5 franchises that can target Sunny Sandhu in the IPL 2026 auction

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Sunny Sandhu is a highly promising young Indian domestic all-rounder, known for his right-arm medium-fast bowling and aggressive right-hand middle-order batting. Sandhu has formally registered his name for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction in the uncapped bracket with base price of 30 lakhs.

Having represented Punjab and, more recently, Tamil Nadu in domestic T20 cricket, Sandhu’s stock has skyrocketed due to his explosive recent domestic performances. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, he delivered a clutch performance for Tamil Nadu, blasting a match-winning 30 off just 9 balls in a crucial chase against Saurashtra.

4️⃣,4️⃣,6️⃣,6️⃣,4️⃣

With 40 required off four overs, Sunny Sandhu turned it around with a game-changing over 🔥

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/DlpijtPpFx@IDFCFIRSTBank | #SMAT

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 8, 2025

This performance instantly caught the eye of the cricketing world, leading to a cryptic endorsement from Ravichandran Ashwin, who posted a visual pun referencing “Sunny” that was quickly decoded by fans as a shout-out to the young sensation. As a 22-year-old Indian player with proven finishing ability, he represents a crucial investment for any franchise seeking a domestic pace-bowling all-rounder with immense upside.

👀 👀

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 9, 2025

1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR will enter the auction with the largest purse of ₹64.30 crore and a significant need to rebuild their Indian all-rounder base, especially after releasing Venkatesh Iyer. KKR needs an uncapped player with high potential and two-dimensional skills to be groomed for the future. Sandhu, as a pace-bowling all-rounder, perfectly fits the mold of a high-upside investment. His ability to deliver steady medium pace and his recent explosive finishing with the bat offers the kind of flexibility KKR is seeking for their lower-middle order. With their substantial funds, KKR can comfortably acquire Sandhu and groom him as a future core Indian all-rounder to thrive on the Eden Gardens surface.

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have the second-largest purse of ₹43.40 crore and are heavily focused on strengthening their Indian bowling depth and all-rounder options. The cryptic endorsement by Ashwin (a CSK legend) about “Sunny Sandhu” has placed him squarely on the franchise’s radar. CSK’s philosophy of investing in promising domestic talent and nurturing them into specialists makes Sandhu an ideal candidate. He would be seen as a reliable right-arm medium-fast option who can bowl the non-marquee overs and contribute with the bat. His acquisition would be viewed as a long-term strategic move to provide crucial domestic backup and utility.

3. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Gujarat Titans (GT) have a moderate purse of ₹12.90 crore and are looking to add an aggressive Indian pace all-rounder to their squad to provide depth behind their retained core. GT has a history of unearthing and maximizing the value of domestic performers. Sandhu’s combined skill set, consistent medium pace and proven T20 striking ability (highlighted by his SMAT cameo), makes him a perfect target for GT’s scouting model. He offers a cost-effective solution to the pace-bowling all-rounder slot, ensuring they have a reliable domestic utility player for the middle and lower order without having to commit their limited funds to a high-priced international star.

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4. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals (DC) hold a solid purse of ₹21.80 crore and have a perennial need for more Indian fast-bowling options and depth in their domestic all-rounders. DC needs reliable bench strength that can step up when required. Sandhu’s consistent domestic performances, particularly with his medium pace, make him a valuable asset. DC could view him as an essential Indian pace-bowling backup who also contributes with the bat, addressing two squad requirements with a single investment. His versatile skill set offers crucial domestic balance to their strong overseas contingent, making him a smart pick for the middle rounds of the auction.

5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB have a purse of ₹16.40 crore and a critical need to reinforce its entire bowling attack, having released several Indian pacers. RCB needs a high-potential domestic pace-bowling all-rounder to support their high-profile overseas stars. Sunny Sandhu’s youth and dual skills make him a compelling target. If they secure their marquee pace targets, Sandhu provides reliable, young Indian talent to build the future around. RCB needs a reliable domestic finisher who can bowl, and Sandhu’s profile as an aggressive middle-order batter and consistent bowler fits the high-impact role often required at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

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