The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, with 10 franchises competing for 77 available slots. With squads capped at 25, the auction could spark bidding wars for overseas wicketkeeper-batters — a skillset that allows teams to build squads with double-value players.
Who are the overseas wicketkeepers expected to get big bids at the IPL 2026 Auction?
Quinton de Kock
The South African wicketkeeper-batter has returned to international cricket with a renewed hunger and passion for the game. In the ongoing series against India, De Kock has already shown glimpses of his form with a fine 90 off 46 balls in the second T20I. With him being an attacking top-order option and an experienced keeper in Indian conditions, De Kock could trigger a bidding war.
Tim Seifert
Tim Seifert has struck at over 142 in 77 T20I matches that he has played.
| Photo Credit:
AFP
Tim Seifert has struck at over 142 in 77 T20I matches that he has played.
| Photo Credit:
AFP
An explosive top-order batter from New Zealand, Seifert is another valuable player that teams could target in the auction. Seifert has struck at over 142 in 77 T20I matches that he has played. So far, he has only featured in three IPL games and has been part of both Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals’ squads.
Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow already has a proven record in the IPL.
| Photo Credit:
VIJAY SONEJI
Jonny Bairstow already has a proven record in the IPL.
| Photo Credit:
VIJAY SONEJI
The English wicketkeeper-batter already has a proven record in the IPL with multiple franchises. In IPL 2025, he played two games for Mumbai Indians and scored at a strike rate of nearly 185. With a base price of Rs. 1 crore, Bairstow could attract multiple buyers.
Published on Dec 14, 2025
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