NEW DELHI: Former India batter Sanjay Bangar believes South Africa's David Miller could be one of the hottest properties at the IPL 2026 mini auction, set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
Sharing his views on JioStar's IPL Auction Most Wanted, Bangar highlighted Miller's reputation as a reliable finisher, his wealth of experience in pressure situations, and his flexibility across the middle order as key factors that elevate his value. He suggested that franchises aiming to bolster their batting depth would see the left-hander as a prime target.
EXPLAINED: Why overseas players cannot earn more than INR 18 crore in IPL 2026 mini auction?
Bangar also tipped teams like Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders to be in the mix for Miller, pointing out that his composure at the crease and knack for sealing tight chases set him apart. He went on to predict that the South African star could end up among the three costliest buys of the auction.
"David Miller will likely be among the top three most expensive players in this auction. Several teams need a player with his finishing ability -- Gujarat Titans, for instance, would benefit from his experience, while Kolkata Knight Riders could target him too, especially with Andre Russell's retirement and a healthy purse at their disposal," Bangar said.
Kolkata Knight Riders head into the IPL 2026 auction with a league-high purse of Rs 64.30 crore, placing them in a strong position to aggressively chase top-tier talent. With Andre Russell no longer on their roster, Sanjay Bangar believes David Miller could serve as a near like-for-like option, capable of delivering decisive blows in the death overs.
Irfan Pathan reveals why KKR and CSK are eyeing Cameron Green
Meanwhile, former India selector MSK Prasad lauded Venkatesh Iyer's value to KKR, describing him as a dynamic all-round batter who can seamlessly switch roles. Prasad underlined Iyer's ability to open the innings, steady the ship in the middle, or finish games, making him a crucial asset for the franchise.
KKR had splurged Rs 23.75 crore to secure Venkatesh Iyer at last year's mega auction, but his returns during the season did not quite justify the hefty price tag. As a result, the franchise decided to part ways with him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, though a reunion remains a possibility if he becomes available at a more reasonable cost.
"Venkatesh lyer is a special talent -- a versatile left-hander who's delivered for KKR in multiple roles. He's shown the ability to open the innings, anchor the middle order, and even finish games when required, which speaks volumes about his flexibility and impact."
