CSK Eye Donovan Ferreira as Delhi Capitals Stint Sparks IPL 2026 Transfer Buzz

Donovan Ferreira’s growing reputation as one of T20 cricket’s most destructive finishers has put him firmly on the radar for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. The 27-year-old South African, a key player for Jo’burg Super Kings in the SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket (MLC), has made a name for himself by rescuing teams from top-order collapses while maintaining an explosive strike rate.

After a brief stint with Delhi Capitals in the 2025 season, Ferreira is being linked with a move to Chennai Super Kings, with Mumbai Indians also a possible suitor. Interest intensified following his standout campaign for Texas Super Kings in MLC 2025, where he scored 248 runs from nine innings at a remarkable average of 41 and an extraordinary strike rate of 213.79. His domestic form has been equally impressive — in the CSA T20 Challenge, he tallied 279 runs from nine innings at an average of 46 and a strike rate of 182.

Ferreira has also proven his worth in The Hundred, where he was instrumental in Oval Invincibles’ title-winning 2024 campaign, scoring 122 runs from seven innings at a strike rate of 174. Retained for the 2025 season, he underlined his value on Tuesday against Birmingham Phoenix in a match that showcased his ability to change games single-handedly.

Chasing a competitive score, the Invincibles were struggling at 114/5 after 73 balls despite Jordan Cox’s composed 44 off 30 deliveries. Ferreira then launched a ferocious counterattack, smashing six sixes and four boundaries. In just 24 balls, he lifted the total from 114 to 177 before falling for a blistering 63 off 29 balls to Benny Howell. His effort carried the Invincibles to 180/8 in their 100-ball innings.

While the Invincibles ultimately fell short — Birmingham Phoenix clinched their first win of the season thanks to captain Liam Livingstone’s late fireworks — Ferreira’s knock further reinforced his status as one of the most feared finishers in short-format cricket.

The Mumbai Indians link has gained momentum after Reliance Group, owners of MI’s global franchises, purchased a minority stake in the Oval Invincibles. That investment could open the door for Ferreira to join the MI setup, adding competition for Chennai Super Kings and potentially sparking a bidding battle in the 2026 IPL auction.

For now, Ferreira’s stock continues to rise, and with his proven ability to deliver under pressure, his next big contract may only be a matter of time.