3 teams where Sikandar Raza would have been a good fit at in IPL 2026 ft. LSG

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza continues to defy age and expectations in T20 cricket. At 39, the experienced all-rounder is enjoying one of the most productive phases of his career, delivering consistent performances across leagues like the SA20 and ILT20 ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Despite his strong numbers and proven pedigree, Raza surprisingly went unsold at the Indian Premier League 2026 auction - a decision that left many fans and experts puzzled.

In an era where teams constantly seek multi-dimensional players, Raza remains a rare commodity. He offers control with his off-spin, adaptability across batting positions, and vast leadership experience gained from captaining Zimbabwe. Several IPL franchises, particularly those struggling with balance and depth, could have benefited significantly from his inclusion. Here are three teams where Sikandar Raza would have been a strong fit in IPL 2026.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

The Chennai Super Kings are renowned for backing experienced campaigners and extracting the best out of senior professionals. Over the years, CSK have turned veterans into match-winners through role clarity and smart usage - something that would have suited Raza perfectly.

With the squad lacking a proven overseas all-rounder and relying heavily on limited spin options, Raza could have added much-needed balance. His off-spin would have been particularly effective on slower Indian surfaces, while his ability to bat responsibly in the middle order could have stabilized an otherwise inexperienced batting lineup. Beyond numbers, his calm presence and cricketing intelligence would have aligned seamlessly with CSK’s culture of composure and tactical discipline.

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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

The Kolkata Knight Riders entered IPL 2026 with noticeable gaps in their overseas spin department and finishing resources. While KKR possess explosive batting talent, consistency in the middle overs and death overs has often been a concern.

Raza would have provided a reliable solution on both fronts. As a bowler, he thrives on control rather than pace, making him ideal for containing batters during the middle phase. As a batter, his ability to rotate strike and finish innings would have eased pressure on younger players. Moreover, his experience in high-pressure games across leagues could have been invaluable during crunch moments, especially in close chases and knockout fixtures.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

The Lucknow Super Giants have built a squad full of individual match-winners, but balance remains a recurring issue. LSG lack a dependable spin all-rounder who can contribute consistently across disciplines, often forcing them to rely heavily on specialist finishers.

Sikandar Raza’s versatility would have offered LSG tactical flexibility. He could have been used as a floater with the bat, depending on the match situation, while also providing a steady bowling option when conditions suited spin. His presence would have reduced the workload on specialist bowlers and added depth to the batting order, making LSG a more complete unit across varied conditions.

While Sikandar Raza will not feature in IPL 2026, his continued success on the global T20 circuit highlights how experience and adaptability still hold immense value in modern franchise cricket. For teams willing to look beyond age and focus on impact, Raza remains one of the most underrated all-rounders in the game - and his omission could well be a missed opportunity for several franchises.