IPL 2026 mini-auctionDec 16 in abu dhabi is shaping up to be one of the most competitive player markets in recent memory, with 1,355 players in the pool and franchises like kkr and lsg rebuilding or relegating their squads. Among the big names available is the veteran South African finisher David Millerby whom he was released Lucknow Super Giants After a quiet 2025 season and could now be a prime target for several franchises looking for a proven middle-order performer.
David Miller’s IPL Journey: From PBK to LSG
David MillerKnown as the ‘killer grinder’, he has been a consistent presence in the IPL since his debut Kings Xi Punjab (now kings of punjab) Where he quickly established himself as a devastating left-handed hitter in 2012. In 141 matches in 141 matches, a strike rate of 35.78 and 138.60, a strike rate of 3,077 with 13 fifties, 138 sixes and 220 fours, one of the most fearsome power-hitters at the death.
Miller’s IPL career spanned four franchises: pbks (2012-2019), Rajasthan Royals (2020-2021), Gujarat titans (2022-2024) and Lucknow Super Giants (2025). His best season came in 2022 when he scored 481 runs in 16 matches at 142.72 which was instrumental in his 2022 campaign with GT. In 2025, he managed 153 runs in 11 games for LSG at 30.60 and 127.50, leading to his release, but his experience and finishing ability still make him a valuable asset to any franchise.
5 franchises that could target David Miller in IPL 2026
- kings of punjab (pbks)
Pbks, who reached the 2025 final, was released Glenn Maxwell and Josh Englishleaving an open space for an explosive outer middle order batter. A mainstay for PBKS between 2012 and 2019, Miller is a natural fit to return as a tight end and stop at tailback. Shreyas eats and a young Indian core. At just ₹ 11.50 crore and the two outer slots, pbks, as a cost-effective, high-impact option to bolster the batting depth, PBKs can target Miller at a base price of ₹ 2 crore.
- Gujarat Titans (GT)
GT, which won the title in 2022 as the national key runs out, could look to bring it back for a second straight. After a strong 2025 season ending at the Sarminator, the GT, mini-auction is expected to bolster mid-order and death-striking options. Re-signing Miller has earned them a matchup familiar with the setup and home conditions, making him a logical target to add experience and firepower to their middle and lower ranks.
Read: IPL 2026 Auction: INR 2 crore – Complete list of players from Venkatsh Iyer to Steve Smith
- Royal Paintings Bengaluru (RCB)
As the defending champions, RCB have a strong top-order but could benefit from another hard-hitting batsman in the middle or lower order. With Liam Livingstone At just ₹ 16.4 crore to fill the eight slots, RCB could look for a proven finisher at Nos. 6-7 who can handle pressure situations. Miller’s ability to clear the strings and play Spin makes him a viable option to add depth and experience to RCB’s batting line-up.
- Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR, who finished 9th in 2025, are rebuilding a young Indian core and could use an experienced overseas result for support Rian Parag and Dhruv jurel. With FAF du Plessis and foreign carcasses are expected to go in another big way, with RR targeting a large mid-order bias in the auction. Miller’s finishing skills and ability to pace at the death makes him an ideal candidate to add firepower and stability to RR’s middle order.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR enters the auction with the biggest purse of Rs 64.3 crore after its release Andre Russell and Venkatesh eatsare in complete rebuild mode and need outside batting depth. Sometimes they are expected to target a strong foreign middle order fruit who can contribute wholesale. Miller’s experience, finishing ability and familiarity with Eden Bagens conditions make him a strong candidate for KKR to consider in rebuilding a balanced and explosive squad.
Read: Cameron Green in, Glenn Maxwell Out: 1,355 players register for IPL 2026 auction
