Breetzke Creates Record: Why SA Batter Could Be Hot Commodity In IPL 2026 Mini Auction

Teams that could go after Breetzke [Source: AFP Photo]

South African batter Matthew Breetzke had a great start to his ODI international career, as the batter scored his fourth successive fifty in the format and created a world record under his name. He became just the second player after India's Navjot Singh Sidhu to score four fifties in his first four ODI outings.

He smashed a classy 88 off 78 balls on a tricky surface, and courtesy of his brilliant knock, South Africa managed to post 277. The talented Proteas batter plays for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL, and he was hardly used by the franchise. 

There is a great chance that ahead of the mini auction, LSG might release him. In case that happens, here are 3 teams that could target him.

Why LSG might release him?

Team already has opening position sorted: In Mitch Marsh and Aiden Markram, LSG already has two power-packed openers. The duo did well for the franchise in 2025, and will be the first two names on the retention list. This leaves no space for Breetzke in the batting order.

Why teams should go after Matthew Breetzke?

Excellent under pressure: Hailed as the "real character" by his South African teammate, Keshav Maharaj, Breetzke is known for his calm demeanour, a trait that is needed to survive the pressure matches in the IPL. Over the years, he has done well for his domestic teams, and has won countless games.

Flexible in batting order: He can bat at the top, he can also bat in the middle order, and this makes him a flexible buy for any IPL side. Teams could ask him to bat at the opening spot, and he could also play as middle-order operator.

Teams that could run after Proteas superstar

1) Delhi Capitals

Last season, the Delhi Capitals had one major issue, and that was their top order. The middle order was sorted, but the team tried numerous opening pairs, and nothing worked for the team as they failed to qualify for the playoffs.

The duo went ahead with Faf du Plessis, and Jake Fraser-McGurk at the top, but both the batters failed to deliver.

(Faf, Fraser-McGurk in IPL 2025)

• As stated, both the openers failed to deliver the goods, and hence, DC might look to enter the auction with the aim of going after a solid opener, and Breetzke could be a fine solution. He loves stroke-making, and the flat surface of the Arun Jaitley Stadium might help his cause.

2) Kolkata Knight Riders

The team that made plenty of errors in the IPL mega auction last year, Kolkata Knight Riders, have plenty to think about in the mini auction. They released Phil Salt in the mega auction and were left with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine as the two openers for the 2025 season. The result - KKR failed to reach the playoffs.

(Gurbaz in IPL 2025)

• Just like DC, KKR is also desperate to have a quality opener at the top, and if Breetzke could be the answer to their problem. Gurbaz flopped in the IPL 2025 season, and the side needs someone, who could play aggressively, and they could go after the Proteas batter.

3) Rajasthan Royals

• With Sanju Samson likely to leave for CSK ahead of the mini auction, a void will be left in the top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal, and teenage sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi will open the batting at the top, but there has to be someone to play at number 3, and that could be Breetzke. As stated earlier, he is flexible in batting order, and can play anywhere from opening to number 4.
• His only fifty for the Proteas in T20Is came in at number 3, and with Jaiswal, Suryavanshi going strong at the top, it allows the batter to take some time before setting off. Moreover, RR has a rich history of going after South African players, and the latest sensation could be another addition in RR's arsenal.

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