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Jonny Bairstow, the explosive England wicketkeeper-batter, is one of the most in-demand overseas players in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He has set his base price at ₹1 crore. With an impressive IPL career strike rate of over 146 and dual value as a top-order batter and wicketkeeper, he offers immense flexibility.
Franchises are acutely aware of his ability to destroy the powerplay bowling, a talent he briefly showcased in a few high-impact innings for Mumbai Indians last season. His full availability for the entire tournament, following his decision to focus purely on T20 cricket, makes him an even hotter commodity for teams desperately seeking proven overseas firepower and a wicketkeeping option.
5 franchises that can target Jonny Bairstow in the IPL 2026 Auction
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Purse: ₹64.30 crore (Highest)
- Need: KKR have the largest purse and a major gap in their squad: they released all designated wicketkeepers (Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz) and need a top-order overseas batter.
- Rationale: Bairstow is the ideal player to solve both problems, serving as a dynamic opening batter and a starting wicketkeeper. His aggressive style matches KKR’s desired approach, and their significant budget allows them to be the primary bidder to secure him and solidify their top order.
2. Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Purse: ₹21.80 crore
- Need: DC desperately needs an explosive overseas opening partner for KL Rahul after releasing Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk. They also need flexibility in the wicketkeeping department.
- Rationale: He offers the perfect high-impact, attacking solution at the top of the order, and his wicketkeeping skills give DC valuable options if they opt for an Indian middle-order keeper.
3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Purse: ₹43.40 crore (Second Highest)
- Need: CSK is looking for a long-term wicketkeeper and a high-impact opening/top-order batter to partner Ruturaj Gaikwad.
- Rationale: Bairstow’s dual skills make him a strategic target. He can provide immediate batting firepower at the top and serve as a world-class, long-term wicketkeeping option in the squad. His consistent IPL record and experience align well with CSK’s philosophy of acquiring proven match-winners.
4. Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Purse: ₹12.90 crore
- Need: GT needs an overseas player who can bat at No. 3 to provide either stability or acceleration following the partnership of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. They also require an upgrade on their keeping options.
- Rationale: Bairstow’s ability to adapt his batting position and his strong IPL record make him a flexible and reliable asset. For a team with a tighter budget, securing a player with both batting and keeping skills at his ₹1 crore base price (if the bidding doesn’t escalate too quickly) would be a highly efficient investment.
5. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Purse: ₹11.50 crore
- Need: PBKS released their primary overseas wicketkeeper and desperately needs a high-impact, proven opener to set the tone alongside their retained Indian core.
- Rationale: Bairstow has a history of successful, aggressive innings in the IPL, and his style aligns perfectly with PBKS’s strategy of fearless, high-scoring cricket. If the bidding for the likes of Quinton de Kock pushes the price too high, PBKS could make a strong bid for Bairstow, who is also listed at the ₹1 crore base price, to maximize their limited funds on a top-tier player.
Also READ: Cameron Green reveals the real reason behind being listed as a ‘batter’ in IPL 2026 auction
