Overseas All-Rounders Who Could Become IPL Steals in 2026

The IPL auction buildup is like Christmas for cricket fans, as each franchise plots, and every fan is left guessing; the futures of every player could hang in the balance. With the 2026 IPL mega-auction on the horizon, teams are juggling budgets, releasing big names, and searching for value buys in the IPL auction. Interestingly, some overseas all-rounders who did not get splashed in the 2025 season could be steal deals next time. So, let’s take a look at three players who could return to IPL glory as a fraction of their value last season – starting with, of course, Wanindu Hasaranga!

 

Wanindu Hasaranga

 

Wanindu Hasaranga

 

In 2025, Rajasthan Royals purchased Hasaranga for ₹5.25 crore, but the leg-spinner did not perform as well as hoped. He took just 11 wickets in 11 innings at an economy rate above nine, and was more limited than he could have been. He had fitness niggles, but his batting was inconsistent, too. But here is the wrinkle—spinners who can bowl quick, tricky leg-spin are a serious scarcity in IPL. Rajasthan might let him go to free up money, but one option would be to buy him back cheaply. If Hasaranga could find his form and fitness again, there is every reason he could win games single-handedly from the spin department—particularly on colourful tracks (not non-turners). Any franchise that wanted to fortify its spin department economically has a potentially golden hen in Hasaranga.

 

Marcus Stoinis

 

Marcus Stoinis

 

Marcus Stoinis has generally been a bit of a rollercoaster ride: several innings of brilliance with the bat, occasional positive impact with his ball. Two years ago, PBKS paid over ₹10 crore+ for him; then I hardly heard of his bowling; he was explosive at times with the bat, but inconsistent. The IPL loves multi-dimensional players; Stoinis hasn’t convincingly tightened up the all-rounder characteristics yet. In 2026, teams might not be able to overspend; however, Stoinis would be a perfect buy-back at a cheaper price. If a franchise consistently backs him, given enough time. In that case, he may well redeem himself and prove his true game-changer, not necessarily with respect to run-scoring (although his left-handed hitting can create havoc), but mainly via his handy medium-pace in very pressured match situations. 

 

Liam Livingstone

 

Liam Livingstone

 

RCB lifted the trophy, but Livingstone’s season felt like a guest appearance rather than a starring role. While Shepherd and Bethell drove the key moments, Livingstone remained more observer than contributor. He is a double-digit salary, which is a challenge for teams managing budgets, but he is a guy. When in form, he is a left-hander capable of clearing boundaries with ease, but he can bowl a few hard overs, and he bowls good pace off-spin. RCB may want to release Livingstone tactically to save money, but if he finds a way to grab him for a reduced price, RCB-or any other franchise, probably will be considered a calculated risk. Livingstone is the embodiment of IPL unpredictability; either he is super impressive, or he is invisible, and at a lesser rate, there is more opportunity than risk.

 

FAQs 

 

1. Is Marcus Stoinis still valuable despite his inconsistent bowling?

Yes, his big-hitting ability and occasional bowling make him a potential game-changer if bought at a lower price.

 

2. Why could Liam Livingstone be available cheaply in the 2026 auction?

His limited game time in 2025 and high salary make him a release candidate for RCB.

 

3. Which team is most likely to rebid for Hasaranga?

Rajasthan Royals might go for him again if the price is right.