Mumbai Indians (MI) and Will Jacks, an all-rounder from England, are both very gifted players, the former can really produce both by bat and ball. This was just the reason why MI splurged INR 5.25 crores on the 26-year-old during the last mega auction.
On the contrary, Jacks could not live up to his huge reputation, with 233 runs in his record, striking at a light-hearted T20s strike rate of 135.46 and an average of 23.30 which is also very unimpressive. He looked like a ghost of his powerful hitting capabilities, the proof of which he had given in the last season (IPL 2024) working for RCB where he played 230 runs at 32.85 average and a flaming strike rate of 175.57.
His international form at the moment is also not great, which could lead the five-time champions to let him go before the IPL 2026 retention deadline on November 15. In Jacks’ case, he is the type of player that is full of firepower, and the teams will be very willing not to miss out on such a versatile buy if he is to enter the auction. Let’s look at the three franchises that could be a hunt for the vibrant all-rounder in the IPL 2026 auction.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru had him in 2024 but did not use RTM to buy him back at the mega-auction last year. Instead, the defending champions chose to acquire another similar role England all-rounder – Liam Livingstone. Livingstone, bought for a huge sum of INR 8.75 crores, could not live up to the price tag doing just 112 runs in 10 matches with a meager average of 16 and taking only two wickets with the ball.
RCB would obviously release Livingstone due to his unimpressive performance, which would not only save the team a lot of money but also vacate a spot for an overseas player. The Bangalore franchise could easily reconnect with Jacks, who have already made it in the Bengaluru team, and acquire a powerful finisher to strengthen their lineup.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
The team that finished second in IPL 2025 can also benefit from signing a player like Will Jacks. PBKS had Glenn Maxwell, whose season was far from good before he got injured and left the team. He played 7 matches and got only 48 runs at a poor average of 7 along with picking up 4 wickets. Punjab Kings has to find a player who can fill in for Maxwell and Jacks is one such option if he comes for the auction.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
The Royals went through a very bad season and ended up at the ninth spot with only four wins out of 14 games. Even though they had a very strong top order, the RR’s finishers were a flop and they were the ones that let the team down.
Hetmyer, Dubey, and Hasaranga did not have good performances and this was not only a sign of the lack of dependable finishers for RR but also the absence of a reliable all-rounder.
Thus, the Rajasthan Royals will have to go for a proper batting all-rounder who will be able to finish the games with the bat and at the same time, they can rely on him for bowling too. Will Jacks then will be the perfect option for the team as they want to change their destiny.
