Based on squad retention, release plans and auction goals, IPL 2026 teams are figuring out which overseas all-rounders they still need. Several teams need to fill or strengthen their overseas all-rounder spots to balance their teams and play better. Here’s a look at which IPL 2026 teams need overseas all-rounders the most and why along with a table comparing team needs.
Overseas all-rounders are highly valued in IPL 2026 because they can both bat and bowl. Teams that have let go of important overseas all-rounders, lost them or don’t have enough balance in this area will be looking for impactful replacements. Some teams will be actively searching for proven overseas all-rounders at the mini-auction, using a mix of keeping their main overseas players and filling gaps via the auction.
IPL 2026 Teams and Overseas Player Requirements
| Team | Retained Overseas Players | Overseas Player Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan Royals | None consistent | Need impact all-rounder |
| Chennai Super Kings | Sam Curran, Dewald Brevis | Reinforce bench depth |
| Delhi Capitals | Tristan Stubbs, Mitchell Starc | Need stability and balance |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Mitchell Marsh | Backup/support needed |
| Mumbai Indians | Mitchell Santner, Will Jacks | Seeking versatile options |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Andre Russell, Moeen Ali | Add more variety |
| Gujarat Titans | Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler | Need flexible all-rounder |
| Punjab Kings | None prominent | Require reliable options |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mixed players | Add all-round depth |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | Limited retained | Could target power-hitter |
IPL Teams That Need Overseas Players in 2026:
Rajasthan Royals (RR): RR has never been successful in finding the right overseas all-rounder. They’ve tried Chris Morris and Jason Holder but are still looking for a game-changer. Their squad needs a dynamic overseas all-rounder to add balance and depth to both middle-order batting and bowling options.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): CSK is keeping some good overseas players like Sam Curran and Dewald Brevis but have lost some overseas all-rounders like Devon Conway and Jamie Overton so might want to add more overseas all-rounders to have enough depth especially since Sam Curran’s role as a key all-rounder is so important.
Delhi Capitals (DC): Keeping Tristan Stubbs and Mitchell Starc only partly addresses their overseas all-rounder needs. With Faf du Plessis possibly nearing the end of his career and some underperforming overseas players released, DC might look for an all-rounder who can offer stability in both batting and bowling, fit in with their team’s balance.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): LSG has several overseas batters but have kept Mitchell Marsh, a key overseas all-rounder. They might still want to find options to support or complement Marsh with another solid overseas all-rounder to strengthen their bowling and middle-order batting.
Mumbai Indians (MI): Having overseas all-rounders like Mitchell Santner and Will Jacks provides some stability. Still MI wants more depth and options so getting a versatile overseas all-rounder makes sense for their team.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Even though KKR is keeping established overseas all-rounders like Andre Russell and Moeen Ali they could still use another overseas all-rounder to add variety to their team especially since some players might be released or rotated.
Gujarat Titans (GT): With important overseas players like Rashid Khan staying but fewer all-rounders in their main group GT might look for versatile overseas all-rounders in the auction to balance their playing 11.
Impact Players That May Change Team Needs:
Those players having huge scope as premier overseas all-rounders are expected to get a lot of interest in the IPL 2026 auction. Their ability to make a considerable impact with either bat or ball makes them vital auction targets for teams wanting equilibrium.
For IPL 2026, overseas all-rounders are needed mainly by Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals, as their performances have been poor, or they have not kept enough good-quality overseas all-rounders. Teams like CSK, LSG, and Mumbai International, on the other hand, will continue improving their overseas all-rounder stocks to allow greater squad depth and more tactical options in the near term.
Top overseas all-rounders like Jason Holder, Mitchell Owen, and Cameron Green will fetch very high prices, the auction will be very competitive for them.
