The IPL 2026 auction is already full of plot twists—and it hasn’t even begun. In a last-minute shake-up, veteran domestic batter Abhimanyu Easwaran has been added to the auction pool with a base price of ₹30 lakh. But that’s not the only headline: former Chennai Super Kings star Deepak Hooda now appears on the list strictly as a bowler—and his inclusion comes with a major red flag: his action has been reported as suspect .
These late developments add layers of intrigue, risk, and opportunity to an auction already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in IPL history. With franchises like KKR holding ₹64 crore and MI down to ₹2.75 crore, every pick could make or break a season. Now, teams must weigh talent against technical legality—and potential against past performance.
Table of Contents
- Abhimanyu Easwaran: Why His Last-Minute IPL Entry Matters
- Deepak Hooda: Suspect Action and the Bowling-Only Listing
- What Is a Suspect Bowling Action—and What Happens Next?
- Strategic Implications for IPL 2026 Auction
- Could This Be Easwaran’s IPL Breakthrough Moment?
- Sources
Abhimanyu Easwaran: Why His Last-Minute IPL Entry Matters
At 29, Abhimanyu Easwaran is no rookie. As captain of Bengal, he’s been a rock at the top of the order in domestic cricket for nearly a decade—averaging over 45 in First-Class cricket and scoring crucial runs in Ranji Trophy knockouts. Yet, despite multiple camps and shortlists, he’s never gotten an IPL contract.
His late addition—reportedly pushed by selectors impressed by his consistent 2024–25 season—is a lifeline. With a modest ₹30 lakh base price, he’s an affordable, low-risk option for teams needing a technically sound opener or middle-order stabilizer.
Franchises like Chennai Super Kings or Rajasthan Royals, who value domestic stalwarts, could see him as the perfect “anchor” in high-pressure chases. For Easwaran, this may be his final chance to break into the big league.
Deepak Hooda: Suspect Action and the Bowling-Only Listing
Deepak Hooda’s situation is far more complicated. Once a marquee all-rounder—remember his blazing 104 off 57 balls for SRH in 2022?—Hooda has struggled with form and fitness in recent years. Now, he’s listed in the auction not as a batter or all-rounder, but solely as a bowler with a ₹75 lakh base price.
Even more concerning: during a recent domestic match, his bowling action was flagged by on-field officials for “possible illegal elbow extension.” Though not yet officially suspended, the report triggers a mandatory biomechanical assessment under ICC regulations .
If the test confirms a suspect action, Hooda would be barred from bowling in the IPL until he rectifies it—a devastating blow for a player banking on his spin to stay relevant.
What Is a Suspect Bowling Action—and What Happens Next?
According to ICC regulations, a bowling action is deemed illegal if the elbow extension exceeds 15 degrees during delivery. Once reported:
- The player has 21 days to undergo independent biomechanical testing.
- If the action is deemed illegal, they cannot bowl in official matches until cleared.
- They may continue batting or fielding during this period.
For Hooda—who hasn’t bowled regularly in T20s since 2023—this raises a critical question: Why list him as a bowler at all? Analysts speculate franchises might see untapped potential in his off-spin, but the risk is high.
Strategic Implications for IPL 2026 Auction
These late entries will force teams to recalibrate:
- Budget-conscious teams (like CSK or RR) may see Easwaran as a smart, value-for-money buy for depth.
- High-purse franchises (KKR, PBKS) could take a speculative punt on Hooda—if his action clears testing.
- Fantasy managers should watch [INTERNAL_LINK:ipl-2026-uncapped-sleepers]—Easwaran could be a dark horse if picked.
- Any team bidding on Hooda will likely demand a “clearance clause” in his contract.
Crucially, the BCCI has confirmed both players are eligible for auction—but Hooda’s bowling status remains provisional.
Could This Be Easwaran’s IPL Breakthrough Moment?
Easwaran’s journey mirrors that of late bloomers like Wasim Jaffer or Manoj Tiwary—domestic giants overlooked by the T20 circus. But the game is changing. With “Bazball” influencing T20 thinking, even anchor batters need strike rates above 125.
Easwaran’s T20 strike rate of 122 in domestic cricket is borderline—but his ability to absorb pressure and rotate strike could fit teams that prioritize balance over blitz.
“He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable,” said a former IPL scout. “In a world of volatility, that’s gold.”
Final Thoughts
The IPL 2026 auction just got more dramatic. Abhimanyu Easwaran’s last-minute entry offers hope to every unsung domestic warrior, while Deepak Hooda’s suspect action serves as a stark reminder: in modern cricket, even reputation isn’t immunity. As teams finalize their war rooms, one truth emerges—this auction won’t just test budgets. It’ll test judgment, nerve, and faith in second chances.