Is Narayan Jagadeesan Playing IPL 2026? Which Team Is Narayan Jagadeesan Playing For In IPL 2026? After a century for India A vs USA in the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up game, the former CSK and KKR player is the news.
Narayan Jagadeesan has found himself back in the spotlight ahead of IPL 2026 after a commanding century for India A in a T20 World Cup warm-up match against USA in Navi Mumbai. The timing of the innings, just days before the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, has inevitably led to questions around his IPL future and whether a return to the league is imminent.
His name is doing the rounds again during the IPL build-up, but is Narayan Jagadeesan playing IPL 2026? Is he among the players in IPL 2026 squads? Here is a clear look at Jagadeesan’s IPL 2026 status, why his knock has sparked discussion, and where he stands in the league landscape right now.
Is Narayan Jagadeesan Playing IPL 2026?
Narayan Jagadeesan will not be playing IPL 2026. He was not picked by any franchise in the IPL mega auction and was not among the shortlisted players during the auction process.
As a result, there is currently no IPL team for Narayan Jagadeesan in IPL 2026. Unless he is signed later in the season as an injury replacement, he will remain absent from the tournament despite his recent form for India A.
Narayan Jagadeesan shines for India A in T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Game vs USA
The renewed attention around Jagadeesan stems from his performance in a T20 World Cup warm-up fixture, where he produced a match-defining innings for India A. Opening the batting against USA, Jagadeesan struck 104 off 55 balls, helping India A post a daunting 238 for 3 before sealing a 38-run win.
Narayan Jagadeesan in India A vs USA in T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up
- Runs: 104
- Balls: 55
- Fours: 11
- Sixes: 5
The knock stood out not only for its power and control but also for its timing. With IPL squads already locked in, strong performances at this stage often reignite conversations around overlooked players. Jagadeesan’s India A century has done exactly that, placing him back into public discussion despite his absence from IPL 2026 squads.
Jagadeesan’s IPL Journey So Far: CSK To KKR
Jagadeesan’s IPL career has been brief and fragmented. He was first bought by Chennai Super Kings in the 2018 IPL auction and made his debut for the franchise during the 2020 season. CSK brought him back again for IPL 2022, but consistent opportunities proved hard to come by.
Ahead of IPL 2023, he was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders. However, his stint with KKR was limited to just six matches. Following his release, Jagadeesan went unsold in the 2024 mega auction and has not been attached to any franchise since, explaining why his CSK and KKR associations continue to be revisited whenever his name resurfaces.
Narayan Jagadeesan – IPL Record (Year-by-Year)
Jagadeesan’s IPL numbers offer context to why franchises have been cautious. Across 13 matches in the league, he has scored 162 runs at an average of 18.00, with a strike rate slightly above 110. He is yet to register a half-century or century in the IPL.
| Season | Franchise | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | Chennai Super Kings | 2 | 33 | 16.50 | 113.79 | 0 |
| 2022 | Chennai Super Kings | 2 | 40 | 40.00 | 108.10 | 0 |
| 2023 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 | 89 | 14.83 | 109.87 | 0 |
| Overall | CSK, KKR | 10 | 162 | 18.00 | 110.20 | 0 |
Can Narayan Jagadeesan Be A Replacement Player In IPL 2026?
In practical terms, the pathway is narrow. Jagadeesan was not part of the shortlisted players for the IPL mega auction, which makes an in-season entry more complicated than for those already in the auction pool.
However, it is still technically possible. If Jagadeesan had formally enrolled for the auction but went unsold, franchises are permitted to sign him later as an injury replacement, subject to league approval and squad requirements. Replacement signings are typically driven by immediate needs rather than long-term planning, especially in the case of wicketkeeper-batters.
That said, given that teams have already settled on their squad combinations for IPL 2026, and with Jagadeesan currently outside the league ecosystem, a replacement call would likely depend on multiple injuries or a very specific role opening up mid-season.
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