The IPL 2026 auction was a culmination of great promise, as the auction for 350 players unveiled its shortlist, with the auction day set for December 16. The list had 42 sets, that were classified according to player roles and international exposure, consisting of both worldwide celebrities and encouraging local players.
One of the most fascinating IPL 2026 segments is Set 8, showcasing uncapped Indian wicket-keepers. These players can be used by teams in different ways as first-choice keepers, trustworthy backups, or fiery middle-order finishers, as they bring in raw talent, role behind the stumps, and power-hitting potential, thus making them high-value picks in the auction.
- Ruchit Ahir
Ruchit Ahir, the explosive uncapped wicket-keeper of Saurashtra, who is placed 51st in the players’ shortlist, has been a standout performer in T20 since joining the league in 2024, and the middle-order finisher has been able to maintain elite strike rates along with his ability to hit sixes.
Highlights:
SMAT 2024: 170 runs with two fifties in 5 games at a strike rate of 178.94.
Moved to finisher role in 2025 early on, scoring 163 at strike rate of 159.80.
25 sixes – most by Saurashtra across two seasons.
Hit sixes off top spinners like Varun Chakravarthy and Krunal Pandya with strong wrists that allow for clean six-hitting.
Timing with power against pace is rare for modern power-hitters and Ruchit is just one of those few.
- Mukul Choudhary
Mukul Choudhary, coming from Rajasthan and ranked 53rd, is presenting himself as a fearless young power-hitter ready to take his chance at the auction. He had a great Men’s State A Trophy in which he was simply the best with his exceptional consistency, brutal strike rates, and power hitting.
Highlights:
Men’s State A Trophy 2025: 617 runs, avg 102.83, SR 142.49.
Smashed 34 sixes, highest in the U23 tournament.
He plays powerful in the ‘V’, going straight down the ground.
SMAT heroics: 62 off 26, including chasing successfully 25 in the final over.
- Tushar Raheja
Tushar Raheja, who is in 54th place, a lively left-handed top-order wicket-keeper, marked his presence in Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 by turning up with elite strike rates and consistent runs.
Highlights :
TNPL 2024: SR around 150; breakout in 2025 with ~500 runs at SR 185.55.
Hit 32 sixes in TNPL 2025, demonstrating elite power.
Provides stability and attacking intent, perfect left-handed top-four keeper choice.
Has confidently faced top spinners like R. Ashwin and Varun Chakravarthy.
Though sometimes inconsistent in TN senior team, his ceiling and distinction still make him a coveted player in the auction.
- Kartik Sharma
Kartik Sharma, a 19-year-old prodigy, who comes in at 55th, has made a meteoric rise from being the best in his age group to scoring centuries on both List A and first-class debuts for Rajasthan.
Highlights:
Centuries on both List A and first-class debut for Rajasthan.
Natural six-hitter with clean follow-through and innate power against quick bowlers.
Superb range and confidence when dealing with spin.
Maturity and calmness that surpasses his age.
He is one of the most promising teenage batting talents for the mini-auction.
- Tejasvi Singh
Tejasvi Singh Dahiya, who is in 56th place, is an explosive keeper-batter from Delhi who made a century in the 2024 Vijay Hazare Trophy and ruled the 2025 Delhi Premier League like nobody. He is worth considering due to his brutal finishing ability, power-hitting, and versatility in the middle order.
Highlights:
Delhi Premier League 2025: 339 runs at SR 190.
Came into limelight with a 78-ball 114-run innings in VHT, 2024-25.
SMAT 2025 superstar: 53* off 19 against Karnataka, proving finishing skills.
Excellent pick-up shots, perfect for death overs and middle-order impact.
Versatile backup wicket-keeper-batter with superb range of shots.
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