IPL 2026 mini-auction: Aakash Chopra tips Cameron Green as top target; Bracewell, Bairstow also in focus

The mini-auction for IPL 2026 is set for December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the event, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra shared bold predictions on his social media accounts. He posted a video discussing overseas players and their potential destinations for the upcoming season.

Chopra said there should be a strong interest in New Zealand spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell, but so far, there isn’t much. He also mentioned Chennai Super Kings (CSK), saying Bracewell could be a useful option for them.

“There should be a lot of interest for Michael Bracewell, but unfortunately there isn't. CSK, you need an off-spinner, he does bat well too. So, CSK should think about him.” he said.

Chopra noted that Ricky Ponting’s Punjab Kings have one overseas slot left, and for him, Australia’s Cooper Connolly could be an option. He also spoke about England’s Liam Livingstone and predicted that he could earn big this time, especially with Glenn Maxwell unavailable.

“Ricky Ponting has an overseas slot empty now, so Connolly is an option there. Livingstone has been an underperformer, he has been underwhelming, whether it be for Punjab or RCB. But, it is all about Supply and Demand now, there are no explosive middle-order players, even Maxi (Maxwell) is not there now. So, I think Livingstone will make money this time too,” he added.

“Cameron Green will be at No.1” - Aakash Chopra

For the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chopra named two players — England’s Jonny Bairstow and Australia’s Cameron Green. He said KKR need a wicketkeeper-batter, so Bairstow could be a good option, and predicted a bidding battle with Delhi Capitals (DC).

“I have kept Jonny Bairstow at No.2. He has hit a lot, and played a few matches for the Mumbai Indians last season as well. Plenty of teams can go after him. KKR need a keeper-batter, and DC need an explosive batter at the top of the order, so I think there will be a lot of interest for him,” he said.

But Chopra made it clear that Green will be the top target. He said both KKR and CSK could go all out for the Australian all-rounder.

“Cameron Green will be at No.1; there is nobody even coming close. How much ever the final price is, he is only going to get the maximum cap of INR 18 crore, but the bid, it could be a proper bidding war. There will be KKR, and there will be CSK, and there will some other team that jumps in before CSK, it could actually be 25 to 28 crores for him,” Chopra concluded.

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