Former India all-rounder and coach Sanjay Bangar believes a former Chennai Super Kings star could emerge as the biggest bargain of the IPL 2026 mini auction, describing him as the potential “steal” of the Abu Dhabi event scheduled for December 15.

Despite being released by CSK ahead of the auction, 22-year-old Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana remains firmly in focus due to his proven death-overs expertise and early impact in the IPL.

Speaking during a rapid-fire segment on Star Sports, Bangar picked Pathirana when asked to predict the auction’s biggest steal. He highlighted the bowler’s distinctive round-arm action, pinpoint yorkers and deceptive variations, calling them rare assets in a batter-dominated, high-pressure T20 environment.

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Pathirana’s IPL record explains the continued buzz around him. He played a pivotal role in CSK’s 2023 title-winning campaign, picking up 19 wickets in 12 matches at an average under 20, operating almost exclusively at the death. Across his CSK career, he collected over 40 wickets in just more than 30 matches, earning a reputation as a specialist finisher despite occasional expensive spells.

CSK’s decision to release Pathirana was influenced by fitness concerns and a loss of rhythm caused by injuries and minor technical changes to his release point. However, several analysts believe this could work in favor of franchises, potentially keeping his price below marquee levels and allowing a shrewd team to snap him up as a high-upside investment.

Teams such as Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants are reportedly monitoring the fast-bowling market closely, with Bangar hinting that LSG, currently reshaping their overseas balance, could view Pathirana as a smart middle-bracket buy.