IPL 2026 auction: Teams that Tim Seifert can attract after stunning BBL hundred

Debashis Sarangi

Tim Seifert smashed a scintillating ton [Source: @RCBXTRAOFFICIA/X]Tim Seifert smashed a scintillating ton [Source: @RCBXTRAOFFICIA/X]

New Zealand's swashbuckling batter Tim Seifert had an outstanding start to the Big Bash League 2025-26, as he hammered a magnificent century in Melbourne Renegades' tournament opener against Brisbane Heat. 

Opening the batting for the Renegades, Tim Seifert smashed 102 runs off 56 balls, showcasing his batting prowess a day prior to the IPL 2026 mini auction. He completed his century in 53 balls, thereby recording the fastest hundred for Melbourne Renegades in the BBL. 

Tim Seifert increases IPL stock with BBL ton

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Brisbane Heat had a dream start to the game, getting rid of Josh Brown early in the innings. However, Tim Seifert emerged as the saviour for the Renegades, taking the Heat bowlers to the cleaners during his eventful stay. 

Seifert's BBL hundred comes at a crucial time from the IPL perspective, as he has definitely increased his stocks a day ahead of the mini auction. 

Tim Seifert IPL 2026 auction base price

New Zealand's dynamic batter Tim Seifert, who belted his way through to a belligerent BBL 2025-26 hundred, has also registered himself for the IPL 2026 mini auction. He is one of the capped international players, who will go under the hammer in the auction, scheduled on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. 

Tim Seifert is among the nine players who have set INR 1.5 crore as their base price for the IPL 2026 mini auction. 

Teams that could sign Tim Seifert in IPL 2026 mini auction

Criterion
Data
Innings14
Runs559
Average50.8
Strike Rate164.4
Boundary %74.06
Dot %38.8

(Tim Seifert in T20Is in 2025)

Tim Seifert is a destructive keeper-batter, who generally opens the batting in T20 cricket. His fearless approach, ability to capitalise on the field restrictions in the powerplay and play attacking shots all around the park make him a valuable asset in the shortest format. 

The New Zealand batter has exhibited stunning form in T20 cricket this year, amassing 

Considering his base price and attributes, the following teams are expected to raise the paddle for Seifert in the IPL 2026 mini auction. 

Kolkata Knight Riders

  • IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders signed Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz for the 2025 season. However, both these players flopped with the bat, prompting the franchise to release them to the IPL auction pool. 
  • As they are searching for a wicketkeeper who can also open the batting, Seifert can be an option worth considering for KKR in the mini auction. 

Delhi Capitals

  • Just like KKR, Delhi Capitals also released their two overseas top-order batters- Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk due to non-performance in the IPL 2025. 
  • While they have Abhishek Porel and KL Rahul, the latter mostly batted in the middle-order in the previous season, scoring 539 runs at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72. 
  • So, if DC want to keep Rahul in the middle-order, they might rope in Tim Seifert to fill the opener's void in their lineup. 

Punjab Kings

  • Punjab Kings, a team that released Josh Inglis ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, might not go after the Australian ace as he has confirmed his availability for only four matches. 
  • As they generally use Prabhsimran Singh as an impact substitute, PBKS can sign Tim Seifert as a backup for Inglis in their star-studded batting order.