Get ready for some jaw-dropping surprises at the IPL Auction 2026! Could an under-the-radar English pacer become the tournament's next big star? Former Indian cricket star and seasoned coach Sanjay Bangar thinks so. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Bangar shared his bold predictions for the upcoming auction, set to take place on December 16th at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE. But here's where it gets interesting: Bangar believes that England's Gus Atkinson, a fast bowler yet to make his IPL debut, could be the surprise big buy of the event. And this is the part most people miss: Atkinson's ability to bowl disciplined hard lengths might just be the game-changer teams are looking for, despite his relatively low profile compared to other big-ticket players.
Bangar, who has coached both Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), also shed light on PBKS’s potential strategy. With Josh Inglis released due to his unavailability for the 2026 season (thanks to his upcoming wedding), PBKS is on the hunt for a new overseas top-order batter. Bangar suggests that Australian batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk, recently released by Delhi Capitals, could be the perfect fit. Fraser-McGurk’s explosive batting style could provide the powerful starts PBKS needs at the top of the order. But here’s the controversial part: Is Fraser-McGurk truly the best replacement for Inglis, or are there other hidden gems in the auction pool that PBKS should consider? Let’s spark a debate—who do you think PBKS should target instead?
Bangar’s insights don’t stop there. He emphasizes that Ricky Ponting’s influence on player selection could play a significant role in Fraser-McGurk’s potential signing. “Keep an eye on Jake Fraser-McGurk,” Bangar advises, hinting that the Australian could be a top-3 contender for PBKS. Meanwhile, Atkinson, registered at a base price of Rs 2 crore (the same as Fraser-McGurk), remains a sleeper pick that Bangar believes could outshine expectations. His consistency and skill set make him a player worth watching, even if he’s flying under the radar.
As the IPL Auction 2026 kicks off at 2:30 PM IST on Tuesday, fans can catch all the action live on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network. Will Atkinson and Fraser-McGurk live up to Bangar’s predictions, or will other players steal the spotlight? One thing’s for sure: this auction is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. What’s your take? Do you agree with Bangar’s picks, or do you have a different player in mind? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
)
