The IPL 2026 auction is likely to showcase a competitive pool of overseas players, attracting attention from all ten franchises. With every franchise aiming to strengthen their squads, tough calls on player retention and releases are bound to happen. Many teams will need to adjust their budgets to chase their desired picks at the auction.

In IPL 2025, several overseas replacement players stepped up and delivered impactful performances. Their success might tempt teams to retain them at relatively low prices, creating room to manage finances more effectively. This could also lead to some well-established international names being let go ahead of the event.

Franchises will likely use this strategy to balance their squads while also ensuring they can target key players at the right price points. As a result, the 2026 auction promises a mix of big releases, surprising retentions, and intense bidding wars.

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Three Overseas All-Rounders Worth Re-Signing at Lower Price:

With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, teams will carefully evaluate overseas options to balance budgets and strengthen lineups. Among them, several all-rounders stand out as valuable assets. 

Despite being released, their skills make them strong contenders for a return at more affordable prices, giving franchises both flexibility and dependable match-winning abilities for the upcoming season.

• Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis, who was bought by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for over ₹10 crore in IPL 2025, didn’t get consistent opportunities with either bat or ball. Despite looking in decent form, his batting chances were limited and his bowling was sparingly used.

As a pace-bowling all-rounder, Stoinis usually commands a heavy price tag in auctions. However, with several franchises unlikely to have large budgets for IPL 2026, he may not attract the same big bids. PBKS already boast dependable all-rounders in Azmatullah Omarzai and Mitchell Owen, giving them solid options to rely on in the squad.

Given his inconsistent bowling returns and underwhelming all-round contribution, Punjab might release Stoinis to free up funds. Still, they could target him again at a more affordable price during the auction.

•  Wanindu Hasaranga

Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured Wanindu Hasaranga for ₹5.25 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, but the spinner couldn’t deliver a standout season. He managed only 11 wickets in 11 games while conceding at 9.05 runs per over. RR expected him to spearhead their bowling attack, but he failed to live up to that responsibility.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s current market value seems to have dipped, as fitness concerns, inconsistent spells, and limited batting contributions have hurt his reputation. Despite being a talented leg-spinner, most franchises don’t appear too eager to invest heavily in him, as seen when SunRisers Hyderabad picked him up at his base price before the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

For Rajasthan Royals, the situation is tricky. While their spin resources are already limited, they also need to manage funds to strengthen other key areas of the team.RR might release Hasaranga before the IPL 2026 auction and aim to re-sign him at a reduced price, ensuring better squad balance while managing their overall budget effectively.

• Liam Livingston

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted the IPL 2025 trophy through a strong team performance, but Liam Livingstone’s impact was minimal. Apart from a few small contributions, the English all-rounder struggled to find rhythm and eventually made way for Romario Shepherd in the lineup, reducing his role in the side’s successful campaign.

Currently drawing a hefty salary in double digits, Livingstone may not justify his price tag for RCB. Even though he has shown glimpses of form in The Hundred, releasing him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction could be a practical move. With Shepherd established and Bethell waiting, RCB could consider releasing Livingstone and re-signing him at a more budget-friendly price.