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5 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy players who can fetch big deals in IPL 2026 auction Read

By Sandy Verma

Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 is the pinnacle of franchise cricket, an annual extravaganza that captivates millions and is a huge financial and professional step forward for players. as and when IPL 2026 mini-auction As anticipation grows, the focus is increasingly turning towards the untapped and potential talent emerging from India’s domestic circuit.

Towards IPL 2026: Domestic stars in the spotlight of mini-auction in SMAT 2025

This auction, which is going to be a strategic battleground for all ten franchises, will not only bring established international stars to the auction but will also provide life-changing opportunities for many uncapped domestic cricketers. Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT)India’s premier inter-state T20 tournament, has once again been an important testing ground.

present SMAT 2025 The season has been a showcase of extraordinary performances, with many players playing career-defining spells and explosive innings that have undoubtedly attracted the keen eyes of IPL scouts and team think tanks. For franchises looking to fill specific voids, strengthen their Indian core, or simply invest in the future, high-octane T20 performance in the SMAT is the ultimate test. The following five domestic players, based on their stellar performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 and overall domestic pedigree, are set to attract significant bids, transforming them from domestic heroes to potential IPL millionaires.

5 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy players who can fetch big deals in IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Auqib Nabi Dar: Fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir

Auqib Nabi Dar is an aggressive, genuine fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, known for his consistent wicket-taking ability and raw pace, a rare and highly sought-after commodity in the IPL. His excellent performance in the SMAT 2025 and impressive red-ball record have established him as one of the top Indian fast bowling prospects in the auction list.

  • SMAT 2025 Performance: Dar put in a dominant performance, taking 15 wickets in five matches with an excellent average of 13.26 and an economy rate of 7.41. His best figures were 4/16 against Bihar.
  • Best Domestic Performance: Apart from SMAT, he has also participated in Ranji Trophy 2024-25. 29 wicketswith second highest wicket taker Showed composure and class in all his formats.
  • IPL History: He is an uncapped player and has never played an IPL match. Importantly, he Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Was a net bowler for and before the auction Mumbai Indians (MI) And Delhi Capitals (DC) indicating strong interest from the franchise.
  • Base Price: Their base price is officially ₹30 lakh Listed as.

2. Karthik Sharma: Hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman

Karthik Sharma (Image Source: X)

Karthik Sharma is a young, explosive wicketkeeper-batsman from Rajasthan who is highly rated for his high-impact, big-hitting ability in the middle order. His aggressive intent and excellent strike rate against fast bowlers make him a dynamic Indian finisher that every IPL team is looking for.

  • SMAT 2025 Performance: His performances in the current domestic season have been highly consistent. In his short T20 career, he has scored 334 runs in 12 T20s, with an exceptional strike rate of 164.58, establishing him as a power hitter.
  • Best Domestic Performance: He made headlines in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, in which two centuries He made several innings, including a brilliant innings against Mumbai, which proved his batting flair across all formats.
  • IPL History: He is an uncapped player. That during IPL 2025 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Was part of the camp and recently ahead of the 2026 mini-auction Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Has been spotted in camps and participated in closed-door IPL trials with multiple franchises, indicating that teams like CSK and KKR see him as a potential future core player.
  • Base Price: Their base price is officially ₹30 lakh Listed as.

3. Mani Shankar Mursingh: Tripura’s all-rounder hero

Mani Shankar Mursingh
Manishankar Mursingh (Chhavi Source: x)

Mani Shankar Mursingh is an experienced all-rounder from Tripura, who finally came into national attention with the SMAT 2025 campaign. He is a true dual threat, capable of scoring quick runs in the middle/lower order and bowling important overs with his medium-fast bowling. He won the prestigious Lala Amarnath Award by BCCI in 2024.

  • SMAT 2025 Performance: He finished the group stage with a brilliant all-round performance: 277 runs (10th best in the group stage) with an average of 46.16 and a fast strike rate of 172.04. With the ball, he took 5 wickets at an excellent economy of 7.6.
  • Best Domestic Performance: His defining moment was an all-round show against domestic giants Karnataka, where he first delivered impressive bowling figures of 2/30 and then scored 69 off 35 balls to force a Super Over win.
  • IPL History: that one uncapped player and has never played for an IPL team, although there have been calls for his inclusion in the league due to consistent domestic performances. However, during IPL 2024 Rajasthan Royals Was a bowler for.
  • Base Price: Their base price is probably ₹30 lakh Hogi (expected for a proven domestic all-rounder).

4. Ashok Sharma: Rajasthan’s fast bowling star

Ashok Sharma is a right-arm medium-fast bowler from Rajasthan, who has been perhaps the most effective fast bowler in the SMAT 2025 tournament. Known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball and in the middle overs, he is a ready option for any franchise looking for Indian pace depth.

  • SMAT 2025 Performance: Sharma was one of the top wicket-takers in the tournament, scoring one wicket for Rajasthan. 19 wickets in seven matches Which included two 4-wicket hauls and two 3-wicket hauls.
  • Best Domestic Performance: His stellar performance at SMAT 2025, where he played a key role in Rajasthan’s strong group stage performance, is his best T20 performance to date, confirming his transformation from a potential talent to a match-winner.
  • IPL History: Like other players he is currently a uncapped player Are listed as. them in 2022 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was purchased by for ₹55 lakh and in 2025 Rajasthan Royals (RR) It was purchased by for ₹30 lakh. He was recently released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2026 auction.
  • Base Price: Their base price is officially ₹30 lakh Listed as.

5. Raj Limbani: U-19 World Cup and SMAT star

Raj Limbani is a promising young right-arm medium pacer from Baroda, who is most famous for his solid performances in the U-19 World Cup. He is an investment in the future, offering good control, the ability to swing the ball, and exceptional consistency for his age.

  • SMAT 2025 Performance: He has been a consistent wicket taker for Baroda. His recent bowling figures include 3/5 against Gujarat and 3/36 against Punjab and 3/39 against Services, showing his ability to be devastating in short bursts. He also batted fast against Puducherry. 7(2) Contributed.
  • Best Domestic Performance: His dominant performances for Baroda at SMAT 2025, including a match-winning spell against Puducherry, makes him a hot prospect at the 2024 U-19 World Cup based on his controlled bowling.
  • IPL History: that one uncapped player And has never played for an IPL team. He is one of the young players with international experience (U-19) who are frequently targeted by franchises for long-term development. That during IPL 2024 Gujarat Titans (GT) Was a net bowler for.
  • Base Price: Their base price is officially ₹30 lakh Listed as.

Also Read: 5 target players for Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2026 mini auction

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