Three Veterans Who Could Be Making Their Final IPL Auction Appearance in 2026

The IPL 2026 auction may mark the end of an era for a few well-known overseas stars. Age, form and dipping interest from franchises have pushed some once-trusted performers to the edge. With teams now favouring younger and more dynamic T20 options, the upcoming auction could be the last for Steve Smith, Jonny Bairstow and David Miller.

The exit of seniors like Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell from the auction pool already shows that the IPL is entering a transition phase. These three veterans might be next in line.

1. Steve Smith

Steve Smith has not played in the IPL since 2021. He has gone unsold in multiple auctions and will enter this one at 36. His classic batting style has found little space in modern T20 plans and many teams believe they can find cheaper, younger anchors. He is likely to register one final time, but chances of him getting picked remain slim.

2. David Miller

David Miller has long been one of the IPL’s trusted finishers. His stint with LSG in 2025 showed flashes of his old power, but injuries and uneven form have lowered expectations. Even then, franchises value experienced middle order hitters, so he should draw some bids. This might still be his final auction as teams look ahead to younger finishers.

3. Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow still carries strong T20 credentials. He lit up the league for SRH, Punjab Kings and most recently Mumbai Indians. However, age and inconsistency have hurt his value. At this stage, he may also be entering his last auction. A team needing an aggressive keeping opener, like KKR, could still take a chance, but his market is smaller than before.