For over ten years, Andre Russell has been a powerhouse in the Indian Premier League, known for his explosive hitting, sharp pace in the death overs, and game-changing athleticism. He’s truly redefined what it means to be a T20 all-rounder. With his decision to step back from the league ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, teams are now scrambling to rethink their rosters and find overseas all-rounders who can bring even a fraction of what Russell did. 

 

Luckily, a fresh wave of pace-bowling all-rounders is making waves around the globe. While they might not quite reach Russell’s heights, these players can still fill the crucial role of pace-bowling all-rounders, contributing significantly with the bat and delivering key overs of seam bowling when it matters most. 

 

Here are three overseas pace-bowling all-rounders that teams should seriously consider targeting at the IPL 2026 auction. 

 

Cameron Green (Aus) 

 

Cameron Green emerges as the most fitting replacement for Russell currently available. With his towering stature, impressive hitting ability, and versatility to bat anywhere from No. 3 to No. 7, he’s a top-tier all-rounder for multiple phases of the game. His experience in the IPL and rapid ascent in white-ball cricket only add to his appeal, positioning him to be one of the priciest picks in the auction. 

 

He combines elite ball-striking with seam bowling that produces natural bounce, making him a formidable all-round option. Ideally, he would serve as a middle-order power-hitter capable of shifting the momentum quickly while also providing a flexible pace-bowling option throughout different stages of an innings. Given team needs and auction budgets, KKR and CSK emerge as the best fits, both entering the auction with the largest budgets and a clear desire to secure a dependable pace-bowling all-rounder. 

 

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Delano Potgieter (SA) 

 

Delano Potgieter’s ascent through South African domestic cricket and global franchise leagues highlights him as a power-hitting dynamo who can adapt his batting position and bowl disciplined medium pace. Potgieter is particularly lethal against pace during the death overs, and his bowling variations provide captains with strategic flexibility. If a franchise is on the lookout for a batting-heavy all-rounder with a hint of Russell’s fearless flair, Potgieter is one of the closest matches. 

 

He delivers clean hitting in the lower order, consistent bowling in the middle overs, and a calm demeanor in high-pressure situations. His ideal role is that of a finisher who can also provide matchup-specific overs during the middle phase of an innings. Considering team dynamics and requirements, PBKS, LSG, CSK, and DC emerge as strong potential fits, as all four franchises would benefit from adding a reliable all-rounder who can contribute effectively in both batting and bowling when the pressure is on. 

 

Matthew Forde (WI) 

 

Matthew Forde has quickly made a name for himself as one of the Caribbean’s most thrilling modern seam-bowling all-rounders. His precise new-ball bowling, paired with his composed lower-order hitting like we witnessed during his record-setting fastest ODI fifty earlier this year makes him a well-rounded T20 player. While he might not yet have the raw explosiveness of someone like Russell, Forde brings a level of control with the ball and impressive striking power down the order. 

 

He showcases remarkable new-ball control, capable of swinging the ball early, and he can also unleash powerful hitting in the later stages against pace. His role is that of a seam-bowling all-rounder who can finish innings with the bat while also delivering valuable overs during the powerplay. Given the needs and balance of the team, CSK, SRH, and LSG seem to be the best fits, as all three franchises appreciate versatile all-round options who can make an impact in various phases of the game.