Pathirana in high demand: Sri Lanka stars who might attract big bids in IPL 2026 auction

Sri Lankans who can get the highest bids in IPL 2026 player auction [Source: @IPL/x.com]

The player auction for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to get underway in a few days. Abu Dhabi will host the event on December 16. As many as 350 players are set to go under the hammer during the highly anticipated event.

Many overseas players will see huge bids coming their way because most of the high-profile Indian players were retained ahead of the mini auction. Sri Lankan players will also be in high demand during the event.

From Matheesha Pathirana to Dasun Shanaka, 12 Sri Lankan players have been shortlisted for the player auctions. On that note, let's have a look at which Sri Lankan player can get the highest bids.

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3. Maheesh Theekshana

Maheesh Theekshana [Source: @IPL/x.com]

A quality spinner like Maheesh Theekshana is always in demand in the Indian conditions. His right-arm off-spin will surely attract some high bids in the auctions, especially from the teams that play their home games on spinning wickets.

His former team, Chennai Super Kings, could go big after him. After the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin and the trade-off of Ravindra Jadeja, they need someone to do the heavy lifting at Chepauk, along with Noor Ahmad. Apart from CSK, teams like the Delhi Capitals and the Lucknow Super Giants could also be after his services.

Maheesh Theekshana's bowling stats in IPL 

2. Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga [Source: @IPL/x.com]

The presence of a good all-rounder can elevate a team’s balance, and the Sri Lankan star Wanindu Hasaranga can definitely give any team that balance. His ability to take wickets with his leg spin and provide a late surge with the bat lower down the order will attract a lot of teams in the auction.

Teams like Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad need an all-rounder who could fit in the lower-middle order and give four overs in every game. Hasaranga will surely be one of the most sought-after players in the auction room.

Wanindu Hasaranga's all-round stats in IPL

1. Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana [Source: @IPL/x.com]

An overseas fast bowler who is a death specialist will surely go for a high price in the auction. It came as a shock to many when CSK released Matheesha Pathirana before the 2026 season, but this opens the door for him to get a high bid from another team.

Kolkata Knight Riders, who have the highest remaining purse, need an overseas pacer who can support Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora. Pathirana can fit in the KKR setup really well. The Lucknow Super Giants, who do not have a specialist overseas pacer, and the Sunrisers Hyderabad could also target him.

Matheesha Pathirana's stats in death overs in IPL

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