in the Asia Cup was one of the finest knocks of the year. Several franchises, including CSK, KKR, and Delhi Capitals, will be seeking a reliable overseas opening batter, particularly one who can provide stability at the top while maintaining a high scoring rate in the powerplay.
Nissanka’s ability to anchor an innings and shift gears when required makes him a strong fit for teams looking to balance aggression with consistency. With many teams already having settled opening pairs, some franchises will also view him as a high-quality backup opener, providing depth and flexibility in their lineups. Entering the auction at a base price of INR 75 lakh, Nissanka shapes up as a smart option for these sides aiming to strengthen their opening combinations.
3. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga is no stranger to the IPL auction. His journey has featured both standout seasons and forgettable ones, yet his overall record remains impressive: 46 wickets in 37 matches at an economy of 8.41. While his batting returns in the IPL have been modest, he has repeatedly shown at international
level that he can provide a late-innings lift. The demand for wicket-taking spinners in the middle overs remains high, especially on surfaces that reward control, variation, and match-up bowling.
It remains to be seen whether KKR will use their large purse to bring him in, or whether teams like Lucknow Super Giants and the Sunrisers will enter the race. All eyes will be on defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore to see if they use the auction to address their spin-bowling depth. At a base price of INR 2 crore, he remains a compelling option for franchises looking to add quality and experience to their spin arsenal.
2. Kusal Mendis
Despite being a seasoned international, Kusal Mendis is yet to make a significant mark in the IPL. He made his debut last season when Gujarat Titans signed him as a replacement for Jos Buttler during the playoffs, becoming the first overseas player to debut in an IPL playoff match. Teams continue to place a premium on multi-skill overseas players, and wicketkeeper-batters remain in steady demand. Mendis offers flexibility across the top order while providing cover behind the stumps, making him a useful
squad option in a long tournament.
Mendis, who has a base price of INR 75 lakh, averages 25.4 in T20Is with a strike-rate of 130.2. A naturally fluent stroke-maker, inconsistency has been his biggest hurdle. Whether teams consider him worth the investment remains to be seen. KKR, in search of a wicketkeeper-batter and a top-order option, could be a natural fit. Delhi Capitals may also view him as a solid overseas pick for their top order.
1. Traveen Mathew
Uncapped 21-year-old Traveen Mathew is one of the more intriguing names from Sri Lanka in the auction list. With an action reminiscent of Maheesh Theekshana, the young mystery spinner has already shown promise. He impressed at the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025, taking seven wickets in three matches, and delivered crucial breakthroughs for Sri Lanka A. He enters the auction at a base price of INR 30 lakh.
Given the IPL’s history of unearthing Lankan talent, with Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga earning IPL call-ups before even making their national debuts; it won't be a surprise if a franchise decides to invest early in Traveen. With so much talent on offer, the IPL 2026 auction promises to be full of excitement and surprises. It will be interesting to see which franchises make bold moves, how squads are reshaped, and which players rise to the occasion on cricket’s biggest T20 stage.
By Adeeb Saleemdeen
