Cricket has always loved youth, pace, and novelty, but every few seasons, it forgets one inconvenient truth: T20s are won by skill density, not birth certificates. As the countdown to the 2026 T20 World Cup begins, Sikandar Raza, at 39, is quietly performing one of cricket’s oldest magic tricks, making age irrelevant.
Although he was not selected in the IPL 2026 auction, Raza went unsold again in both 2025 and 2026; Raza is a left-handed batsman with experience playing in 223 T20I matches (batting), where he has scored 6,775 T20I runs, averaging 135.66 per 100 deliveries. The 223 T20I wickets that he took will be ignored by many of these franchises. It is one thing to ignore him because of his lack of value to your franchise; it is quite another to simply “undervalue” him.
CSK – Experience Is Their Hidden Currency
Chennai Super Kings have built dynasties on players others thought were “past it.” Shane Watson, Ajinkya Rahane, even late-career Bravo CSK doesn’t fear age; it weaponizes it.
For IPL 2026, CSK lean heavily on Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein as overseas spin options. With Ravindra Jadeja traded to RR, the all-rounder safety net is gone. That’s where Raza fits like a Chepauk evening breeze.
His off-spin offers matchup flexibility, while his left-handed batting would stabilize a raw middle order featuring Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, Prashant Veer, and Kartik. Raza wouldn’t need to dominate, just organize chaos. And historically, no franchise does that better than CSK.
KKR – When Versatility Beats Reputation
KKR’s team has an all-too-familiar theme: one legend and numerous expectations. While they have Sunil Narine as their only foreign spinner, the passage of time awaits no enigmatic bowler. The reserve, Rachin Ravindra, is a prospect, but still does not have the dependability to be called upon: 65 T20 wickets from 116 games with an average economy of 7.29.
The bigger issue? Finishing. With Andre Russell retired from IPL, KKR’s late overs now orbit Rinku Singh, while Ramandeep Singh and Rovman Powell haven’t fully convinced. Raza, with his calm strike rotation and situational hitting, could have eased that pressure instantly.
LSG – Depth Over Dependence
Lucknow Super Giants did secure Wanindu Hasaranga, but every smart buy demands an insurance policy. Last season, Hasaranga took 11 wickets at 9.04 economy serviceable, not dominant. Beyond him, the spin cupboard looks thin.
Indian options like Digvesh Singh Rathi and Shahbaz Ahmed are honest professionals, but not multi-dimensional disruptors. Sikandar Raza, on the other hand, brings dual value control with the ball and adaptability with the bat.
LSG’s finishing depends heavily on Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni, both talented, both streaky. Raza wouldn’t steal their roles; he’d stabilize them. Think less fireworks, more load-bearing steel.
He would have been a known asset for the CSK team. He would have helped alleviate some of the structural pressure on the KKR. He could have added some balance to the LSG instead of relying on a couple of players. Now Sikandar Raza will have the chance to perform better somewhere else and develop some of the needed skills that he’ll be needing when he goes back and competes at the top international level again.
Key Takeaway
IPL franchises didn’t ignore Sikandar Raza’s form; they ignored their own needs.
FAQs
- What makes Sikandar Raza valuable in T20s?
His dual skill set, tactical awareness, and consistent economy under pressure.
- Why did teams hesitate to pick him in IPL 2026?
Age bias and overreliance on specialist roles overshadowed versatility.
- How could Raza impact the 2026 T20 World Cup?
As a match-control all-rounder who thrives in high-leverage overs.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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