South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has entered the IPL 2026 auction pool after being released by Gujarat Titans (GT). The franchise let go of several players, including Mahipal Lomror, Karim Janat, Dasun Shanaka, and Kulwant Khejroliya, while Sherfane Rutherford joined Mumbai Indians through a trade.
Coetzee featured in only four games during the 2025 season, picking up two wickets, and has 15 wickets from 14 IPL matches overall. Bought for ₹2.40 crore in the previous mega auction, he now stands as an attractive option for several teams looking to strengthen their pace attack. Here are three franchises that could pursue him in the upcoming mini-auction.
Delhi Capitals, Strengthening The Pace Combination
Delhi Capitals (DC) enter the 2026 auction with pacers Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, and T Natarajan retained. Starc was a standout performer last season, but both Natarajan and Chameera struggled with rhythm and consistency. Their dependence on Starc backfired as Delhi lacked depth in their pace arsenal, which contributed to their failure to secure a playoff spot despite a strong start to the tournament.
Coetzee could be a valuable addition as a strike partner for Starc, offering pace, bounce, and useful lower-order hitting. His ability to support batters like Ashutosh Sharma in the final overs adds further value. With ₹21.80 crore available and five overseas slots remaining, DC have ample room to consider Coetzee as a practical upgrade to their bowling department.
Chennai Super Kings, In Search Of A Lead Overseas Pacer
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) created a stir by releasing Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana after an inconsistent 2025 season, where he claimed 13 wickets but conceded runs at over 10 per over. Even though CSK possess domestic options such as Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, and all-rounder Jamie Overton, they lack a dependable overseas spearhead if they fail to repurchase Pathirana.
Coetzee, known for his aggression and all-round contributions for South Africa, could fit their requirement perfectly. With a hefty purse of ₹43.40 crore and four overseas spots open, CSK have both the financial strength and tactical reason to groom Coetzee into a frontline match-winner.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Securing A Strong Backup Option
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending champions, have retained most of their core. Their fast bowling group, featuring Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal, looks solid. However, with Lungi Ngidi released and Hazlewood often dealing with injury concerns, RCB need a reliable backup overseas pacer.
Coetzee’s fiery approach and adaptability make him an excellent fit for Bengaluru’s setup. With ₹16.40 crore remaining and two overseas slots available, Coetzee could serve as a crucial cover for Hazlewood while adding depth to their pace unit.
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