3 teams who should target Ravi Bishnoi in IPL 2026 Auction ft. KKR

Ravi Bishnoi was one of the surprise releases ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) chose not to renew his services for ₹11 crore during IPL 2026 retention. The decision came after the leg-spinner managed just nine wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 10.83 in the 2025 season.

Notably, the 25-year-old has a wealth of experience playing in IPL, picking up 72 wickets in 77 matches at an economy rate of 8.21. Overall, he has scalped 185 wickets in 159 games, comprising three four-wicket hauls.

With 61 wickets in 42 T20Is, Bishnoi was once touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket, but fell out of favor after his modest IPL 2025 season. Nonetheless, the spinner has international exposure, which can benefit several teams for the upcoming IPL 2026 season.

Several franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), might look to buy him at the auction. Even LSG could rebuy him for a lower price at the auction owing to their spin-friendly pitches.

KKR

With ₹64.3 crore in their bag, the Kolkata Knight Riders have the biggest purse at the IPL 2026 auction. The three-time winners would be keen to buy a replacement for Mayank Markande. The latter was traded to the Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of IPL 2026 auction. With Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy in their squad, Ravi Bishnoi could play as a backup spinner.

Additionally, KKR have released Moeen Ali. Thus, an Indian spinner would help them manage their balance of four overseas player, subject to their buys at auction. The leg-spinner would also be keen to join the Knight Riders to learn from the best – Narine and Chakaravarthy – as he looks to make his comeback to T20Is.

SRH

Like KKR, SRH have released two quality spinners – Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar – ahead of IPL 2026 auction. As a result, they would be keen to get Bishnoi aboard as they lack experience in Zeeshan Ansari, who bagged six wickets in 10 matches in IPL 2025 at an economy rate of 9.84.

Notably, the franchise failed to stop opposition from scoring big, owing to their flat surface in Hyderabad. Bishnoi’s addition could help them keep the opponents tight during the slog overs. With 21 players already in their squad, the SunRisers have a purse of ₹25.5 crore to buy the leg-spinner’s services.

RR

Like SRH, the Royals have released two quality spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, ahead of IPL 2026 auction. After bringing in left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja (via trade deal with CSK), they can buy another Indian spinner, Ravi Bishnoi, to provide depth to their Indian core. It would allow them to play Sam Curran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, and Nandre Burger/ Kwena Maphaka among their available overseas players.

Having said that, Sawai Mansingh Stadium is a high-scoring ground. It would pose a different challenge to Bishnoi, who played at spin-friendly Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The leg-spinner might be up for the challenge to make a comeback for Team India.

Edited by James Kuanal