Livingstone in demand: IPL rejects whose form could fetch them big money in mini auction

In-form players who culd fetch big money [Source: AFP Photo]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction is just around the corner, as all ten teams will aim to strengthen their squad for the next season. For the IPL franchises, the retention list is done and dusted as the unwanted players were released and the best of the best were kept in the side, as the mini auction provides them a chance to fill in the loopholes.

Several high-profile players will be in high demand as the auction nears, and the teams will keep an eye on players who are in red-hot form and could do wonders in the IPL next season.

There are numerous players who were released from their IPL sides, but have been in form as of late. In this piece, we take a look at 3 such players who have been doing great as of late and could attract bidders in the IPL mini auction.

1) Tim Seifert

Tim Seifert, the Kiwi star, came in as a replacement for the outgoing Jacob Bethell last season, and since he was a temporary replacement buy, RCB had to release him before the mini auction. However, one thing is for sure, the former RCB star has been in stellar form in 2025, and could attract bidders in the upcoming marquee event.

(Seifert in T20Is in 2025)

• This year has been special for the New Zealander as he has taken the shortest format by storm and has aggregated 559 runs in 16 matches, and his strike rate has been 164.41. The numbers are there for all to be seen as the Kiwi star has looked solid in the format.
• Even in the last two T20I series against Australia and England, Seifert has struck at 136 and 155, respectively, and will be a hot commodity entering the mini auction as the batter has scored truckloads of runs.

2) Liam Livingstone

Livingstone was a bit of hit-and-miss for the Royal Challengers in the IPL 2025 season, but he did play a couple of key knocks for them. However, the English star was released by the franchise on the retention deadline day, but he could be a hot commodity in the upcoming mini auction.

Recently in the ILT20 clash for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Livingstone showcased his brute power and smacked 82 off 38 balls to give the audition for the IPL. In the last few matches, the English star has been in stellar form and could be the one to keep an eye on in the auction.

3) Sikandar Raza

An underrated gem in 2025, Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza has been in red-hot form this year in the T20Is, and he has performed exceptionally well with both bat and ball. There are several teams that are looking for a quality all-rounder to fill in the loophole, and looking at Raza’s stats, he could be the answer to their problems.

(Raza T20I stats in 2025)

• In 25 T20I matches this year, Raza has shown brightly for the Zimbabwe side and has performed exceptionally well in both departments.
• He has 536 runs in. 25 matches, and at the same time has taken 23 wickets, showcasing his prowess as an all-rounder.
• Teams need such utility players and with not too many quality options available in the mini auction, Raza could have an outside chance of fetching a big amount.

---

ALSO READ

CSK's potential IPL 2026 picks: Players with 2Cr base price whom franchise can target

---