Top 5 wicketkeepers teams will target in IPL 2026 auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season brought some electrifying performances, with players pushing their limits to take their franchises to new heights. As the IPL 2026 auction, scheduled for mid-December,

draws closer, all teams will be eager to strengthen their squads with key additions.

Among all departments, wicketkeeping remains a vital and strategic role, blending sharp glovework with aggressive batting capabilities. Every franchise will be on the lookout for reliable and flexible wicketkeeper-batters who can make a difference in crunch moments. Here, let us take a look at the top five wicketkeepers who could be in high demand at the IPL 2026 auction.

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Here are top five wicketkeepers franchise will target in IPL 2026 mini-auction

Tim Seifert (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s Tim Seifert is a true 360-degree batter, known for his wide range of attacking strokes. His rise began during the 2017 domestic T20 competition in New Zealand, where he smashed a 40-ball hundred.

Since making his international debut in 2018, Seifert has become one of the Kiwis’ most reliable wicketkeeper-batters in the shortest format. With a T20I strike rate of 142.52, he is capable of taking on bowlers from the very first ball. Having played in multiple global T20 leagues, Seifert brings versatility, making him a valuable prospect in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Sam Billings (England)

England’s Sam Billings is an inventive wicketkeeper-batter who thrives in white-ball cricket. An all-round sportsperson, Billings made his international debut in 2015 and has since played across several leagues worldwide.

In the IPL, he has featured in 30 matches for three franchises, contributing useful runs in the middle-order. Recently, he captained teams in tournaments like ILT20 and The Hundred, adding leadership experience to his resume. His adaptability makes him an ideal choice for teams looking for a player who can balance both batting stability and wicketkeeping consistency.

Jonny Bairstow (England)

Another English star, Jonny Bairstow, remains one of the most destructive wicketkeeper-batters in modern cricket. He made his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2019, forming a formidable opening partnership with David Warner. Bairstow scored 445 runs in just 10 matches that season, setting the tone at the top.

Later, he joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2022 and represented them for two seasons. In IPL 2025, he even served as a temporary replacement for Ryan Rickelton at Mumbai Indians (MI), delivering impactful cameos. Bairstow’s explosive batting, especially in the powerplay, makes him a hot pick for franchises seeking an aggressive opener with wicketkeeping ability.

Narayan Jagadeesan (India)

Tamil Nadu’s Narayan Jagadeesan has steadily climbed the domestic ranks to become one of India’s most promising wicketkeeper-batters. He is known for his consistency, and averages 31.38 in T20s and has the ability to anchor innings effectively.

Though he has featured in 13 IPL matches so far with limited success, Jagadeesan’s potential at the top order remains untapped. If given a defined role and consistent opportunities, he could turn into a game-changing asset for any franchise looking for an Indian wicketkeeper option.

Urvil Patel (India)

The 27-year-old Urvil Patel has quickly made a name for himself in domestic cricket as a hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter. He boasts a strike rate of 172.26 in domestic T20s, and has impressed many during IPL 2025, when he was signed as an injury replacement for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

In just three matches, he batted with fearless intent, scoring at a remarkable strike rate of 212.50. His attacking mindset, ability to play at the top, and calmness under pressure make him one of the most exciting emerging Indian prospects heading into the IPL 2026 auction.