At the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, there is always a strong demand for talented foreign players. The event’s 2026 mini-auction is expected to provide many non-Indian names the chance to win money that could change their lives.
However, not all players justify their prices. This is especially true for foreign bowlers, with pacers often falling short of expectations in a tough, batting-friendly competition. Despite earning rich contracts, some stars underperformed in IPL 2025 and may see their pay cut.
In light of this, franchises should aim to repurchase the following three international bowlers at a reduced cost during the IPL 2026 auction.
1. Trent Boult
Trent Boult ranked among MI’s best purchases at IPL 2025, with the franchise paying 12.5 crore. The left-armer had won the IPL five times, and his experience and ability to attack with the new ball should have influenced games at Wankhede Stadium—but it did not.
Boult wasn’t as effective as MI wanted at any point during the innings because the conditions offered little movement. He claimed a respectable 22 wickets in 16 games, but his economy rate of 8.97 was slightly high. More importantly, the Kiwi failed to contribute enough late in the game to secure a spot as an overseas pacer.
Despite being one of the fittest players on the tour and still having some cricket left in him, Boult is likely to attract a hefty price in the 2026 auction. However, MI wants their top foreign recruit to be more versatile and deliver more with the ball. Therefore, the Indians may release him and re-sign him at a lower cost, just as they did with Nathan Coulter-Nile.
2. Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada played in just four games for the Gujarat Titans (GT) after being signed for around ₹11 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. His economy rate was a dismal 11.57, and he was unable to compete in the competition due to a rumored drug problem.
The Titans may have to release Rabada to raise the money needed to strengthen other lineup positions. GT has ample domestic seam resources to cover for the South African’s potential absence, and his T20 form has not been very encouraging.
Still, repurchasing Rabada at a lower cost would be a wise move, as that is likely the price he will command. He brings the expertise that Ashish Nehra values highly, and his hit-the-deck bowling style suits Ahmedabad perfectly.
3. Maheesh Theekshana
In IPL 2025, Maheesh Theekshana claimed only 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.76. The Sri Lankan, whom Rajasthan Royals (RR) signed for ₹4.4 crore, failed to deliver the wicket-taking performances the team desperately needed.
Since they barely had enough money to secure their top targets at the auction, RR already faced financial difficulties last year. Because the spinner’s stock was low at the time, releasing Theekshana into the auction pool seemed necessary to give the team some breathing room.
Theekshana can provide solid phase coverage and defensive ability when at his peak, and the Royals have foreign slots available for a spinner. Rajasthan could secure a win if they acquire him at a price near his base value.
