From RCB release to record price: Why Livingstone could fetch big amount in IPL auction

Why Livingstone could fetch big bucks in IPL mini auction [Source: AFP Photo]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction is set to take place on December 16, and the buzz has reached its peak as some of the biggest names have registered themselves for the marquee auction. In the mini auction, teams tend to keep their best players and only the unwanted players get released.

However, this retention day saw some of the big names, including Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell, being released by their squad, and it was expected that the two names mentioned would fetch the highest amount in the mini auction.

But fate had different plans as Andre Russell retired from the IPL, and Maxwell decided not to register for the mini auction, seemingly spoiling the auction plans for many teams. Now, with the two big names out of the race, Liam Livingstone, the player released by RCB, could have an outside chance to become one of the most expensive signings of the IPL 2026 mini auction and here’s why.

What makes Livingstone a valuable commodity

• A bit of a mis-and-hit player, but Liam Livingstone is one of the most dangerous cricketers when on song. Moreover, he is a genuine all-rounder who can chip in with his spin-bowling, and this season, several teams need such utility players.
• He is a big game player, and it was evident in the last IPL finale for RCB when he scored a quick-fire 25 and helped the team reach a respectable total. This winning trait is something that every team demands, and hence, Livingstone could be in the big scheme of things.
• Moreover, the batter possesses interesting batting stats in the IPL and here’s how he has fared in the IPL over the years.

(Livingstone in IPL)

• While Livingstone might not have too many runs to showcase, but what matters in T20s is the strike rate, and the English star strikes at nearly 159. Nowadays, IPL teams demand batters with high scoring rate, and Livingstone fits the bill perfectly.

Teams that can go after Livingstone in IPL mini auction

There are several players who need a quality all-rounder in their ranks, and chasing Livingstone could solve their problems for next season.

CSK

• CSK needs a quality finisher to accompany MS Dhoni and with Andre Russell and Glenn Maxwell unavailable, the team could go after the Englishman.
• CSK’s top five is sorted, and with MS Dhoni at 7, the team needs an explosive finisher at 6, and Livingstone can do the job. Moreover, he can also contribute with the ball, and could be useful on spinning MA Chidambaram wickets.

KKR

• With Russell retired, the former IPL champions, KKR, need a solid replacement. While Livingstone might not be as effective as Russell, he can still fulfill the role of the great West Indian. Rinku Singh will bat at 5, and Ramandeep Singh at 7. This leaves the number 6 spot vacant and Livingstone could be slotted in that place to work as a finisher, a role that Russell used to play.

Final verdict

In the upcoming mini auction, there are limited options for the franchises to choose from, and with several players either retiring or backing out, big names won’t be presented in the mini auction, and this allows Liam Livingstone a chance to stamp his authority as the Englishman still has that X-factor, and teams could try and go after him and make him one of the most expensive signings of the evening.

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