The IPL 2026 mini auction Kicking off in Abu Dhabi on December 16, it attracts global attention with a purse of over ₹237 crore for teams to reshape after retaining. New Zealand keeper-prone Tim Seifert bursting into battle with a loud bang fresh from her explosive daughter Big Bash League 56 runs off balls for asr-102 Melbourne Renegades against Brisbane Heat December 14 – blasted boundaries at a strike rate of over 180. Perfectly timed a day before the auction, this power-packed knock highlights his T20 prowess (a strike rate of 135.7 in 64 matches) and elevates his ₹1.5 crore or base price as one with the highest appeal.
5 franchises that could target Tim Seifert in IPL 2026 Auction
- Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders boasts the league’s biggest purse of ₹64.3 crore and 13 slots, including after leaving a glaring gap at goalkeeper Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Seifert’s explosive opening style and glove ship fit perfectly with his need for a top-tier batter to anchor hitters. Sunil Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. KKR’s financial muscle puts them at an advantage over their rivals, potentially securing Seifert as a dynamic overseas slot-filler to bolster their inconsistent middle order.
- Capitals of Delhi
Capitals of Delhi ₹21.8 crore and hold eight slots (five overseas), urgently looking for top-tier reinforcements to join KL Rahul between past opening discrepancies. Seifert’s recent BBL fireworks and proven T20 strike rate make him an ideal overseas opener, encouraging depth and power display fireworks to his range reliability. Their balanced wallet allows for aggressive pursuit without overextending, in line with DC’s strategy for high-impact international signings.
- Kings of the Punjab
Kings of the Punjab go in with a modest ₹11.5 crore purse and just four slots (two out), favoring replacements for released players like Josh English while maintaining the strong Indian core he led Shreyas Iyer. Seifert emerges as a calculated target for his affordability, goaltending stability and high-profile loss at a base price that fits PBKS’ tight budget amid needs for all-around depth. This move can increase their hitting power without disrupting their financial plans
- Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans Carry ₹12.9 crore and five slots (four overseas), browse the mid-tier finishers after the trade Shefane Rutherford and batting slog overs (strike rate 169.64). Seifert’s boundary hitting (six in 16 balls in T20s) and his versatility as a wicketkeeper-batsman can fill gaps at No.4 or opener, Shubman Gilla lineup with explosive depth. GT’s cautious approach favors overseas options like him to continue their playoff push.
- Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians With a slim purse of Rs 2.75 crore and five slots (one overseas), rich but exploratory backups with a bulk of close finalists post-2025 Eliminator run. Seifert’s cap value and glove work are attractive as a low-risk addition on the outside, potentially challenging for high-end spots amid minor weaknesses. Their wait-and-skip tactics lend themselves to poaching him if offers are modest, and round out a championship-caliber squad.
Also READ: 5 outspoken stars who could spark a bidding war in the IPL 2026 mini auction
