With the IPL 2026 mini-auction just around the corner, franchises are gearing up for another high-stakes bidding war. Around 350 players are set to go under the hammer, including 110 overseas cricketers, as teams look to fine-tune their squads ahead of the new season. Among the names generating the most buzz are all-rounders Cameron Green and Daryl Mitchell.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Green could emerge as one of the hottest properties at the auction. Speaking on JioStar’s pre-auction show, Pathan explained why teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings are likely to show strong interest in the Australian, especially as they seek like-for-like replacements for retired or departing stars.
Why Cameron Green fits KKR and CSK’s plans
According to Irfan, Green’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an ideal option for franchises willing to invest heavily in a premium overseas all-rounder. With KKR entering the auction with a healthy purse and Andre Russell no longer in the picture, Green could offer balance and firepower, even if he bats slightly higher up the order.
“Cameron Green is a top-quality all-rounder. With KKR having a sizeable purse, they’ll surely target him. He’s a like-for-like replacement for Russell in many ways. I also expect CSK to show interest,” Irfan said.
Pathan also highlighted New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell as another strong overseas option. The former India pacer noted that Mitchell’s proven ability against spin makes him particularly valuable on Indian surfaces, especially in Chennai. Irfan suggested that CSK could once again go big for Mitchell, potentially around the ₹14 crore mark, if Green proves too expensive.
“Daryl Mitchell plays spin exceptionally well, which is why CSK invested heavily in him earlier. On tricky pitches like Chennai, that skill becomes priceless. He has the experience, temperament and consistency teams look for in overseas players,” Irfan added.
Also Read: ‘Not ideal’: Brendon McCullum responds to cameraman incident ahead of Adelaide Test
