Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has become one of the biggest breakout stars of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His consistent wicket-taking performances have impressed fans and experts, and former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the tall pacer could have earned a massive IPL contract if the auction had taken place after the tournament.
Kaif said that based on his current form, Muzarabani could have easily attracted a bid of ₹20 crore or more. However, the IPL 2026 auction was held in December 2025, before the World Cup, which meant the Zimbabwe pacer did not get the full value his performances deserved.
Kaif Praises Muzarabani All-Phase Bowling
Speaking about the fast bowler, Kaif highlighted his ability to deliver in every phase of the game. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Muzarabani uses his height to generate extra bounce and trouble batters with pace and variations.
According to Kaif, Muzarabani is a complete T20 bowler who can take wickets with the new ball, control the middle overs, and finish strongly at the death. His ability to combine bounce, seam movement, and smart variations makes him a valuable asset for any franchise.
Muzarabani Outstanding T20 World Cup 2026 Performance
The Zimbabwe pacer has been one of the top performers in the tournament so far. His match-winning spells have played a key role in Zimbabwe’s strong campaign and their qualification for the Super 8 stage.
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9 | 7.88 | 5.91 | 4/17 vs Australia |
His best performance came against Australia in Colombo, where he picked 4 wickets for 17 runs and helped Zimbabwe secure a historic win by restricting the opposition to a low total.
He also delivered impressive spells against Oman (3/16) and Sri Lanka (2/38), showing consistency against different teams.
Also see: Ishan Kishan vs Aiden Markram: Who is Better in T20 World Cup 2026?
Major Career Milestone Achieved
During the ongoing tournament, Muzarabani also completed a major personal milestone by reaching 100 wickets in T20 Internationals.
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86 | 102 | 21.08 | 7.14 |
This achievement reflects his growth as Zimbabwe’s lead fast bowler and one of the most reliable performers in associate cricket.
IPL Value: A Missed Opportunity for 2026
In the IPL 2026 auction held in December 2025, Muzarabani was picked at his base price of ₹75 lakh. Since the auction happened before the World Cup, franchises could not see his current form.
Experts now believe that if the auction had been scheduled after the tournament, his value would have been much higher, potentially placing him among the premium fast bowlers in the league.
A Star to Watch in Super 8
With Zimbabwe already into the Super 8 stage, Muzarabani’s form could play a key role in creating more upsets. His performances have not only strengthened his team but also increased his reputation in global T20 cricket.
If he continues this momentum, the tall pacer could become one of the most sought-after overseas bowlers in future IPL auctions and other franchise leagues.
