Table of Contents
NEW DELHI: The IPL 2026 auction is just around the corner and excitement is building fast. Teams are ready to hunt for talent and many players who missed out last year now have a fresh chance to shine in the world’s toughest T20 league.
Among the long list of names a few stand out for their ability to make an impact from the very first game.
Here’s the list of 3 such players who can make a comeback in IPL 2026:
1. Prithvi Shaw (Base Price: INR 75 Lakhs)
Prithvi Shaw, a dynamic Indian opener, is looking for a fresh start. He last played in the IPL in 2024 for Delhi Capitals scoring 198 runs in 8 matches. Once one of the most exciting young batters in India, Shaw lost his regular spot in recent seasons.
His talent is undeniable and he can still turn games single-handedly. In the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored 178 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of around 160.53. With a base price of INR 75 lakh, it will be interesting to see which team takes a chance on his explosive potential.
2. Steve Smith (Base Price: INR 2 Crore)
Steve Smith, the Australian batting maestro, comes in with the highest base price of INR 2 crore. Known as a legend in Tests, he has recently shown intrest in T20 cricket ahead of the 2028 Olympics. The IPL offers him the perfect platform to prepare.
In the Big Bash League 2024-25 for Sydney Sixers, he scored 121 off 64 balls at a strike rate of 189.06 in his comeback match. This century, which matched the BBL record for most career centuries, showed he still has the skill to dominate in T20s. Teams seeking an experienced batsman who can anchor or open will likely target him.
3. Sarfaraz Khan (Base Price: INR 75 Lakhs)
Sarfaraz Khan, a gifted Indian middle-order batter, is another player to watch. He last played in the IPL in 2021 and went unsold in the previous auction. His recent performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 makes a strong case for him.
Playing for Mumbai, he scored 187 runs in 4 matches at a strike rate of around 168.47, including a century off 47 balls. His consistent domestic form and moderate base price of INR 75 lakh make him an attractive option for teams seeking a reliable middle-order batter.
