However, Livingstone remains one of the most destructive T20 players in the world, known for his brutal power-hitting, versatility in the batting order and rare ability to bowl both leg-spin and off-spin (match-up bowling). His recent form in the T20 competitions has been explosive, including an unbeaten 82 off 38 balls Knight Riders of Abu Dhabi in the ILT20 2025 competition against Sharjah Warriors. Teams in need of a powerful, versatile overseas finisher who can provide flexible spin bowling will see him as a huge value pick, especially as he is available at a potentially lower price than his previous retention.
5 franchises who could target Liam Livingstone in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
C.S.K will enter the auction with the second largest purse of INR 43.40 crore and a huge void in their overseas all-rounder division after the trading of Sam Curran. CSK are in dire need of a versatile middle-order batsman who can finish games and provide a quality spin option. Livingstone fills this role perfectly, bringing explosive batting to the lower middle order and the unique flexibility of spin bowling that is highly prized on the Chepauk surface. With their significant budget, CSK will be a primary bidder and view him as the ideal replacement with high impact and multiple skills to maintain their traditional selection balance.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR boasts the largest auction purse of INR 64.30 crore and has a clear priority: replacing the overseas all-round firepower lost with the release of Andre Russell. While Cameron Green is likely a top target, Livingstone offers a proven, destructive alternative. KKR need an overseas batsman who can come in at the death and bowl a few tight overs. Livingstone’s ability to smash 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 vast financial resources allow them to outbid any competitor for their services.
3.Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings (PBKS) has a modest purse of INR 11.50 crore, but a history with Livingstone, for whom he enjoyed his best IPL season in 2022. PBKS was recently released Glenn Maxwell and must acquire a foreign power-hitter for their middle and lower order to support retained players such as Mitchell Owen And Shashank Singh. Livingstone’s familiarity with the franchise, his proven success batting from numbers 3 to 6, and his destructive power suit PBKS’ strategy of fearless, high-scoring cricket. For a team that needs a high-impact foreign player on a budget, Livingstone offers known quantity and tremendous value.
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4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has a strong pocketbook of INR 25.50 crore and is known for its investments in aggressive, high-upside players. SRH need to add more firepower and depth to their middle order, which has been inconsistent at times. Livingstone could slot in perfectly at number 5 or 6 and provide a fearsome counter-attack if the top order collapses, or accelerate ruthlessly once the set is set. Furthermore, his flexible spin options would add crucial balance to a team that often relies heavily on its fast bowlers. His profile is in line with SRH’s current philosophy of maximizing T20 aggression.
5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Despite releasing him due to his high price tag, RCB can still target Livingstone if he drops to a reasonable price as they have a purse of INR 16.40 crore. RCB need 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 known face who understands Chinnaswamy’s dynamics. If their key overseas all-rounders (such as Green or another big name) prove too expensive, buying back Livingstone would ensure they secure a proven, powerful all-rounder who the management and retained core know well.
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