Gus Atkinson Rattles India; IPL Teams That Must Target England Pacer For 2026 Season

Gus Atkinson could be KKR's prime targets [Source: AFP, @t20tracker/X]

England's premier fast bowler Gus Atkinson had a dream comeback to competitive cricket as he dismantled India with a sensational five-wicket haul in the fifth Test at Kennington Oval. Opening the bowling for the Englishmen, Atkinson troubled the Indian batters with his pace and seam movement, finishing the first innings with excellent figures of five for 33 in 21.4 overs. 

Besides being a clinical performer in Tests, Gus Atkinson has showcased his white-ball prowess in T20 cricket, scalping 72 wickets in just 56 matches. 

The IPL franchises must've noticed Atkinson's remarkable performance in the Oval Test. With the mini-auction coming up, the English fast bowler has certainly become a hot prospect and here are several teams that should target him ahead of IPL 2026. 

Gujarat Titans

Why should GT target Atkinson in IPL mini auction?

(GT Pacers apart from Prasidh in IPL 2025)

• Although GT had a power-packed batting unit, their pace department let them down in the IPL 2025. The Titans heavily relied on Prasidh Krishna, with the likes of Siraj, Rabada, Ishant, Coetzee and Arshad Khan recording abysmal numbers. 
• They particularly failed to bag wickets in the powerplay, an issue Atkinson's inclusion in their team can resolve. The English pacer can move the ball up front, having showcased his skills for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred. He could be the Shubman Gill-led side's cheat code to success if they secure his services in the mini auction. 

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Kolkata Knight Riders

Why should KKR target Atkinson in IPL mini auction?

• While Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana had a decent season with the ball, KKR's overseas recruits disappointed them big time in the 2025 season. 
• Despite getting a consistent run, Spencer Johnson managed a solitary wicket in four matches, Anrich Nortje's persistent fitness issues restricted him to only two appearances in the season. 
• Therefore, KKR might release both these players and free up a budget of around 9.5 Crores. If they do so, Atkinson should be one of their prime targets as they aim to revamp their pace stocks before the 2026 season. 
• Atkinson was purchased by the Knight Riders in 2024; however, an injury setback prompted the season winners to replace him with Dushmantha Chameera. 

Lucknow Super Giants

Why should LSG target Atkinson in IPL mini auction?

• Just like GT, Rishabh Pant-led LSG also suffered from the lack of quality pace reserves in the IPL 2025. While spinner Digvesh Rathi emerged as LSG's most successful bowler with 14 scalps, Avesh Khan, Shardul Thakur and William O'Rourke registered horrendous economy of more than 10 runs per over. 
• Meanwhile, Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan remained on the sidelines throughout the season due to injury. Therefore, the Super Giants have a genuine motive to fine-tune their seam bowling department and Atkinson can be an excellent addition to their arsenal. 

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