The next big thing? Five uncapped IPL stars set to dominate in the future

The 2026 IPL season has been a watershed moment for the scouting revolution. While the headlines are often dominated by the massive price tags of international superstars, the real engine room of the league remains the uncapped Indian talent pool.

Franchise scouts now spend 12 months a year traversing the country, from the bustling grounds of Mumbai to the remote districts of Jharkhand, looking for specific skill sets, namely high-pace bowling, 360-degree hitting ability and mystery spin.

As we move toward the business end of the 2026 season and with the inevitable mega-auction on the horizon, these five players, uncapped at international level, have emerged as this season’s blue-chip prospects.

Here is the scouting report on the next wave of Indian talent ready to make the leap to the international stage.

1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

• The profile: Top-order left-handed batsman

The hype: At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become the face of Generation Alpha cricket. After being picked up by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.10 crore, he hasn’t just participated; he has dominated.

Scouting notes: Sooryavanshi possesses a rare combination of classical timing and contemporary fearlessness. He recently broke the record for the fastest fifty by a teenager in IPL history, reaching the mark in just 15 balls.

His ability to hit “good length” balls over cover is reminiscent of a young Sourav Ganguly, but his strike rate suggests a player built entirely for the T20 age.

Verdict: A future multi-format star for India; expect him to be the first name protected in any future retention lists.

2. Priyansh Arya (Delhi Capitals)

• The profile: Opening batsman

The hype: Arya arrived in the Indian Premier League with a massive reputation after hitting six sixes in an over during the Delhi Premier League. In 2026, he has proven that his power hitting translates to the world’s biggest stage.

Scouting notes: Arya is a Powerplay specialist. He excels at exploiting the field restrictions, using a high back-lift and incredible bat speed to clear the ropes with ease.

Unlike many young power-hitters, his footwork against spin is advanced, allowing him to stay at the crease long after the fielding restrictions have eased. He has been a bright spark in an otherwise difficult season for the Capitals.

Verdict: The ideal T20 opener. His Impact Player value is enormous because of his ability to provide a 200-plus strike rate start.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Ashok Sharma (Gujarat Titans)

• The profile: Right-arm fast bowler

The hype: The standout story of the 2026 season. After years as a net bowler, Sharma has suddenly become the fastest Indian on the circuit.

Scouting notes: Sharma is the rare raw pace find that coaches dream of. Clocking in at 154.2 kmph, he doesn’t just rely on speed; he has developed a lethal heavy ball that hits the bat harder than expected.

His temperament under pressure, specifically when defending totals at the death, has been the biggest surprise for the Titans’ coaching staff.

Verdict: If he stays fit, he is a lock-in for India’s white-ball squads by the end of the year.

4. Swastik Chikara (Delhi Capitals)

• The profile: Aggressive batsman

The hype: Another product of the vibrant Delhi cricketing ecosystem, Chikara has been a revelation for his fearless approach to middle-over batting.

Scouting notes: Chikara is a destroyer of spin. In a league where many teams use the 7-15 over period to squeeze the batting side with slow bowlers, Chikara is the antidote.

He has an incredible range of sweeps and lofted drives, making it almost impossible for captains to settle on a defensive field for him. His consistent strike rate of 160-plus in the middle overs has kept DC competitive in several high-scoring chases.

Verdict: A vital middle-order engine who could easily transition into a “finisher” role as he matures.

5. Manav Suthar (Gujarat Titans)

• The profile: Left-arm spinner

The hype: While pace has stolen the headlines, the accuracy and guile of Manav Suthar have quietly kept Gujarat Titans in the playoff hunt.

Scouting notes: Suthar is an intelligence-first bowler. He doesn’t generate massive turn, but his control over line and length is exceptional for his age. He thrives on frustration, bowling defensive lines that force batters into risky shots.

His economy rate in the 2026 season is among the top five for all uncapped bowlers, making him an invaluable asset on the slower, turning tracks seen in the latter half of the tournament.

Verdict: The perfect T20 utility bowler. He provides four overs of control that allow the strike bowlers like Ashok Sharma to attack from the other end.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

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Why Heinrich Klaasen’s international chapter should stay closed

The Indian Premier League has once again become the stage for Heinrich Klaasen to showcase his status as arguably the most destructive middle-order batter in world cricket.

His ability to dismantle spin and clear boundaries with nonchalant ease for Sunrisers Hyderabad has, predictably, ignited a flurry of calls for him to rescind his international retirement with commentator Kevin Pietersen leading the clamour.

The sight of Klaasen in full flow makes any South African fan nostalgic for that explosive power in the Proteas middle order.

However, despite the seductive nature of his current form, the prospect of a return would be a step backward that South African cricket simply cannot afford to take.

The most compelling reason to resist the “Klaasen comeback” narrative is the sheer depth of talent currently knocking on the door. To recall a veteran is to stifle the momentum of players like Ryan Rickelton and Donovan Ferreira.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

Rickelton has been in sensational form domestically and in various T20 leagues, proving he is ready for the rigours of the international stage. While he did well for the Proteas at the T20 World Cup, it should be remembered that there was not initially space for him in the side.

Similarly, Ferreira offers a mirror image of Klaasen’s finishing ability—a hard-hitting, versatile player who represents the next generation of Proteas finishers.

If the national side continues to revert to retired legends every time a gap opens, it sends a demoralising message to those who have remained loyal to the domestic system. Much as Klaasen has been doing for SRH, Ferreira has been doing for the Rajasthan Royals.

Ferreira’s most recent innings saw him strike an undefeated 47 from 14 balls.

Furthermore, we must factor in the Baby AB phenomenon. Dewald Brevis represents the absolute future of South African batting.

While his journey has had its ups and downs, the only way for a talent of that magnitude to mature is through consistent exposure to the international arena.

The reality is that Brevis and Klaasen are competing for the same place – it is possible that there would be space for both of them in the same Proteas team, but the role they both play is very similar.

In short, every game a returning veteran plays is a game of experience stolen from a youngster like Brevis.

Building a world-class squad is about looking to the horizon, not peering into the rearview mirror. True progress lies in nurturing the raw potential of the youth rather than clinging to the safety net of the past.

Perhaps the most important factor is the philosophy of retirement itself. Major life decisions, especially those involving one’s career and family, should be made for reasons far more substantial than a temporary purple patch of form.

As Klaasen himself noted in a recent interview, “It was a thought for about two weeks… then we decided against it. My family plays a big role.”

Retirement is a foundational shift in a player’s lifestyle and mental headspace. Linking a comeback solely to “how well one is hitting the ball” ignores the personal toll and the logistical commitments that international cricket demands.

Klaasen’s honesty is refreshing; he admitted that while he missed the camaraderie during the World Cup, he ultimately realised, “It’s not going to happen.”

To pressure a player back into service when his heart and family priorities have moved on is a recipe for burnout and diminished returns.

Ultimately, Heinrich Klaasen’s legacy is secure. He has provided South Africa with some of its most exhilarating modern cricketing moments in the IPL and elsewhere.

But for the Proteas to evolve into a side capable of winning trophies, they must trust the system they have built and the players they are currently developing. The chapter is closed, and for the health of South African cricket, it should stay that way.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

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Ranking the riches: The most lucrative places to play franchise cricket in 2026

The landscape of franchise cricket has shifted dramatically this year. While the Indian Premier League remains the undisputed financial titan, leagues like the SA20 and the newly revamped Pakistan Super League are aggressively climbing the ladder to attract global talent.

Several major international stars opted not to play in India and instead made the switch north of the border to Pakistan – but that said, there India still appears to offer bigger salaries and more prestige as the recent late moves by players like Blessing Muzarabani and other suggest.

With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of how the major T20 leagues compare in terms of team budgets and individual player earnings for the 2026 season, with all figures provided in US Dollars.

1. Indian Premier League (IPL)

While the gap may be closing, the IPL continues to operate in a stratosphere of its own. For the 2026 season, the team salary cap has risen to $18.1 million per franchise.

Individual earnings have reached record heights; Rishabh Pant currently holds the title for the highest contract at $3.24 million.

Additionally, the league introduced a mandatory $9,000 match fee per game, ensuring even squad players can earn over $120,000 in a full season.

2. SA20 (South Africa)

The SA20 has solidified its position as the second-highest paying league globally. For Season Four (2026), the salary cap stood at $2.31 million per team in South Africa.

The 2026 auction saw the league’s record smashed twice in minutes, culminating in Dewald Brevis signing for a staggering $966,000. This high individual pay ceiling makes it a primary destination for elite stars during the January window.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. International League T20 (ILT20)

The UAE-based ILT20 remains a heavy hitter with a team salary cap of approximately $2.5 million. Because the league allows up to nine overseas players per starting XI, it focuses its budget on high-value “marquee” contracts ranging from $400,000 to $450,000.

Its tax-free status in the UAE often makes these figures more lucrative than similar gross salaries in other jurisdictions.

4. Big Bash League (BBL)

Australia’s BBL operates with a total payment pool of roughly $2 million per men’s team. While the salary cap is slightly lower than the SA20, the league has introduced multi-year deals to retain top overseas stars.

Top-tier platinum players like Babar Azam can command upwards of $275,000 for a full season, though many internationals receive pro-rated payments based on availability.

5. Pakistan Super League (PSL)

The 2026 season marked a historic shift for the PSL, moving from a draft to an auction-based system. The team salary cap has been increased to $1.6 million, with an additional $500,000 allocated for direct marquee signings outside the auction.

Steve Smith became one of the league’s highest-paid players via a direct signing deal worth $500,000 in Pakistan.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

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5 IPL legends from defunct franchises who are dearly missed

The modern IPL landscape is dominated by the “Big Three” – Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their jerseys are ubiquitous, and their histories are well-documented.

However, the DNA of the IPL was also spliced by franchises that burned brightly and vanished. These defunct teams provided some of the league’s most iconic moments and nurtured legends who defined the tournament’s early identity.

To understand where the IPL is today, we must look back at the pioneers from teams that no longer exist.

1. Adam Gilchrist (Deccan Chargers)

The Deccan Chargers’ arc from 2008 to 2009 remains the ultimate ‘worst-to-first’ story. After finishing dead last in the inaugural season, Adam Gilchrist assumed the captaincy and transformed a demoralised squad into champions.

The Impact: Gilchrist didn’t just lead; he pioneered the fearless start. His 85 off 35 balls in the 2009 semi-final remains one of the most clinical T20 innings ever.

He instilled a sense of South Indian pride in the Hyderabad-based franchise that paved the way for the eventual birth and success of the Sunrisers.

2. Brendon McCullum (Kochi Tuskers Kerala)

While everyone remembers McCullum’s 158* for KKR in the very first IPL game, his stint with the short-lived Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011 was equally fascinating. The Tuskers only survived one season, but they were giant-killers, famously beating MI and CSK back-to-back.

The Impact: McCullum brought a frenetic energy to a squad that was technically nomadic.

The New Zealand player’s partnership with Mahela Jayawardene at the top of the order showed that “all-star” veteran pairings could work even in a franchise with zero infrastructure. His time in Kochi proved that T20 cricket could find a passionate home in Kerala’s football-loving heart.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Suresh Raina (Gujarat Lions)

For two years (2016-2017), ‘Mr. IPL’ traded his yellow CSK jersey for the orange of the Gujarat Lions. While it felt like a temporary loan, Raina’s leadership in Rajkot was supreme. He led the Lions to the top of the table in their debut season.

The Impact: Raina proved he could thrive outside the MS Dhoni shadow. Under his captaincy, the Lions adopted a ‘bat-deep’ philosophy that many teams mimic today.

His ability to anchor a new franchise helped the IPL survive the temporary absence of CSK and RR, proving the league’s brand was bigger than any single team.

4. Steve Smith (Pune Warriors)

Before there was a ‘Fab Four’ Test legend, Australia‘s Steve Smith was a quirky leg-spinner and energetic finisher for the Pune Warriors India (PWI). In a team that often struggled for identity, Smith was the spark plug.

The Impact: PWI was known for its flamboyant owners and the iconic Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, but Smith gave them tactical grit. His unorthodox shot-making first caught the world’s attention in PWI colours.

He represented the “scrappiness” of the defunct Pune side, a trait that later evolved when the city returned with the Rising Pune Supergiant.

5.  Shaun Marsh (Kings XI Punjab – original identity)

While the franchise still exists as Punjab Kings, the original ‘Kings XI’ era, specifically the 2008 season, belonged to Shaun Marsh. As an unheralded replacement player, he won the first-ever Orange Cap.

The Impact: Marsh was the original IPL Discovery. He proved that the league wasn’t just for established superstars; it was a platform where a domestic Australian player could become a global household name overnight.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

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IPL predictions: RCB to beat GT? DC to outdo PBKS? RR to defeat SRH?

There are three highly-anticipated fixtures coming up in the 2026 Indian Premier League.

It’s handy to have these IPL predictions at hand.

Read on for more of the latest information.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Gujarat Titans

Key talking points

RCB

Currently sitting second in the points table, RCB has found consistency with four wins from six games.

Virat Kohli remains in imperious form at the top with 247 runs, while Rajat Patidar has seamlessly transitioned into the captaincy role following RCB’s maiden title win.

RCB have been very dominant at the Chinnaswamy this season, where they have cleared the boundaries more frequently than any other side.

However, they are still managing Josh Hazlewood’s workload following early-season hamstring concerns.

GT

The Titans occupy the sixth spot with a balanced record of three wins and three losses. Captain Shubman Gill continues to lead from the front with 265 runs, supported by the rising Sai Sudharsan.

Interestingly, GT’s bowling remains their strong suit; Prasidh Krishna leads the league with 12 wickets, creating a formidable ‘Twin-Towers’ partnership with Kagiso Rabada.

A concerning anomaly for GT is their recent batting collapse – the 99-run loss to MI highlighted a vulnerable middle order that struggles when the top three fail to fire.

Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Captains are nearly unanimous in their preference at this venue; across 109 completed matches, 90.8% of toss winners have chosen to field first.

The skipper’s choice to bat is clearly justified when looking at the results here – chasing sides have won approximately 54 percent of all matches played here (56 out of 104).

While the historical average first-innings score here is 172, recent seasons have seen this skyrocket. In 2026, the average first-innings score has reached an incredible 193.

Virat Kohli holds the record for the most IPL runs at this ground, having amassed 3,367 runs. No other player has even half that total.

The record for the highest chase in IPL history at this venue is 213, achieved by the Lucknow Super Giants against RCB in 2023.

The stadium holds the record for the highest team total in IPL history; 287/3 made by SRH against RCB in 2024. Conversely, it also saw RCB’s record low of 82 in 2008.

Due to its short boundaries and high altitude, the ball travels further here than at most venues. It has hosted over 1,550 sixes in its IPL history.

Weather

Expect a pleasant but warm evening in Bengaluru under partly cloudy skies. The temperature will hover around 29 degrees, providing some relief from the daytime high of 35.

Humidity will be manageable at approximately 30 percent, with a light breeze. There is no chance of rain for the evening.

Form

• RCB: L, W, W, L, W.
• GT: L, W, W, W, L.

Predicted line-ups

RCB

Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara.

GT

Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Shahrukh Khan, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, R. Sai Kishore.

Key players

Virat Kohli

The King is in sublime form, sitting fifth in the Orange Cap race with 247 runs. Kohli’s record at his home ground is legendary, and he thrives on the high-energy atmosphere of the Bengaluru crowd.

His refined aggression in the powerplay and elite running between the wickets set the tempo for RCB’s high-octane batting style.

With the Titans possessing a world-class pace battery, Kohli’s experience in navigating high-pressure Powerplays will be the decisive factor for the hosts.

Shubman Gill

The Titans’ captain is the lynchpin of their top order, currently leading his side’s scoring with 265 runs. Gill’s ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a high strike rate is crucial, especially following GT’s recent middle-order collapses.

On a ground as small as the Chinnaswamy, his elegant power-hitting and prowess against both pace and spin will be vital. If Gill survives the new ball, his capacity for big hundreds makes him the ultimate threat to RCB’s bowling plans.

Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Playing at the Chinnaswamy, Virat Kohli’s extraordinary home form and RCB’s superior boundary-hitting depth give them a distinct edge on this small ground.

While the Titans have a world-class bowling attack, their middle-order batting has looked fragile recently. Expect RCB’s explosive top order to overpower a Gujarat side still reeling from their recent low score collapse against Mumbai.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

Delhi Capitals v Punjab Kings

Key talking points

DC

The Capitals enter this match looking to bounce back from a heavy 47-run defeat to SRH on Tuesday.

While Tristan Stubbs remains in elite form—averaging 65.33 this season, the team’s bowling has struggled to contain high-scoring opponents, conceding 242 in their last outing.

PBKS

The Kings are in world-beating form, recently posting the highest score of IPL 2026 (254/7) in their 54-run win over LSG.

Priyansh Arya is the man in focus, boasting a tournament-high strike rate of 248.23 after his destructive 93 off 37 balls.

Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have displayed terrifying consistency, successfully defending targets and chasing down 200-plus totals with ease. Remarkably, they are the only team in the 2026 season yet to taste defeat.

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

The ground is almost perfectly balanced. Out of 99 IPL matches played here, teams batting first have won 48 times, while chasing sides have won 50 times.

The historical average first-innings score at the ground stands at 171 runs. However, recent seasons have seen it become a high-scoring venue with totals frequently crossing 200.

The leading run-scorer at the ground is David Warner. The Aussie opener amassed 1,048 runs in 36 innings.

The record for the highest team score at this venue was set in 2025, when Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive 278/3 against KKR.

The Delhi Capitals hold the unfortunate record for the lowest total here, having been bowled out for just 66 runs by Mumbai Indians in 2017.

The highest successful run chase in an IPL match at this stadium is 219/6, achieved by the Mumbai Indians against CSK in 2021. More recently, Gujarat Titans chased down 205 without losing a wicket in May 2025.

Lasith Malinga holds the record for the best individual bowling performance at this venue, with figures of 5/13 taken against Delhi Capitals in 2011.

Weather

Conditions in Delhi will be extremely hot with the maximum temperature going above 40 degrees. The sky will be mostly cloudy, but don’t expect relief as humidity stays low at 11 percent.

Dry, dusty winds will blow. There is a negligible five percent chance of a stray shower in the afternoon.

Form

• DC: L, W, L, L, W.
• PBKS: W, W, W, NR, W.

Predicted line-ups

DC

Pathum Nissanka, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, T Natarajan.

PBKS

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Sam Curran, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar.

Key players

Tristan Stubbs

The South African finisher has been the lone consistent warrior for Delhi, carrying a batting average of 65.33 into this fixture.

His ability to manipulate the field and strike at over 160 makes him indispensable, particularly if the Capitals’ top order struggles against Punjab’s swing.

On the relatively small Arun Jaitley deck, his raw power and innovative scoop shots over fine leg will be Delhi’s best hope for matching the league leaders’ explosive scoring rate.

Priyansh Arya

The breakout superstar of 2026, Arya is the primary reason Punjab remains unbeaten. Boasting a terrifying tournament strike rate of 248.23, he has redefined Powerplay aggression, most recently dismantling LSG with a 37-ball 93.

His fearlessness against high pace and his recent record of hitting sixes at will make him the ultimate threat. If he finds his rhythm early in Delhi, he could effectively end the contest within the first six overs.:

Prediction: Punjab Kings

The King’s momentum is currently unstoppable, fuelled by the excellent form of Priyansh Arya and a middle order that has yet to buckle under pressure.

While Delhi’s Kuldeep Yadav poses a threat, PBKS’s superior bowling depth, led by Arshdeep Singh, is better equipped to exploit the Arun Jaitley Stadium’s conditions.

Expect the unbeaten leaders to extend their record-breaking winning streak.

Rajasthan Royals v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Key talking points

RR

Rajasthan arrive with momentum restored after a recent win built on bowling discipline. The emergence of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been central to their rise, the teenage opener combining fluency with striking consistency at the top.

Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to complement him, forming one of the fastest-scoring opening partnerships this season.

With the ball, the unit of Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi and Ravindra Jadeja have provided balance and control. RR’s only notable concern remains occasional middle-order fragility, exposed in their earlier defeat to SRH.

SRH

Hyderabad’s campaign has been defined by extremes. The opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head remains among the most destructive in the competition, while Heinrich Klaasen anchors the middle order.

Yet inconsistency beyond the top three has cost them, particularly in chases. Their bowling, though, showed its ceiling in that earlier clash, with Hinge’s debut spell underlining their potential.

If SRH can marry that cutting edge with greater consistency, they remain dangerous opponents capable of unsettling even the most settled sides.

Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Historically, teams batting second have dominated this ground, winning 64 percent of matches (41 out of 64).

The venue has traditionally seen moderate scores with a historical average of 165 runs. However, this has surged recently, reaching an average of 198.3 in the 2025 season.

Ajinkya Rahane is the all-time leading run-scorer at this stadium, having amassed 1,115 runs during his time with the Rajasthan Royals.

The record for the highest successful chase here is 217/6, achieved by Sunrisers Hyderabad against the Royals in 2023.

The Punjab Kings hold the record for the highest team total and a successful defence at this ground, posting 219/5 against Rajasthan in 2025.

The stadium hosted the first-ever six-wicket haul in IPL history when Sohail Tanvir took 6/14 against Chennai in the inaugural 2008 season; a record that stood for 11 years.

In a stark contrast to high-scoring games, the Rajasthan Royals were famously bundled out for just 59 runs against RCB here in 2023, the lowest team score ever at this venue.

Weather

Jaipur will remain very warm well into the evening, with temperatures settling around 35 degrees, down from a blistering day time high of 42. The sky will be partly cloudy with light winds.

Humidity will remain low at 16 percent, and while there is a slight chance of rain at five percent, it is unlikely to prevent the game from being completed.

Form

• RR: W, L, L, W, W.
• SRH: W, W, W, L, L.

Predicted line-ups

RR

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi.

SRH

Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Salil Arora, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Sakib Hussain, Praful Hinge.

Key players

Nandre Burger

Something of an unsung hero behind Jofra Archer, it was Burger who did the damage at the top of the order for RR last time out. The South African speedster has become an enforcer for the Royals in the Powerplay.

His ability to extract extra bounce from the Jaipur surface while maintaining speeds upwards of 145 clicks makes him a terrifying prospect for SRH’s aggressive openers.

With the Royals looking to protect their home turf, his battle against Travis Head will be decisive. His knack for picking up early wickets is exactly what RR needs to stifle the league’s fastest-scoring batting order.

Praful Hinge

Hinge has emerged as the breakout star of the Sunrisers’ bowling unit in the absence of Pat Cummins. Known for his deceptive pace and a potent yorker at the death, he has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations this season.

Against a Rajasthan middle order featuring the likes of Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer, Hinge’s execution in the final five overs will be the difference between a chaseable target and an out-of-reach total.

Prediction: Rajasthan Royals

While SRH possesses terrifying batting power, the absence of Pat Cummins has left their bowling attack vulnerable under pressure.

Playing at home, the Royals’ balanced attack—led by the pace of Nandre Burger and Jofra Archer and the spin of Ravi Bishnoi — is perfectly suited to exploit the Jaipur conditions and contain SRH’s aggressive top order to secure the points.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

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Five big-name players who ditched the PSL for the IPL

The recent disciplinary action against Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani has sent shockwaves through the franchise cricket circuit.

The Pakistan Cricket Board handed the lanky quick a two-year ban after he withdrew from his commitment with Islamabad United to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL.

This move, described as a ‘fundamental failure to honour commitments’, highlights the growing tension as the world’s two biggest T20 leagues increasingly overlap.

For his part, Muzarabani maintained that while he had a verbal agreement in place, he had never signed an actual contract and that in its absence the move to India was legal.

But Muzarabani wasn’t the first player to drop a PSL team in favour of a move south of the border with IPL’s massive global audience and even larger pay cheques proving irresistible.

While Muzarabani is the latest to face the music, he is far from the first to “snub” the PSL at the eleventh hour. Let’s look at five times players have ditched the PSL for the IPL.

1. Blessing Muzarabani (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The Zimbabwean speedster was initially signed as a replacement for Shamar Joseph at Islamabad United for approximately $40,000.

However, when KKR came calling with a deal reportedly worth four times that amount to replace Mustafizur Rahman, Muzarabani made the switch. The result? A ban that keeps him out of the PSL until 2029.

2. Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians)

In 2025, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch set the precedent for Muzarabani’s current predicament.

After being drafted by Peshawar Zalmi in the Diamond category, Bosch withdrew his name when the Mumbai Indians offered him an injury replacement contract for Lizaad Williams.

The PCB responded with a one-year ban, making him the first player to be sanctioned for such a switch.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Dasun Shanaka (Rajasthan Royals)

Sri Lanka‘s T20I captain, Dasun Shanaka, found himself in hot water in 2026 after a last-minute departure from the Lahore Qalandars. Just a day before the PSL season began, Shanaka announced he was leaving for the Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Sam Curran.

While an inquiry was launched, his move further strained the relationship between the two boards regarding player availability.

4. Mitchell Owen (Punjab Kings)

The Australia Big Bash star was a key part of the Peshawar Zalmi camp in 2025 before the IPL’s “siren song” intervened. The Punjab Kings signed Owen to replace an injured Glenn Maxwell.

Owen’s departure left Zalmi scrambling for a replacement and added to the growing list of “replacement players” who prioritize the IPL over their original PSL contracts.

5. Spencer Johnson (Chennai Super Kings)

Australian left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson was a high-value pick for the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL. However, his stay in Pakistan was cut short when the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) offered him a lucrative role as an injury replacement for Nathan Ellis.

Johnson’s decision to snub the Gladiators in favour of the Yellow Army is cited as another example of the IPL‘s dominant financial gravity.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

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Five of the most expensive IPL signings who scarcely played

In the high-stakes theatre of the IPL auction, franchises often engage in bidding wars that send player valuations into the stratosphere. Usually, these multimillion-dollar investments are the first names on the team sheet.

However, the IPL’s unique constraints, most notably the four-foreigner rule and the mercurial nature of Indian pitches, have occasionally created a bizarre phenomenon: the Million-Dollar Benchwarmer.

These aren’t just flops who played poorly; these are elite players who, due to tactical shifts or squad imbalances, sat through entire seasons without ever taking the field. Here are five of the most expensive signings who remained sidelined.

1. Tymal Mills (2017) – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Tymal Mills was the breakout star of the 2017 auction, fetching a staggering US$1.8 million. While he did eventually feature in five games, he spent the bulk of the season, and the most critical matches, as an expensive spectator from England.

RCB’s tactical error was over-investing in a pace specialist on a Chinnaswamy deck that had suddenly turned into a slow, spin-friendly surface. Mills’ express pace became a liability, leading to his permanent benching in favour of more versatile options.

2. Colin de Grandhomme (2019) – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Purchased for approximately US$700,000 to provide late-order fireworks and handy medium-pace, the Kiwi all-rounder found himself trapped by the numbers game.

With RCB desperate to stabilize their top order, they were forced to use their overseas slots on AB de Villiers, Marcus Stoinis, and Shimron Hetmyer.

De Grandhomme became a tactical insurance policy that was never cashed in. He spent 13 of the 14 games in the dugout, proving that an overseas all-rounder is only as good as the balance of the local talent around him.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Pawan Negi (2016) – Delhi Daredevils

Negi made headlines when he became the most expensive Indian player of the 2016 auction at roughly US$1.25 million.

While he technically played a handful of games, he was famously benched while on the field, often not being asked to bowl a single over or bat higher than number eight.

By the business end of the tournament, the coaching staff lost faith in his abilities, and he spent the final, crucial weeks as a tactical “DNP” (Did Not Play).

4. Mitchell Santner (2018) – Chennai Super Kings

While Santner eventually became a CSK regular, his first year was a lesson in squad redundancy. Purchased for about US$75,000 (a steal, but a high-value tactical target), he missed the entire winning season.

Even when fit, MS Dhoni’s preference for Ravindra Jadeja meant there was no room for a second left-arm orthodox spinner. Santner’s benching wasn’t about form; it was about a set-in-stone tactical blueprint that didn’t require a carbon copy of their primary spinner.

5. Lockie Ferguson (2023/25) – Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings

Ferguson has often been the victim of the Impact Player rule. Despite his US$1.2 million-plus price tags in various seasons, the New Zealand fast bowler has frequently sat out entire blocks of games.

Teams often buy his 150kph pace as a fear factor but pivot to slower bowlers the moment they see a dry surface. His presence on the bench represents millions of dollars kept in reserve simply to counter a specific opponent that never arrives.

Currently with RCB Ferguson has yet to play in 2026 while in 2025 he made just four appearances. In 2023, playing for KKR he appeared three times.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

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