The England vs. India Test series was a showcase of exceptional cricketing talent, with certain England players making a strong impression. Embracing the ‘Bazball’ philosophy, these players demonstrated skills well-suited for the intensity of the Indian Premier League.
With the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaching, several English cricketers could become available, potentially leading to intense bidding among franchises. Seasoned all-rounders and rising batting stars are expected to be in high demand next season.
Jamie Smith’s talent is evident, even early in his international career. In the recent Test series, Smith consistently delivered for England, with two fifties, a century, and two other scores above forty in 10 innings against a strong Indian bowling attack. He’s also showcased his T20 abilities, with 1,484 runs in 90 matches and a strong strike rate. His debut in ODIs and T20Is this year further boosted his reputation as a dependable player. A franchise seeking a young wicketkeeper-batter with long-term potential may see Smith as an ideal fit.
Ben Duckett is known for his aggressive batting. With over 5,200 T20 runs, the left-hander has extensive experience in various leagues including The Hundred, Vitality Blast, PSL, BBL, and Mzansi Super League. He entered the IPL 2025 mega auction with a base price of Rs. 2 crore but went unsold – a result unlikely to be repeated given his performance in the Test series in India. Duckett faced quality spin and pace and displayed aggressive strokeplay that suits IPL conditions. Franchises wanting to bolster their top order may find him a tempting option.
Ben Stokes’ impact is significant. The England Test captain has played in six IPL seasons for Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings. Stokes has 935 runs and 28 wickets in the tournament, often single-handedly influencing matches. After missing IPL 2024 due to injury and opting out of IPL 2025, Stokes returned to Test cricket and was England’s best bowler in the IND vs ENG series with 20 wickets in four Tests. His ability to perform with both bat and ball, along with his leadership, makes him a valuable asset.
While the IPL and Test cricket differ, the skills and temperament of Stokes, Smith, and Duckett in the India vs England series make them strong candidates for the 2026 edition. If they enter the mini-auction, expect a bidding war, potentially marking the beginning of new chapters in their careers.