From Starc to Mayank: Pacers who might spark bidding war at IPL 2026 Mini Auction

Pacers who can create bidding war at IPL 2026 mini auction [Source: AFP]

The countdown to IPL 2026 mini auction has already begun. The auction tentatively scheduled between December 13 and 15, the event is expected to be another big affair where teams fight hard to secure the most in-demand players. 

Though the IPL Governing Council hasn’t officially confirmed the dates yet, insider reports suggest this mid-December window is almost locked in. Before the auction, however, all eyes are on the player retention deadline, expected around November 15, 2025. 

This cutoff gives franchises a short but important period to review performances, release underperformers and reshape their strategies for the next season. While most teams are likely to retain their core players, there are several pacers who could find themselves back in the auction pool and potentially ignite bidding wars.

So, let’s take a look at the pacers who could attract huge attention in IPL 2026 mini auction.

1. Mitchell Starc

One of the most feared pacers, Mitchell Starc could once again become the talk of the town. The Australia left-arm quick, who was bought for a whopping 11.75 crore in the 2025 auction by Delhi Capitals, might be heading for release after a mixed 2025 season.

• In IPL 2025, Starc played 11 matches and picked up 14 wickets, a decent return but perhaps not enough to justify his hefty price tag. However, franchises know what Starc brings to the table as he has shown sheer pace and swing in the past.
• Notably, the southpaw's IPL record speaks volumes: 65 wickets in 49 innings with an economy rate of 8.61. Not to forget, Starc was instrumental in KKR’s title-winning campaign in 2024, where he bagged 17 wickets.

[Mitchell Starc's IPL stats]

At 35, Starc might not be the same fiery youngster he once was, but his ability to deliver in crunch moments makes him invaluable. Notably, teams looking for an experienced bowling leader, perhaps MI, SRH or PBKS, could easily engage in a bidding war to secure him.

2. Mayank Yadav 

If Starc represents experience, Mayank Yadav is the face of raw pace and youthful energy. The young India speedster grabbed headlines when he consistently clocked 150 kmph+ deliveries and became one of the fastest bowlers in the country.

• Notably, Lucknow Super Giants retained him for ₹11 crore ahead of the 2025 season, but his campaign was cut short by injury. He played only four matches, taking 7 wickets at an impressive economy of 6.98, before being ruled out.

Despite limited appearances, the young pacer made an instant impact, winning two Player of the Match awards in his first two IPL outings. 

• Notably, his pace and ability to move the ball both ways make him a nightmare for batters and if LSG decide to release him due to fitness concerns or to free up funds.

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Teams like KKR, SRH and KKR could go all-in for him. Simply put, if he is fit and available, Mayank Yadav could easily become the most expensive uncapped player of the IPL 2026 auction.

3. T. Natarajan

Another name who could stir excitement is T. Natarajan, the left-arm death-bowling specialist from Tamil Nadu. Though he featured in only two matches in IPL 2025, his reputation as one of the best yorker bowlers in India remains intact.

• Across his IPL career, Natarajan has claimed 67 wickets in 63 innings with an economy rate of 8.94. What makes him special is his performance under pressure, he has taken 43 wickets in death overs alone, albeit with a slightly high economy of 10.11, understandable given the high-scoring nature of recent IPL seasons.

[T. Natarajan's IPL stats]

• Natarajan known for his accuracy and ability to mix up deliveries, Natarajan can fit seamlessly into any bowling attack. Teams lacking a left-arm pacer could see him as a perfect balance to their pace unit. 

If released, his combination of experience and death-over reliability could attract multiple bids.

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