When the countdown begins Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 A mini-auction is available for featured outdoor slots, especially PACE bowling. South Africa Quick Success It is expected to be one of the most sought after names on the auction table.
Bringing proven international experience and a commendable IPL record, Ngidi boasts an OI of 18.24 and a strike rate of 12.83 from 29 IPL matches. The ability to hit the deck hard and cast critical spells makes it a valuable asset, especially on death. After his release Royal Paintings Bengaluru (RCB)Several franchises will stretch out to provide the services of the proteas pace to plug the key bowling gaps.
5 teams set to engage in a bidding war for Lungi Ngidi in the upcoming auction
1. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Bag left: INR 21.80 crore | Nests are permanent: 8 (5 foreign)
Delhi Capitals need to strengthen their bad bowling unit. Last season, the team relied heavily Mitchell Starc But there was no foreign partner or cover abroad. DC’s bowling was often exposed in the later stages of an innings.
Ngidi fits the requirements of the capitals perfectly. He can serve as an experienced, highly effective partner for Starc, bringing a varied and proven wicket-taking ability. His penchant for early surprise and control of the middle overs will greatly enhance a DC attack that wants to be efficient quickly to complement their inside options.
2. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Bag left: INR 22.95 crore | Nests are permanent: 6 (4 foreign)
Lucknow Super giants have clearly identified the need for an elite foreign death-overs specialist. The team added Muhammad Shami By trade, PACE’s attack still lacks an influential international presence who can execute yorkers and limit stops at the death.
With four available and a healthy bag, LSG will continue aggressively by a bowler like LSG, NGIDI. His superior T20 skills, particularly his execution under pressure, made him an ideal candidate to provide the depth and balance required to recharge the pace batteries that aid the fast bowler.
3. Royal Paintings Bengaluru (RCB)
Bag left: INR 16.40 crore | Nests are permanent: 8 (2 foreign)
As defending champions, RCB still have a few vital overs and an experienced strike pacer is a priority. Ngidi was part of the RCB squad last season, which gives him an opportunity to be strong, familiar with the team environment and coaches.
RCB need a bowler who can partner with the likes Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan thushara. Ngidi’s pace and control make for a strong option, but the franchise will look for him to deliver exceptional performances in the high-stakes death to round out the bowling line-up. Given his previous association, RCB may be tempted to re-secure him for continuity and experience.
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4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Bag: INR 64.30 crore | Nests are permanent: 13 (6 Abroad)
Kolkata Knight Riders have the largest auction purse, giving them maximum flexibility to target top-tier talent. KKR’s main weakness last season was the inconsistency and lack of depth in the PACE attack. With a strong spin base Sunil Narine and Varun chakraborty Presented, their PACE section needs a major overhaul.
KKR are in dire need of an experienced foreign fast bowler who can anchor the attack and support the young domestic talent Harshit Rana and Umran Malik. Ngidi’s ability to lead a bowling unit and perform consistently between different phases of the game makes him an ideal, high-priority target for the franchise to build a more balanced and formidable squad.
5. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Bag: INR 16.05 crore | Nests are permanent: 9 (1 Foreign)
For 2008 winners Rajasthan Royals, the strategy revolves around providing a quality fast bowler who can serve as both partner Jofra the archer. As they are You are a cat and Sam Curran (Traded) Like other foreign options, the team requires an experienced promoter.
The main limitation for RR is that they have only one external slot, which means that the choice must be perfectly matched. Ngidi’s relative experience, wicket-taking ability and strong fundamentals tick every box. If the Royals do decide to spend big on a single, high-impact overseas bowler, Ngidi, it would be quite high on their wish list to maximize the value of an overseas spot.
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