• Home
  • Cricket Analysis
  • Daryl Mitchell In Ipl Auction List Why Ex Csk Recruit Could Be Prime Target For Gill Led Gt

Daryl Mitchell in IPL auction list: Why ex-CSK recruit could be prime target for Gill-led GT

Rajgeeta Yadav

Daryl Mitchell likely to be targeted by Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 auction [Source: AFP]Daryl Mitchell likely to be targeted by Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 auction [Source: AFP]

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has once again entered the IPL auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, and this time, he might finally attract serious attention, especially from the Shubman Gill–led Gujarat Titans (GT). 

Even though Mitchell went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, his recent form on the international stage and in various leagues has revived interest in what he brings to a T20 side. With the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaching, GT could see him as a valuable solution to some of their biggest issues.

To understand why GT might go after Mitchell, it is important to look at their current situation. After the IPL 2026 retention announcements, the franchise kept most of its main squad intact, which was expected. 

However, this also means they enter the auction with a limited purse of ₹12.90 crore, the third-lowest among all teams. Therefore, they need to spend wisely, focusing on players who can solve immediate tactical problems without costing too much. This is where Mitchell fits perfectly.

Middle order can be fixed

One of Gujarat’s biggest concerns last season was their struggling middle order. Although GT reached the playoffs, they failed to cross the Eliminator hurdle against the Mumbai Indians. Their batting often looked strong at the top but shaky in the middle overs. 

  • Shahrukh Khan was one of the few bright spots, scoring 179 runs in 11 innings and delivering in pressure situations. However, other middle-order names, such as Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan, could not consistently anchor the innings or accelerate when needed.
  • This inconsistency became even more worrying when GT traded Sherfane Rutherford to Mumbai Indians, leaving a clear gap in their middle-order firepower. Now, they need someone reliable who can not only stabilise the innings but also finish strongly. As a result, Daryl Mitchell becomes a very appealing choice.

Daryl Mitchell's IPL experience can help

Mitchell has built a reputation for being a calm yet aggressive middle-order batter, someone who steps up in pressure situations. When he played for Chennai Super Kings in 2024, he scored 173 runs in just 6 innings and maintained a low dot-ball percentage of 27.6%, a key indicator of his ability to rotate strike and maintain momentum.

Criteria
Data
Inns9
Runs241
SR154.48

[Daryl Mitchell's PSL 2025 numbers]

Moreover, he brings valuable global experience. Across two IPL stints, he has scored 351 runs in 15 innings, and more recently, he impressed in PSL 2025, scoring 241 runs at a strike rate of 154.48.

Mitchell can be picked up for ₹2-3 crore

Another crucial advantage for GT is that Mitchell may come at a reasonable price. The reason is simple: almost all IPL teams have already invested in the position where Mitchell usually bats, and hence, they won't go for much investment in players unless he becomes a regular for their side.

Realistically, he could be picked up for ₹2-3 crore, which fits perfectly within GT’s spending capacity. With four overseas slots available, the Titans can easily create space for an experienced batting all-rounder like him.