The countdown to the IPL 2026 auction is on, and speculation is rife about potential bidding wars. Fans are eagerly discussing which players might fetch high prices and which ones could go unsold. Recently, Star Sports asked former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn to name a player who, despite never playing in the IPL, could have been the league’s most expensive buy. Steyn’s pick was Lance Klusener, a renowned all-rounder known for his destructive batting and effective medium-pace bowling. Klusener’s stellar performances at the 1999 World Cup earned him the Player of the Tournament title. Although he retired from international cricket in 2004, Steyn believes Klusener’s skillset would have made him a sought-after player in the IPL.
Steyn also mentioned Allan Donald as a fast bowler who would have excelled in IPL conditions, Allan Border as a strategic captain, and Ravi Shastri as a charismatic team leader. Having played for multiple IPL teams himself, including Deccan Chargers, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Lions, Steyn is familiar with the dynamics of the tournament.
Overall, the anticipation for the IPL auction is building, with fans eagerly awaiting to see which players will command top dollar. Steyn’s insights into potential IPL stars add an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming event. The article was published on December 13, 2025.
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