Former India cricketer and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Aakash Chopra has unveiled his predictions for the top five overseas signings ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2026 mini-auction, set to take place on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. As always, Chopra’s analysis has generated strong buzz among fans, especially with several high-profile overseas names expected to trigger major bidding wars.
For the No. 5 slot, Chopra couldn’t single out just one name and instead grouped three power-packed performers together—South Africa’s David Miller, pace spearhead Anrich Nortje, and Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana.
Given that South Africa are currently involved in a series, Chopra noted that recency bias could influence franchise decisions. “If Nortje and Miller perform well against India, they will get a lot of money,” he said in a video shared on X.
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At No. 4, Chopra highlighted two all-rounders who bring immense utility: New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell and Australia’s Cooper Connolly. While Bracewell’s off-spin and middle-order hitting make him an ideal fit for CSK, Connolly could be on the radar of Delhi Capitals, especially with Ricky Ponting looking to fill an overseas slot.
Should we add Jamie Smith to this list? Missing anyone else? #AakashVani #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/sN0rW5tpMR
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 11, 2025
Moving into the top three, Chopra placed England’s explosive all-rounder Liam Livingstone at No. 3, despite his underwhelming IPL run so far. With the lack of quality power-hitters in the middle order this auction, the demand-supply equation could work in Livingstone’s favour yet again. At No. 2, he backed Jonny Bairstow, praising his recent form and versatility at the top.
Aakash Chopra suggested that franchises like KKR—desperate for a wicketkeeper-batter—and DC could aggressively pursue him. However, the biggest headline comes at No. 1. For Chopra, the clear standout and most expensive overseas buy will be Australian all-rounder Cameron Green.
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The former opener expects an intense bidding war, especially with KKR and CSK likely to go all-in. He projected Green’s price range to fall between INR 25 and 28 crore—potentially surpassing the record ₹27 crore that Lucknow Super Giants paid for Rishabh Pant during the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Although the maximum salary cap for a player remains ₹18 crore, the bid value could still skyrocket due to auction dynamics. “Cameron Green will be at No. 1; nobody even comes close,” Chopra concluded, setting the stage for what could be one of the most dramatic mini-auctions in IPL history.
