IPL 2026: 5 franchises that can target Anrich Nortje in the mini-auction

Anrich Nortje, the South African speedster known for his scorching pace and ability to consistently bowl above 150 kmph, was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction. Nortje, originally retained for INR 6.5 crore by KKR, struggled with recurring injuries in the 2025 season, limiting his impact.

However, there are strong indications his fitness is returning: he has recently been named in the South Africa T20I squad to tour India in December 2025, and he has been doing great in the CSA T20 Challenge in South Africa, proving his readiness for competitive cricket. When fit, his genuine pace and proven ability to take wickets in the powerplay and control the middle overs make him a high-value overseas fast-bowling specialist, ensuring he will be one of the most sought-after foreign pacers in the auction pool.

5 teams that can target Anrich Nortje in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR, the team that released Nortje, enters the auction with the largest purse of INR 64.30 crore. The logic behind releasing Nortje (along with Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer) was likely a high-risk financial move to free up funds and potentially buy him back at a lower price, or to acquire a fitter, high-impact overseas option. KKR retained only a core of Indian pacers (Umran Malik, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora) but lacks a proven, world-class overseas pace leader after releasing Nortje and Spencer Johnson. Given their massive budget and the immediate gap in pace bowling, KKR will be major bidders for Nortje to re-acquire their premier overseas pace weapon.

2. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals hold a healthy purse of INR 21.80 crore and have historically relied on Nortje’s pace to anchor their bowling attack. Despite retaining Mitchell Starc and Dushmantha Chameera, DC needs reliable pace bowling cover and a high-quality second overseas pacer who can provide wickets and control. With Mitchell Starc‘s high price and occasional fitness concerns, Nortje provides a genuine fast-bowling partner or backup who has already delivered successful seasons at the Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitley Stadium). DC will aim to secure a proven name like Nortje to ensure depth and high-end quality in their fast-bowling unit.

3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB, the defending champions, enter the auction with INR 16.40 crore and a significant need to reinforce their pace options, having released Lungi Ngidi. While they retained Josh Hazlewood, RCB only has two overseas slots left to fill and needs an impact player. Nortje’s ability to bowl at extreme pace and take crucial wickets would complement the line-and-length control of Hazlewood perfectly. If RCB chooses to use one of their two remaining overseas slots on a specialist pacer, Nortje’s ability to deliver consistent pace and bounce would be a major asset, providing the X-factor pace that has been missing in their attacks.

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4. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Gujarat Titans (GT) have a moderate purse of INR 12.90 crore and are looking to add an aggressive, high-pace option to complement their retained pacers like Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna. While they have retained three strong overseas pacers (Rabada, Starc, and Hazlewood were all retained by various teams), GT needs cover and variety. Nortje provides pure speed, which is a relentless weapon. If GT decides to look for a third high-quality overseas pacer to rotate or use as injury cover, his ability to break partnerships and bowl fast on any surface would be highly valued, especially given their moderate but targeted spending approach.

5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) holds a substantial purse of INR 25.50 crore and needs to reinforce their overseas pace attack. While they retained Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga, SRH has a history of investing heavily in high-pace bowlers (as seen with Umran Malik and Pat Cummins). Nortje, with his genuine pace and aggression, fits SRH’s preferred style of bowling. His acquisition would provide the team with a second world-class overseas quick, ensuring they have two destructive pace options to dominate both the powerplay and the middle overs, aligning with their strategy of using speed to intimidate opponents.

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