3 Teams that could start a bidding war for Jake Fraser-McGurk in IPL 2026 auction

Published - 20 Nov 2025, 18:34 IST | Updated - 20 Nov 2025, 18:35 IST

Australian star opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, who was released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, could now find new teams fighting for him. The young player managed only 55 runs in six matches last season. Yet, his exit does not diminish his calibre as one of the most explosive young batters.

His breakout season in 2024, where he scored 330 runs, labelled him as a player for the future. Even though inconsistent performances cost him his spot, franchises know the kind of damage Fraser-McGurk can inflict when he gets going. His ability to change a game within a few overs makes him an auction wildcard. With a few franchisees searching for an opener, he could be a reliable option at the top.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head into the IPL 2026 mini auction with a massive INR 64.3 crore purse and are looking to revamp their top order after releasing Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. With no specialist opener retained, the franchise is likely to prioritise a reliable partner for Sunil Narine.

Among the available options, the Aussie batter stands out as a solid fit. His power-hitting range and ability to take on pace from ball one make him an ideal complement to Narine. With the biggest purse in the auction, KKR could trigger a bidding war for Fraser-McGurk.