Prithvi Shaw on radar: Openers who could trigger bidding war in IPL 2026 auction

Openers who could fetch big money in auction [Source: AFP Photo]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction is just around the corner and many teams will try and strengthen their squad during the one-day event. All ten IPL franchises will need to submit their final retention list by November 15, and once that is done and dusted, they will start preparing for the auction.

There are several IPL sides that need a quality opener to elevate their team. In this piece, we will analyse three such openers who could be sold for a high price in the mini auction, considering their performances in recent times.

1) Ben Duckett

The English star was rejected in the mega auction 2025, but since then, his stocks have gone up thanks to his onslaughts against India in the Test series. He played some aggressive knocks and was at the centre of attraction. Not only in Tests, Ben Duckett has been a revelation for England in T20Is and boasts a stellar record in this format.

(Duckett in T20Is)

• 527 runs in 20 matches, but the most striking part - Duckett strikes at 153, showcasing his aggressive T20I approach. He is known for his explosive T20 batting and with Duckett, one might not get regular consistency, but when he fires, the southpaw is a genuine match-winner.
• He is also accustomed to the Indian conditions and had a strike rate of 167 on his last T20I tour, earlier this year. This makes him a brilliant prospect for teams looking for a solid opener.

Teams that could target Duckett

There are a handful of IPL sides that require a solid opener. The likes of the Delhi Capitals might release Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk, and that leaves an opening spot, as the side might want to get their hands on him.

2) Prithvi Shaw

• Once touted as the future Sachin Tendulkar, Prithvi Shaw’s career has gone downhill in the last few years. He made an instant impact on his international career, but over the years, not only has he been left out of the India squad, but he was also rejected in the mega auction, last year.
• Previously, the batter played for the Delhi Capitals, and had a couple of successful seasons before the franchise let go off him.

What Shaw brings to the table?

• Shaw brings an aggressive approach as he was one of the best power-play batters during his time in the IPL. He is a master of using the power play rules and was known for giving fiery starts to DC. Any team that goes after him will be assured that Shaw will be the chief aggressor and will always lead from the front with the bat in hand.

3) Brian Bennett

An underrated star of international cricket, the Zimbabwe batter has lit up the stage with his brilliant batting at the top. He might not be a big name at the moment, but if an IPL team wants a quality opener who can be an explosive player, then Brian Bennett is the answer.

(Bennett in T20Is)

• 48 matches, 1455 runs, but most importantly, he has a strike rate of 147.26, which showcases his hitting prowess. He already has a century to his name and has done well in recent series for Zimbabwe.

Teams that could buy Bennett

Just like Duckett, DC could be interested in Bennett, as the team needs a solid opener who could be an aggressor, and apart from the Capitals, the former champions, KKR, could also run after him. They need to find a replacement for Gurbaz and De Kock, and Bennett could solve most of their top-order issues.

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