Wiaan Mulder recently etched his name into cricket’s record books with a monumental unbeaten 367-run knock in the second Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo. Leading the South African team in that match, Mulder displayed extraordinary temperament and class, smashing 53 boundaries during his innings — including 49 fours, the second-highest by any batter in a single Test innings. With this record-breaking performance, he also secured the top spot for the highest individual score in a Test innings.
What made the knock even more remarkable was Mulder’s tactical awareness. Declaring the innings at lunch on the second day, he gave his bowlers enough time to dismantle Zimbabwe’s batting lineup and secure a quick series win. This blend of batting brilliance and leadership has suddenly made Mulder a hot commodity in cricketing circles — particularly among Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises.
Despite being part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) setup during IPL 2025, Mulder saw limited opportunities. With SRH unlikely to retain him after an underwhelming season, Mulder could find himself in the auction pool for IPL 2026. Given his all-round prowess and current form, several teams might see him as a valuable addition to their squads.
Here are three franchises that could pursue Wiaan Mulder in the IPL 2026 Auction:
3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
The Lucknow-based franchise could view Mulder as a dual-asset who can boost both their lower-middle-order batting and fast-bowling unit. His ability to anchor an innings and also deliver crucial overs makes him a flexible option in T20 setups. At 27, Mulder is entering his prime, and LSG might see him as a long-term all-rounder who can support the likes of Marcus Stoinis or potentially replace him in the future.
2. Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans struggled to extract consistent performances from South African pacer Gerald Coetzee during the last season. If they opt to release him, Wiaan Mulder could be a fitting replacement. Unlike Coetzee, Mulder brings batting stability along with his medium-fast bowling. His recent Test heroics reflect a player brimming with confidence and skill, something GT might look to harness in IPL 2026.
1. Mumbai Indians (MI)
The five-time champions have a rich history of investing in powerful all-rounders — a legacy shaped by players like Kieron Pollard and continued by Hardik Pandya. While Pandya leads the team, MI may look to recreate their successful formula by pairing him with another versatile all-rounder like Mulder. With his current form and game awareness, Mulder could thrive in the MI setup, adding depth to both their batting and bowling departments.
