Sunny Sandhu is a very promising young Indian all-rounder, known for his right-arm medium fast bowling and aggressive right-hand middle-order batting. Sandhu officially registered his name for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Mini-Auction in the uncapped bracket with a base price of 30 lakhs.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Cryptic IPL 2026 mini-auction approved
Having represented Punjab and, more recently, Tamil Nadu in domestic T20 cricket, Sandhu’s stock has soared due to his recent explosive domestic performances. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025he delivered a clutch performance for Tamilnaduscoring a match-winning 30 from just 9 balls in a crucial chase against Saurashtra.
4️⃣,4️⃣,6️⃣,6️⃣,4️⃣
With 40 required from four overs, Sunny Sandhu turned the tables with a game-changing over 🔥
Dashboard ▶️ https://t.co/DlpijtPpFx@IDFCFIRSTBank | #SMAT pic.twitter.com/bkaaSpEl1S
– BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 8, 2025
This performance immediately caught the attention of the cricketing world, leading to the cryptic endorsement from Ravichandran Ashwin, who posted a visual pun referencing ‘Sunny’ which 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 looking for a domestic speed-bowling all-rounder with immense potential.
👀 👀 pic.twitter.com/BgevYfPyPJ
-Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 9, 2025
5 franchises who can target Sunny Sandhu in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Calcutta Knights Riders (KKR)
KKR will enter the auction with the largest purse of ₹64.30 crore and a significant need to rebuild its Indian all-rounder base, especially after liberation Venkatesh Iyer. KKR needs an uncapped player with high potential and two-dimensional skills to be prepared for the future. Sandhu, as a bowling all-rounder, perfectly fits the mold of an investment with high upside potential. His ability to deliver consistent medium pace and his recent explosive finishing with the bat provide the kind of flexibility KKR is looking for from their lower middle order. With his substantial funds, KKR can easily acquire Sandhu and groom him as a future Indian all-rounder to thrive on the Eden Gardens box.
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-round options. Ashwin’s (a CSK legend) cryptic endorsement about ‘Sunny Sandhu’ has put him squarely on the franchise’s radar. CSK’s philosophy of investing in promising domestic talents and developing them into specialists makes Sandhu an ideal candidate. He would be seen as a reliable right-arm medium-fast option, capable of bowling the unmarked overs and contributing with the bat. Its acquisition would be seen as a long-term strategic move aimed at providing crucial national assistance 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 artists. Sandhu’s combined skills, consistent medium pace and proven T20 hitting ability (highlighted by his SMAT cameo), make him a perfect target for GT’s scouting model. It provides a cost-effective solution to the fast 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 healthy purse of ₹21.80 crore and have a perpetual need for more Indian fast bowling options and depth in their domestic all-rounders. DC needs a reliable work force that can step up when needed. Sandhu’s consistent domestic performances, especially with his medium pace, make him a valuable asset. DC could see him as a vital Indian bowling replacement who also contributes with the bat, meeting the needs of two teams with one investment. His versatile skillset provides crucial domestic balance to their strong foreign contingent, making him a strong choice for the middle rounds of the auction.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RCB have a purse of ₹16.40 crore and a critical need to strengthen their entire bowling attack, after releasing several Indian pacers. RCB needs a domestic bowling all-rounder with high potential to support their high-profile foreign stars. Sunny Sandhu’s youth and dual skills make him an unavoidable target. If they achieve their marquee pace targets, Sandhu provides reliable young Indian talent to build the future around. RCB need a reliable domestic finisher who can bowl, and Sandhu’s profile as an aggressive middle-order hitter and consistent bowler fits the high-impact role often required at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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