SMAT 2025: Abhishek Sharma and Ayush Mhatre left behind, this unknown batsman from Uttarakhand stole the show

News India Live, Digital Desk: It often happens in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) that we go to see the big stars, but someone else wins. The 2025 season is also witnessing something similar. While everyone’s eyes were on IPL’s favorite stars Abhishek Sharma and Mumbai’s new wonder-boy Ayush Mhatre, a batsman from Uttarakhand has surprised everyone. The name of that player is Kunal Chandela. Even ahead of Abhishek Sharma and Ayush Mhatre, to be honest, before the start of the tournament, Kunal Chandela’s name would hardly have been on the top of anyone’s ‘favourite list’. People were waiting to see sixes from Abhishek Sharma or Ayush Mhatre would break any record again. Sure, both of them are playing great, but statistics don’t lie. In the race for runs, Kunal Chandela has left these giants behind. A different poise and class is visible in Kunal’s batting. He is not just scoring runs, but is also taking his team Uttarakhand to a strong position. Who is Kunal Chandela? Kunal is not a star who emerged overnight, he has been continuously sweating in domestic cricket. But his form this time shows that he is now ready for the big stage. While other batsmen are throwing wickets in an attempt to score quick runs, Krunal is weaving his innings and finally changing gears. It is interesting for cricket fans to see how players from small states are now challenging the dominance of big cities. What will happen next? This performance of Krunal is like knocking on the doors of the upcoming IPL auction or the Indian team. The tournament is still left, but the way Krunal’s bat is on fire, one thing is clear – you may be a big name, but the one who plays well on the field will become the king. Now it remains to be seen whether Krunal can maintain this lead till the end?