In-form ILT20 players who can bag maiden IPL contract in 2026 mini auction

Debashis Sarangi

Pathum Nissanka could be in high demand [Source: AFP, @madaddie24/X]Pathum Nissanka could be in high demand [Source: AFP, @madaddie24/X]

We are only a few hours away from the IPL 2026 mini auction, with the marquee event all set to kick off in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Seventy seven spots are up for the grabs, as 350 players will go under the hammer to fill remaining voids in ten concerned IPL franchises. 

As the IPL 2026 mini auction approaches, several players have presented a strong case to bag secure their maiden contract in the competition through extraordinary performances in the ongoing International League T20 season. 

Pathum Nissanka - Gulf Giants (Base price- 0.75 Cr)

  • Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka has been remarkably consistent in the ILT20 2025 season. In four matches, Nissanka has hammered 223 runs, including three fifties, at an average of 55.75 and a strike rate of 195.61. 
  • The Gulf Giants' opener has had an eventful T20I career, scoring 2345 runs at a decent strike rate of 127. He can provide steady starts and his ability to switch gears at will makes Nissanka a T20 asset. 
  • Pathum Nissanka has registered in the IPL 2026 mini auction at a base price of INR 75 lakhs. Therefore, IPL teams that are seeking an opening batter,  such as KKR and DC, might bid for him and secure his services for the 2026 season. 
  • Teams that can target Pathum Nissanka - KKR, DC

Waqar Salamkheil - Dubai Capitals (Base price- 1 Cr)

Criterion
Data
Matches5
Wickets11
Average14.27
Strike Rate10.63
Economy8.05

(Waqar Salamkheil's ILT20 2025 stats)

  • Afghanistan spinner Waqar Salamkheil has been a proven performer in T20 cricket, scalping 124 wickets in 90 outings at a strike rate of 15.4. 
  • The left-arm wrist spinner has oozed his class in the ILT20 2025, bagging 11 wickets in five appearances at a magnificent strike rate of 10.63. 
  • His red-hot ILT20 form and knack for outfoxing the batters establish Salamkheil as a potent spin weapon in the middle overs. 
  • Therefore, teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, that are searching for a wicket-taking spinner, might add Salamkheil to their bowling attack by signing him in the IPL 2026 mini auction. 
  • Teams that can target Waqar Salamkheil - LSG, SRH and GT

Dan Lawrence - Desert Vipers (Base price- 2 Cr)

  • England's Dan Lawrence is hailed for his incredible all-round attributes. Apart from scoring brisk runs in the middle order, Lawrence can chip in with handy overs with his off-spin bowling. 
  • Representing Desert Vipers, Lawrence has shown sublime form with the bat, scoring 145 runs at an average of 48.33 and a strike rate of 142.15 in the ILT20 2025 season. 
  • So, IPL teams such as RCB, CSK and RR, that would try to add depth to their all-rounders' department, might consider buying the in-form England cricketer in the IPL 2026 mini auction. 
  • Teams that can target Dan Lawrence - RCB, CSK and RR.