The recent Test series between England and India was a captivating display of cricketing skill, highlighting the performances of several England players. Playing under the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, these cricketers impressed not only in red-ball format but also demonstrated qualities that could translate effectively into the high-intensity environment of the Indian Premier League.
With the IPL 2026 mini-auction scheduled later this year, a number of English stars may enter the player pool, potentially igniting intense bidding among the franchises. From experienced all-rounders to promising batting talents, several England players are likely to be in high demand next season.
Jamie Smith, despite being early in his international career, has undeniable talent. In the recent Test series, Smith was a consistent performer for England, scoring two half-centuries, one century, and two other scores above forty in ten innings, a remarkable achievement against a strong Indian bowling attack. He’s also shown his worth in T20 cricket, scoring 1,484 runs in 90 matches with an impressive strike rate. He debuted in both ODIs and T20Is earlier this year, boosting his profile as a dependable, adaptable player. A franchise seeking a young wicketkeeper-batter with long-term potential could find Smith to be a perfect fit.
Ben Duckett is known for his fearless batting. With over 5,200 T20 runs, the left-hander has extensive experience in various leagues globally, including The Hundred, Vitality Blast, PSL, BBL, and Mzansi Super League. He had registered for the IPL 2025 mega auction with a base price of Rs. 2 crore but remained unsold, a decision that might not be repeated after his performance in the Test series in India. Facing quality spin and pace, Duckett displayed aggressive strokeplay that suits IPL’s high-scoring conditions. For franchises looking to strengthen their top order, he could be a tempting pick.
Ben Stokes is a significant impact player. The England Test captain is familiar with the IPL, having played in six seasons across three franchises: Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings. Stokes has accumulated 935 runs and 28 wickets in the tournament, often single-handedly changing the course of games. After missing IPL 2024 due to injury and opting out of IPL 2025 to prepare for The Ashes, Stokes returned to Test cricket, emerging as England’s best bowler in the IND vs ENG series with 20 wickets in four Tests. His ability to perform with both bat and ball, combined with his leadership, makes him a highly desirable player.
The IPL and Test cricket are distinct formats, but the skills and temperament displayed by Stokes, Smith, and Duckett in the high-pressure India vs England series suggest they could be sought-after in the 2026 edition. If they enter the mini-auction, a bidding war is likely, potentially starting another chapter in their promising careers.
