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IPL 2026 Auction: 3 best pace-bowling all-rounders to replace newly retired Andre Russell

Kaushik Kashyap

Andre Russell during IPL 2024 (Source: AFP Photos)Andre Russell during IPL 2024 (Source: AFP Photos)

For more than a decade, Andre Russell dominated the Indian Premier League with power-hitting, death-overs pace, and game-changing athleticism, redefining the role of a T20 all-rounder. With him stepping away from the league ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, franchises are now forced to rethink their roster dynamics and identify overseas all-rounders who can offer even a fraction of what Russell provided.

Fortunately, a new generation of pace-bowling all-rounders has emerged worldwide. These players may not reach Russell’s ceiling but can still fit the pace-bowling all-rounder role teams need, offering impactful batting contributions along with a few important overs of seam in key phases.

Below are the three overseas pace-bowling all-rounders that teams should be able to target heavily at the IPL 2026 auction.

1. Cameron Green (Australia)

Cameron Green stands out as the most complete like-for-like replacement for Russell available on the market. Towering presence, clean hitting arc, ability to bat anywhere from No. 3 to No. 7, and steady pace bowling make him a premier multi-phase all-rounder. His IPL experience and rapid growth in white-ball cricket further raise his value, making him set to become one of the most expensive buys in the auction.

  • Strengths: Elite ball-striking and bounce-generating seam bowling.
  • Role: Middle-order power-hitter and flexible pace option who can bowl across phases.
  • Best fits/targets: KKR and CSK with both the teams having the highest purse.

2. Matthew Forde (West Indies)

Matthew Forde has rapidly built a reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most exciting modern seam-bowling all-rounders. His accurate new-ball bowling, combined with calm lower-order hitting, as we saw during his record-setting fastest ODI fifty earlier this year, make him a complete T20 package. Forde may not yet match Russell’s raw explosiveness, but he offers more control with the ball and strong striking abilities down the order.

Strengths: New-ball control and late power-hitting against pace.

Role: Seam-bowling all-rounder who finishes innings and bowls in the powerplay.

Best fits/targets: CSK, SRH and LSG.

3. Delano Potgieter (South Africa)

Delano Potgieter’s rise through SA domestic cricket and global franchise leagues showcases a power-hitting bruiser capable of floating in the order and bowling disciplined medium pace. Potgieter is especially dangerous against pace in the death overs, and his variations with the ball give captains flexibility. If a franchise wants a batting-heavy all-rounder having a shade of Russell’s fearless style, Potgieter is among the closest profiles.

Strengths: Clean lower-order hitting, middle-overs’ bowling and clutch temperament.

Role: Finisher who bowls matchup-based overs in middle.

Best fits/ targets: PBKS, LSG, CSK and DC.