Just a day ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has picked two overseas veterans, South Africa’s David Miller and England’s Jonny Bairstow, as players likely to get hefty sums. Bangar stated that the growing demand is for match-winners, particularly those who bring experience and composure under pressure.
Teams with strong purses and clear needs, including the Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, are expected to be aggressive in the auction room. The former coach-turned
commentator believes David Miller could emerge as one of the top three most expensive players at the auction, primarily due to his dependency in crucial moments.
"David Miller will likely be among the top three most expensive players in this auction. Several teams need a player with his finishing ability -- Gujarat Titans, for instance, would benefit from his experience, while Kolkata Knight Riders could target him too, especially with Andre Russell's retirement and a healthy purse at their disposal," Bangar said on JioHotstar.
Teams like Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders could be in the mix: Bangar
In IPL 2025, the South African managed to score just 153 runs in 11 matches at an average of 30.60. However, his experience is set to make him a solid buy. Meanwhile, Bangar stressed that Bairstow’s full availability for T20 cricket significantly enhances his market value, and teams will be desperately eyeing him at the auction.
“Jonny Bairstow offers dual value as a wicketkeeper and a top-order batter. He has a proven pedigree and, since he’s currently focused solely on T20 cricket, his full availability makes him an even stronger prospect. Teams like Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders could be in the mix — Delhi need a top-order option after releasing Jake Fraser-McGurk, while KKR might also look at him, given their limited choices beyond Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz,” he added.
Bairstow’s short stint with the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 as a replacement player showed his impact immediately, despite limited opportunities. With the Delhi Capitals releasing Jake Fraser-McGurk and the Kolkata Knight Riders lacking a wicketkeeper option, Bairstow fits well in their respective setups.
