Liam Livingstone, the explosive English all-rounder, was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, primarily due to a below-par IPL 2025 season where he struggled to justify his INR 8.75 crore price tag (scoring 112 runs in 8 innings).

However, Livingstone remains one of the most destructive T20 players globally, known for his brute power-hitting, versatility in the batting order, and the rare ability to bowl both leg-spin and off-spin (match-up bowling). His recent form in T20 leagues has been explosive, including an unbeaten 82 off 38 balls for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 2025 league against Sharjah Warriors. Teams needing a high-impact, multi-faceted overseas finisher who can provide flexible spin bowling will see him as a massive value pick, especially since he is available at a potentially lower price than his previous retention.

5 franchises that can target Liam Livingstone in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK will enter the auction with the second-largest purse of INR 43.40 crore and a huge void in their overseas all-rounder department following the trade of Sam Curran. CSK desperately needs a versatile middle-order batter who can finish games and provide a quality spin option. Livingstone perfectly fills this role, bringing explosive batting for the lower-middle order and the unique flexibility of spin bowling that is highly valued on the Chepauk surface. With their significant budget, CSK will be a primary bidder, viewing him as the ideal high-impact, multi-skill replacement to maintain their traditional squad balance.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR possesses the largest auction purse of INR 64.30 crore and has a clear priority: replacing the overseas all-rounder firepower lost with the release of Andre Russell. While Cameron Green is a likely top target, Livingstone offers a proven, destructive alternative. KKR needs an overseas batter who can come in at the death and bowl a few tight overs. Livingstone’s ability to clear the long boundaries at the Eden Gardens and his flexible spin bowling make him a perfect fit for KKR’s historically aggressive, all-rounder-heavy strategy. Their massive financial resources mean they can outbid any competitor for his services.

3. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have a moderate purse of INR 11.50 crore but a history with Livingstone, for whom he enjoyed his best IPL season in 2022. PBKS recently released Glenn Maxwell and needs to acquire an overseas power-hitter for their middle and lower order to support retained players like Mitchell Owen and Shashank Singh. Livingstone’s familiarity with the franchise, his proven success batting anywhere from number 3 to 6, and his destructive power match PBKS’s strategy of fearless, high-scoring cricket. For a team that needs a high-impact overseas player within a limited budget, Livingstone offers a known quantity and immense value.

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4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has a strong purse of INR 25.50 crore and is known for investing in aggressive, high-upside players. SRH needs to add more firepower and depth to their middle order, which has occasionally been inconsistent. Livingstone could slot in perfectly at number 5 or 6, providing a feared counter-attacking option if the top order collapses, or accelerating ruthlessly when set. Furthermore, his flexible spin options would add crucial balance to a team that often relies heavily on its fast bowlers. His profile aligns with SRH’s current philosophy of maximizing T20 aggression.

5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Despite releasing him due to his high price tag, RCB may still target Livingstone if he falls to a reasonable price, as they have a purse of INR 16.40 crore. RCB needs to fill two overseas slots, and their immediate priority will be securing a specialist fast bowler (like Anrich Nortje) and an all-rounder. Livingstone is a familiar face who understands the Chinnaswamy dynamics. If their primary overseas all-rounder targets (like Green or another big-name) prove too expensive, buying back Livingstone would ensure they secure a proven, high-impact all-rounder whom the management and retained core know well.

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