IPL auctions are like cricketing Christmas mornings—you never know what surprises are waiting, and every team hopes to bag the perfect gift without burning through their funds. After the mega-auction madness of 2025, franchises are approaching the 2026 auction with caution, especially when it comes to overseas batters. Many teams overspent last year, only to realize that backing the wrong foreign stars can leave a gaping hole in their purse strings. But here’s the twist—some overseas batters who didn’t shine in 2025 could be prime candidates to return at a bargain.

 

Jake Fraser-McGurk

 

Let’s start with the young Aussie, Jake Fraser-McGurk. If you followed Delhi Capitals’ rollercoaster in 2025, you’ll know Fraser-McGurk didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard. His numbers were disappointing, barely reaching double digits in the games he played. Technical flaws caught up with him, and fans started questioning if he could ever reach the potential he showed in his debut season back in 2024.

 

Here’s why he’s still worth a look: potential. Fraser-McGurk is a classic long-term investment. He can play those explosive innings that can turn games on their head. For franchises, picking him up at a price lower than ₹9 crore could be a steal. It’s a bit of a gamble, sure, but in a tournament where match-winners can come out of nowhere, betting on a young talent with raw firepower is rarely a mistake.

 

David Miller 

 

Next up is veteran South African, David Miller. With Marsh, Markram, and Pooran leading the way, Miller had to watch much of 2025 unfold from the pavilion. He even lost his spot mid-season when they changed to a bowling/overseas option and got him out of the game altogether.

 

Now, Miller is nearing the twilight of his career, and that could actually work in the buyer’s favor. A veteran finisher at a discounted price, who might only play a supporting role, is perfect for teams needing a mix of experience and depth without splurging on big contracts. He’s still dangerous when he gets going, and for a franchise willing to pick him up at less than his ₹7.5 crore 2025 price tag, it’s smart business. 

 

Shimron Hetmyer 

 

Last year, Rajasthan Royals shelled out ₹11 crore to keep West Indies’ explosive hitter, Shimron Hetmyer, in their ranks. Last season didn’t click for Hetmyer, as he struggled to close matches and spinners frequently got the better of him. With Rajasthan tight on funds, releasing him and hoping to buy him back cheaper seems like a realistic move.

 

Hetmyer still has the firepower; he just hit a rough patch with his form. If a franchise can snag him for a lower price, they could get a proven T20 hitter without committing massive money. It’s a risk, yes, but in the IPL, calculated risks often pay off big time. Hetmyer could easily turn a mid-tier squad into a dangerous one in the death overs if handled correctly.

 

FAQs 

 

  1. Why are overseas batters being considered for cheaper buys in IPL 2026?

Many overseas batters underperformed in 2025, so teams might release them to re-sign at a lower price.

 

  1. Is Jake Fraser-McGurk worth buying despite a poor 2025 season?

Yes, his explosive potential and youth make him a long-term investment for franchises.

 

  1. Why might David Miller’s price drop in the upcoming auction?

Miller is nearing the end of his career and may not be a guaranteed starter, lowering his market value.