Ben Stokes’ IPL Teams- Which Sides Can Target Him In IPL 2027 Auction?

Ben Stokes [Source: X.com]England all-rounder Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to one of the finest careers in modern-day cricket.The England captain will retire after the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. However, although Stokes has stepped away from international cricket, he has confirmed that he will continue playing franchise cricket.Notably, Stokes is already a familiar name in the IPL. He has played 45 matches across six seasons, scoring 935 runs in 44 innings at an average of 24.60 and a strike rate of 133.95. He has also smashed two centuries and two half-centuries. Moreover, with the ball, he has picked up 28 wickets in 38 innings at an economy rate of 8.63, with his best bowling figures being 3/15.Therefore, if Ben Stokes registers for IPL 2027 mini auction, several teams could be interested in signing the experienced all-rounder. There is ambiguity around rules for registration of foreign players. The IPL auction rules state that an overseas player who didn't sign up for a mega auction, can not register himself for the succeeding mini auction. Stokes did not sign up for IPL 2025 mega auction, and hence, was not considered for IPL 2026 mini auction.Now, it will be interesting to see if Ben Stokes again registers himself for IPL 2027 mini auction and does the BCCI approve of it. In case it does, let's look at the teams who can target the English legend.Teams Who Might Target Ben Stokes for IPL 2027 AuctionMumbai Indians (MI)Mumbai Indians could be one of the strongest contenders to sign Ben Stokes. The five-time champions had a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, finishing ninth on the points table. As a result, the franchise is expected to make major changes to its squad ahead of the next season.Furthermore, there have been rumours about Hardik Pandya possibly being traded to Rajasthan Royals (RR) or Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). If that happens, Mumbai would need a quality fast-bowling all-rounder in the middle order.As we all know, Ben Stokes fits that role perfectly. He can strengthen the batting line-up, play the finisher's role, and also provide important overs with the ball alongside Jasprit Bumrah.Chennai Super Kings (CSK)Chennai Super Kings could also make a move for Ben Stokes if he enters the IPL 2027 auction. Notably, Stokes previously represented CSK in IPL 2023, although injuries restricted him to just two matches, where he scored 15 runs.Meanwhile, CSK endured another poor season by finishing eighth on the IPL points table. Although Jamie Overton impressed during IPL 2026, the team still lacked a dependable all-rounder. In addition, Shivam Dube had an average season and was rarely used as a bowler.Therefore, signing Ben Stokes would solve multiple problems for CSK. His experience, aggressive batting, and useful seam bowling would provide much-needed balance to the squad. Also to note that his inclusion will strengthen the Chennai team in both the batting and bowling departments.Also Read: Ben Stokes Gets Special Guard Of Honour In His Final International AppearanceRajasthan Royals (RR)Rajasthan Royals are another franchise that could target Ben Stokes. While they have a strong top order featuring Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal, their middle order struggled throughout the season, with Donovan Ferreira being the only consistent performer.Interestingly, Stokes has enjoyed success with Rajasthan Royals in the past. Notably, he played 31 matches for the franchise, scoring 604 runs at a strike rate of 130.45. His familiarity with the team could work in his favour. Meanwhile, with the ball, he scalped 16 wickets with an economy rate of 9.42.Moreover, Stokes can bat anywhere in the middle order and finish games under pressure. His presence would make RR's batting line-up much stronger. At the same time, he would also provide another quality pace-bowling option alongside Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger.Also Read: IPL Teams Who May Break The Bank For Jai Moondra For 2027 Season