SA20 Bowlers Who Could Be Picked For IPL 2026: With the SA20 Season 4 auction on the horizon, eyes are on the top performers who have been consistently picking up wickets with the ball in Africa’s top T20 league. With most SA20 and IPL franchises owned by the same parent entities, a good show in South Africa can soon mean an IPL deal.
9 SA20 bowlers who have made a mark and could become hot prospects for IPL 2026
- Marco Jansen – 47 Wickets
Average: 19.38
Economy: 7.47
Strike Rate: 15.55
Marco Jansen is currently the leading wicket-taker in SA20 history, spearheading the bowling attack for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who lifted the trophy in the first two seasons.
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His height, left-arm pace, and bounce make him a terror during the powerplay and death overs as well. With 47 wickets at a strike rate below 16, Jansen has set himself up to become one of the most sought-after SA20 bowlers in IPL 2026.
- Ottneil Baartman – 41 Wickets
Average: 15.92
Economy: 8.02
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Strike Rate: 11.9
Baartman is evolving as a wicket-taking strike bowler, with 41 wickets from only 24 innings. His pinpoint accuracy and clever variations make him a serious threat in the middle overs.
He has the highest strike rate of any regular bowler in SA20, and is a strong IPO 2026 bowling candidate that will be able to provide impact overs at any stage of the innings.
- Kagiso Rabada – 32 Wickets
Average: 22.06
Economy: 7.66
Strike Rate: 17.28
A tried and tested match-winner across the formats, Kagiso Rabada is still leading from the front for MI Cape Town, piloting them to success in SA20 Season 3.
His expertise in high-intensity IPL matches along with his lethal yorkers and powerplay economy might make him a retention or high bid pick in IPL 2026.
- Bjorn Fortuin – 31 Wickets
Average: 26.87
Economy: 6.69
Strike Rate: 24.09
Fortuin is the least expensive of all bowlers with more than 30 SA20 wickets, and his handy spells at Boland Park have been vital for Paarl Royals.
Though not a high wicket-taker, his consistency and ability to control runs make him a strategic T20 recruit – one which IPL franchises adore having for testing conditions.
- Keshav Maharaj – 27 Wickets
Average: 27.03
Economy: 7.30
Strike Rate: 22.22
Trained mostly in red-ball cricket, Keshav Maharaj has been able to navigate the T20 format with steady performances in the SA20. Having experience and the capability of bowling under pressure is a criteria that situates him as a possible overseas spin recruit for IPL 2026 teams looking for mastery in the middle overs.
- Ethan Bosch – 27 Wickets
Average: 27.48
Economy: 8.18
Strike Rate: 20.14
Ethan Bosch has been a rising star for Pretoria Capitals, with raw pace complemented by judiciously slower balls. Though his figures aren’t the most glamorous, his growth line is promising. A good mid-season acquisition or cover seamer option for IPL 2026 teams that want to invest in young talent.
- Lungi Ngidi – 26 Wickets
Average: 29.26
Economy: 8.84
Strike Rate: 19.84
Ngidi is still a wicket-taking threat even if he has a higher economy. His variation, particularly his short-pitched spells and even slower-ball deception, makes him well suited for powerplay and death overs bursts. If he stays in form, he’s a veteran IPL player who may well see himself back in demand once again at the IPL 2026 auction.
- Noor Ahmad – 25 Wickets
Average: 14.56
Economy: 6.46
Strike Rate: 13.52
Noor Ahmad is the SA20 Season 3 breakout spinner with an eye-catching average and economy. The Afghan left-hand wrist-spinner’s trickery and variations in pace have outsmarted leading batters. Already well-known in IPL fraternity, his SA20 stint may fetch him a fat contract or enhanced role in IPL 2026.
- Jimmy Neesham – 25 Wickets
Average: 19.96
Economy: 8.36
Strike Rate: 14.32
Jimmy Neesham has demonstrated that he’s more than just a batting allrounder. His 25 wickets demonstrate his skill at providing breakthroughs under pressure. Though his economy might be a cause for concern, his ability to pick up crucial wickets provides any T20 team with depth. As a handy overseas player, Neesham might be worth having as a utility selection in IPL 2026.
Most Wickets in SA20 – Quick Summary
| Player | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
| Marco Jansen | 47 | 19.38 | 7.47 | 15.55 |
| Ottneil Baartman | 41 | 15.92 | 8.02 | 11.9 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 32 | 22.06 | 7.66 | 17.28 |
| Bjorn Fortuin | 31 | 26.87 | 6.69 | 24.09 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 27 | 27.03 | 7.30 | 22.22 |
| Ethan Bosch | 27 | 27.48 | 8.18 | 20.14 |
| Lungi Ngidi | 26 | 29.26 | 8.84 | 19.84 |
| Noor Ahmad | 25 | 14.56 | 6.46 | 13.52 |
| Jimmy Neesham | 25 | 19.96 | 8.36 | 14.32 |
IPL 2026 Watchlist Heats Up
As the IPL 2026 mega auction approaches, these SA20 bowlers are definitely in the sights of IPL talent spotters and experts. Whether it’s Jansen’s brawn, Baartman’s stinginess, or Noor’s mystery spin this lot has the potential to create waves in India’s largest cricketing extravaganza.
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