The IPL 2026 mini auction will see several major names going under the hammer, and one of the most interesting among them is Liam Livingstone. After a disappointing season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he scored only 112 runs and could not make an impact with the ball either, RCB decided to release him. But despite his poor year, Livingstone is still one of the most dangerous all-rounders in modern T20 cricket. His power-hitting, ability to bat anywhere from the top order to the finisher’s slot, and his handy spin bowling make him a valuable asset. Over his IPL career, Livingstone has scored 1051 runs in 49 matches, and his strike rate of 158.79 shows exactly the kind of explosive batting he brings to any side. Even though the previous season wasn’t kind to him, teams know that one good year from Livingstone can change their fortunes. Based on team needs, squad gaps, and strategy, here are the franchises most likely to target him in the 2026 mini auction. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Filling the All-Rounder Void Chennai Super Kings are entering a new era. With the team trading away Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals, CSK suddenly find themselves without a quality spin-batting all-rounder, something they have always relied on. This is where Liam Livingstone becomes a highly attractive option. CSK doesn’t just need a batter they need someone who can float across positions. Livingstone can bat in the middle order, can finish games, or even be used earlier if the situation demands quick runs. Currently, Shivam Dube is their only recognised finisher, so there is a clear vacancy in the lower middle order. Apart from batting, CSK will also value his bowling. Livingstone offers both off-spin and leg-spin, depending on the match-up. On Chennai’s slow pitches, his spin could be extremely useful, especially during the middle overs. Given CSK’s need for a multi-skilled cricketer, Livingstone fits almost perfectly into their requirements. Read also: Watch: Rohit Sharma Fired Up as Virat Kohli Completes His Century Punjab Kings (PBKS): A Familiar Territory Where He Has Shined Before Punjab Kings are another strong contender to go after Livingstone. The team recently parted ways with Glenn Maxwell, creating a big gap in the middle order, and they need someone who can provide both power-hitting and some overs with the ball. Livingstone has a history with PBKS, and more importantly, he has performed really well for them in the past. Punjab fans have already seen him play match-winning innings at the top and in the middle order. The franchise has always leaned toward aggressive players who can change the game in a few overs, and Livingstone perfectly fits that approach. With PBKS looking to rebuild their middle order and hunt for a versatile overseas all-rounder, they can easily turn back to a familiar face. Given his past success with them, Livingstone returning to Punjab wouldn’t be a surprise at all. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Adding More Firepower to a Deadly Batting Sunrisers Hyderabad already have one of the scariest batting line-ups in the league, featuring players like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen. But SRH’s strategy in recent seasons has been simple: maximize aggression, never let the run rate drop, and keep attacking. Adding Liam Livingstone would only strengthen that approach. He can slot in at No.5 or No.6, giving them a fearsome lower middle order. If the top order fires, SRH becomes nearly unstoppable. But if the top collapses, Livingstone’s power and confidence allow him to counterattack. A big positive for SRH is that Livingstone also brings a spin option. They already rely heavily on pace, and having a flexible spinner who can bowl match-up overs would add balance. His presence gives them another dimension and makes their batting even more ruthless. Gujarat Titans (GT): Rebuilding Their All-Rounder Stock Gujarat Titans have released a good number of all-rounders from their squad ahead of the mini auction, which opens a big gap in their team composition. They need players who can bat aggressively and bowl a few overs, especially since their balance has weakened compared to earlier seasons. Livingstone can be a great fit for them. GT often prefers multi-dimensional cricketers who can adjust depending on match conditions. Livingstone can bat in the top order if GT wants more power in the first six overs, or he can be used in the middle order if they want stability and a finisher. His big-hitting ability matches GT’s style of fearless cricket. With several all-rounders released, GT have both the need and the space to go after someone like Livingstone in the auction. A Player of Brilliance Who Just Needs One Good Season Liam Livingstone may have struggled badly last year, scoring only 112 runs and not delivering with the ball, but one poor season does not define his quality. Overall, he has an impressive IPL record: 1051 runs in 49 matches with a strike rate of 158.79. Few players in the league can hit the ball as cleanly and as consistently as Livingstone when he is in form. His ability to smash spin, clear long boundaries, and attack from ball one makes him one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket. With his power-hitting, fielding, and handy spin bowling, Livingstone offers a complete package. That is why even after a weak year, teams like CSK, PBKS, SRH, and GT will be seriously considering him during the IPL 2026 mini auction. All four teams have clear gaps he can fill, and all four will see him as a player worth investing in. If he gets the right role and confidence at his new franchise, Liam Livingstone has the potential to completely turn around his IPL story in 2026 and possibly become one of the standout performers of the season.