Who will buy Livingstone at the IPL 2026 auction is one of the biggest questions heading into December 16, especially after RCB released him despite his elite hitting numbers in global T20s. Since 2022, Liam Livingstone has struck at over 165 vs pace, smashing 157 fours and 157 sixes, producing a boundary every 4.27 balls, unmatched by anyone in this year’s auction pool.
In 2025 alone, Livingstone made 840 runs at a strike rate of 148.93 in T20s, including 241 runs at 155.48 in The Hundred. His famous assault on Rashid Khan showed why teams value him as a game-breaking finisher who also bowls both off-spin and leg-spin.
With RCB opting for Tim David and Romario Shepherd instead, Livingstone becomes one of the most valuable all-rounders available. He comes in set 2 of all-rounders in the shortlist of 359 players at the IPL 2026 auction and has a base price of INR 2 crores.
With RCB targets for the IPL 2026 auction likely to include more budget options, here are the three franchises most likely to buy him, considering their squad gaps, budgets and historical auction behaviour.
Why CSK Targets Might Include Liam Livingstone
CSK targets for IPL 2026 include a power-hitting all-rounder who can float in the middle order and bowl a few overs, especially after Glenn Maxwell withdrew and with Andre Russell retired. CSK target players this year skew towards multi-role cricketers, and Livingstone fits the brief perfectly.
Chennai have 43.4 crore and one clear requirement — a finisher who can dominate pace and contribute spin overs at Chepauk. Livingstone’s strike rate against pace is tailor-made for CSK’s death-overs hitting needs, and his part-time spin gives them flexibility without using an overseas slot on a specialist bowler.
They also like high-ceiling match-winners with proven global records. Livingstone fits that profile.
Why CSK might buy Livingstone:
- Need for a destructive finisher
- Value his dual-spin ability
- Big purse to win bidding wars
- Ideal Chepauk matchup profile
Liam Livingstone Likely High On KKR Target Players List
KKR targets for IPL 2026 include middle-order power and finishing strength after a poor 2025 season where they struggled to find reliable firepower. KKR target players this year include hitters who can replace the runs lost from an out-of-form lower order.
Their experiment with Rovman Powell lasted only two games before injury, and the franchise finished with just five wins all season. Kolkata need a batter who can dominate spin and pace. Livingstone checks both boxes, and his leg-spin/off-spin adds tactical depth at Eden Gardens.
KKR also have the largest purses at this auction, and historically go aggressive for high-impact T20 hitters.
Why KKR might buy Livingstone:
- Lack of a reliable finisher in 2025
- Big purse allows a strong bid
- His spin-bowling suits Eden Gardens
- Perfect replacement for Russell slot in the XI
Liam Livingstone Could Be Among LSG Targets
LSG targets ahead of IPL 2026 include a finisher to replace David Miller, whose strike rate dipped to 127.50 with only 153 runs in 11 matches. While Marsh, Pooran, and Markram all excelled, the lower-order hitting was inconsistent.
This is exactly where Liam Livingstone becomes valuable. His finishing power, especially in overs 15–20, is among the best in global T20s. And unlike Miller, Livingstone gives overs of spin, which helps LSG balance both their home conditions and away matchups.
Captain Rishabh Pant has already leaned towards multi-skill overseas players who can win games single-handedly — Livingstone fits the LSG recruitment pattern perfectly.
Why LSG might buy Livingstone:
- Miller’s drop in form opens a finishing slot
- Need for a pace-hitter at the death
- His spin adds balance alongside Bishnoi/Markram
- Fits LSG’s overseas combination better than specialist hitters
Who Will Buy Livingstone At IPL 2026 Auction?
The frontrunners to buy Liam Livingstone are CSK, KKR and LSG, with CSK and KKR most likely to go the hardest because of their purse size and squad requirements.
In a weak all-rounder pool, Livingstone is the only player with elite pace-hitting, proven finishing numbers and dual-spin ability, making him one of the most in-demand names on December 16.
