Sanjay Bangar picks IPL 2026 auction’s biggest “steal deal”

Sanjay Bangar It is believed that the CSK star player could emerge as the biggest signing in the IPL 2026 AuctionDescribing him as a “thief” of the event that was held in Abu Dhabi on December 15, despite his release from prison. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), The 22-year-old’s death pedigree and early IPL impact have kept him in the spotlight ahead of the mini-auction.

Sanjay Bhangar backs the CSK star as a hidden gem of the auction

In a quick clip on Star Sports, the former India all-rounder and former-Kings of Punjab Head coach Banjar pointed this out Mathisha Patirana When asked to predict the biggest steal of the IPL 2026 auction, Bangar highlighted the Sri Lankan’s off-spinner, yorker’s accuracy and change-up as rare skills that can impact tight chases, stressing that such versatility is difficult to find in a high-pressure, batting-dominated tournament.​

Pathirana’s numbers in the IPL underscore why he is considered a good pick even after an inconsistent 2025 season. He was pivotal in CSK’s 2023 title win, taking 19 wickets in 12 matches at an average a shade below 20, operating almost exclusively at the death and often wrapping up matches alongside. MS Dhoni. During his stint at CSK, he finished his career with over 40 wickets in just over 30 matches, cementing his reputation as a specialist despite expensive spells.

CSK’s decision to release Pathirana ahead of the 2026 auction was influenced by fitness concerns and a decline in control, with the franchise’s management publicly admitting that injuries and technical adjustments at the point of his release affected his rhythm. However, many analysts believe that this particular release could lower its price enough for a smart franchise to snap it up for less than big money, especially with teams like Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants He is known to be in the market for a death specialist. Banjar himself has hinted that it is LSG that he moved from David Miller They are working to rebalance their external mix and can treat Pathirana as a high-end mid-segment investment

Who crosses the Rs 15Cr mark? Who becomes the biggest steal at the auction? Dale Stine and Sanjay Bangar break down the boldest predictions ahead of the big day! 🔥👀#TATAIPLauction 👉🏻 Tuesday 16 December, 2pm on Star Sports and JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/HDzk4uTP8S

– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 13, 2025

Also Read: Dale Steyn offers a no-nonsense view on Steve Smith’s auction chances in IPL 2026

Dale Steyn also names cut-priced weapons to consider for the IPL 2026 auctions

Bangar is not the only market to quickly read a deal for fast bowlers in this auction Dale Stein It also affects potential thefts. In the same Star Sports interaction, the former South African spearhead referred to his compatriots Gerald Coetzee and Enrich Nortje As players they can offer returns well above their potential prices. Coetzee has already shown glimpses of his value in the IPL with Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titansclaiming 15 wickets in 14 matches at a strike rate that reflects his ability to bat in short, hostile bursts even if his economy remains a work in progress.

Meanwhile, Nortje has been providing a host of proven IPL work with 61 wickets from 48 outings for delhi capitals And KKR, built on high pace, challenging lengths and powerplay penetration. Injury interruptions and drops in form have dimmed his aura a bit, but franchises looking for an experienced enforcer who can play with the new ball and at the death are expected to keep a close eye on his price range. With both Bangar and Steyn anticipating value in high-pace fast-hitting rather than just an all-rounder, the narrative of the IPL 2026 auction is quickly tilting towards a franchise that reads the fast bowling market the smartest and not just the loudest.

Also Read: Aakash Chopra predicts the 5 most expensive foreign players in the upcoming IPL 2026 auction