Matt Short has quietly emerged as one of the most well-rounded T20 players in the world of cricket. With an impressive tally of 3,431 runs in T20 matches at a strike rate of 147.76, he’s proven himself to be more than just a power-hitter; he’s a reliable performer across various leagues. Plus, he’s now a regular in Australia’s white-ball squad and stands out in the Big Bash League (BBL). His knack for dominating the powerplay, stabilizing innings, or finishing games makes him an incredibly versatile player. And with his off-spin bowling, he truly becomes a valuable two-skill all-rounder something that IPL teams highly covet. As we gear up for the IPL 2026 Mega Auction, several franchises will be on the lookout for top-order stability, explosive hitters, and part-time spin options. Matt Short checks all those boxes, making him one of the most appealing overseas picks on the market. Let’s dive into the teams that are likely to pursue him and explore why he fits their strategies so well. Kolkata Knight Riders KKR heads into the IPL 2026 auction with a significant advantage the largest budget at INR 64.3 crore. This hefty purse positions them as strong contenders to secure Matt Short’s services. The team’s top order is in need of bolstering after parting ways with Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who previously occupied their opening and top-order slots. This is where Matt Short comes into play as a perfect match. He naturally gravitates towards the top order and boasts a solid record of scoring quickly during the first six overs. KKR has a penchant for aggressive openers, and with players like Sunil Narine and Shreyas Iyer in need of a dependable partner, Short could bring both power and consistency to the lineup. Another factor that might draw KKR to him is their shift towards players with multiple skills. Short’s off-spin provides them with an additional bowling option, particularly on the slow and turning pitches at Eden Gardens. With a substantial budget and a clear gap in the top order, KKR could very well emerge as one of the leading bidders for Matt Short. Read also: Every First-Over Wicket by Mitchell Starc in Test Cricket Punjab Kings The Punjab Kings have been on the hunt for a solid No. 3 for quite some time now. With Josh Inglis stepping away, there’s a clear gap in the top three batting positions. Enter Matt Short he’s practically a perfect fit. Having played for Punjab before, he knows the ropes and has already hinted at his potential with the team. Punjab thrives on players who can express themselves without hesitation, and Short’s natural playing style aligns beautifully with that philosophy. He doesn’t take long to get into his groove and can quickly adjust his approach based on the game situation. Batting at No. 3, he has the ability to set the pace, whether that means going on the attack right from the start or stabilizing the innings if an early wicket falls. Plus, his off-spin bowling is another compelling reason for PBKS to consider him seriously. The slow pitches in Mohali and some away games often call for more spin options, and his bowling adds depth to the team, especially on days when the main bowlers might struggle. Given his familiarity with the franchise and his fit for the middle order, PBKS would be wise to make a move for him. Lucknow Super Giants The Lucknow Super Giants are also in the market for a dependable overseas batter who can step up in the top order and lend a hand with the ball when necessary. Their foreign batting lineup has had its ups and downs, and bringing in Matt Short as a backup or rotational player would definitely bolster their squad. The Ekana Cricket Stadium is known for its slow, spin-friendly pitches. In such conditions, Short’s off-spin becomes a valuable asset, providing LSG with an extra bowling option without throwing off the team’s balance. His batting style is also well-suited to the ground he handles spin with confidence, uses the crease wisely, and has the power to clear even the longest boundaries. While LSG might not see him as a permanent starter, his versatility makes him an ideal squad member for a long and demanding season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru As the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are all about bolstering their squad depth instead of starting from scratch, and that’s where Matt Short comes into play. His versatility and ability to take on multiple roles make him a perfect fit. RCB can easily slot him into the middle order, where he can tackle spinners, steady the ship in tough situations, and adapt to whatever the match throws at them. Plus, he can step in as a solid backup opener for Phil Salt, ensuring the team always has a dynamic option at the top of the order. His part-time off-spin is an added bonus, giving RCB a handy option who can even bowl during the powerplay if the situation calls for it. The batter-friendly pitch at Bengaluru’s home ground, with its small boundaries and quick outfield, is just right for Short’s aggressive playing style, allowing him to unleash his hitting prowess without taking unnecessary risks. His ability to bat anywhere from No. 1 to No. 5 gives RCB a lot of tactical flexibility throughout the long tournament, especially when dealing with form fluctuations, injuries, or match-ups. Since RCB typically looks for overseas players who are in good form and have recent international experience, Short checks all the boxes, making him a smart and realistic target for the franchise.