5 franchises that can target Tim Seifert in the IPL 2026 Auction

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The IPL 2026 mini auction kicks off on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, drawing global attention with teams wielding a combined purse exceeding ₹237 crore to reshape squads after retentions. New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert enters the fray with heightened buzz, fresh off his explosive maiden Big Bash League century—102 runs off 56 balls for Melbourne Renegades against Brisbane Heat on December 14—blasting boundaries at a strike rate over 180. This power-packed knock, timed perfectly a day before the auction, underscores his T20 prowess (strike rate 135.7 across 64 matches) and elevates his ₹1.5 crore base price appeal as a top-order aggressor and gloveman.​

Kolkata Knight Riders boast the league’s largest purse at ₹64.3 crore and 13 slots, including a glaring void at wicketkeeper after releasing Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Seifert’s explosive opening style and gloveman ship align seamlessly with their need for a top-order batter to anchor innings alongside Sunil Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. KKR’s financial muscle positions them to outbid rivals, potentially securing Seifert as a dynamic overseas slot-filler to bolster their inconsistent middle order.​

Delhi Capitals hold ₹21.8 crore and eight slots (five overseas), urgently seeking top-order reinforcement to pair with KL Rahul amid past opener inconsistencies. Seifert’s recent BBL fireworks and proven T20 strike rate make him an ideal overseas opener, adding keeping depth and powerplay fireworks to a lineup craving reliability. Their balanced purse enables aggressive pursuit without overextending, fitting DC’s strategy for high-impact international signings.​

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Punjab Kings enter with a modest ₹11.5 crore purse and just four slots (two overseas), prioritizing replacements for released players like Josh Inglis while maintaining their strong Indian core led by Shreyas Iyer. Seifert emerges as a calculated target for keeper stability and top-order thrust, his affordability at base price suiting PBKS’s tight budget amid needs for all-round depth. This move could elevate their batting firepower without derailing fiscal plans.​

Gujarat Titans carry ₹12.9 crore and five slots (four overseas), eyeing middle-order finishers after trading Sherfane Rutherford and struggling in slog overs (strike rate 169.64). Seifert’s boundary-hitting (six every 16 balls in T20s) and versatility as a keeper-batter could plug gaps at No. 4 or opener, enhancing Shubman Gill‘s lineup with explosive depth. GT’s prudent approach favours value overseas picks like him to sustain playoff contention.​​

Mumbai Indians possess a slim ₹2.75 crore purse and five slots (one overseas), content with near-finalists’ core but scouting backups post-2025 Eliminator run. Seifert’s uncapped-like value and glovework appeal as a low-risk overseas addition, potentially challenging for top-order spots amid minor weaknesses. Their “wait-and-pounce” tactic suits sniping him if bids stay modest, rounding out a championship-Caliber squad.

Also READ: 5 uncapped stars who can trigger a bidding war in IPL 2026 mini auction