If you're a cricket fanatic like I am, you'll agree that the IPL auction's true winners aren't made in fancy Abu Dhabi strategy sessions but on the tough pitches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
With the IPL 2026 mini-auction just around the corner (December 16), franchise scouts are rushing to finalize their lists. The 2025-26 SMAT season has been a treasure chest for uncapped talent. I'm not talking about youngsters with future potential; I'm talking about game-changers who are killing it right now.
These five uncapped players are playing so well right now that they're likely to start a bidding war.
Every IPL auction features an Indian fast bowler who suddenly becomes highly sought after and commands a high price. This year, that's Ashok Sharma. He's not just been good; he's been dangerous. Consistently bowling at speeds close to 140-145 km, Sharma ended the league stage as the tournament's top wicket-taker.
He's not just quick; he bowls a heavy length. He slams the ball into the pitch, making it bounce in ways that bother even experienced local batsmen. He's been with KKR and RR before, but never played. After tearing through teams in SMAT, he's likely to be in the starting lineup instead of warming the bench.
If you're into J& K cricket, Auqib Nabi is a name you should know. Sure, Umran Malik has speed, but Nabi? He's all about control and swing. In just seven games, he snagged 15 wickets. And get this: his economy rate is 7.41 in high-scoring T20 matches. That's super valuable.
Teams want bowlers who can move the ball early and bowl well at the end. Nabi does just that. Plus, he can bat a bit down the order, making him the kind of utility player that teams like CSK and GT really value. Word is that he's tried out for a few teams already.
Indian wicketkeeper-batters who can also bat in the middle order and close out games are hard to find in the IPL. That's why 19-year-old Kartik Sharma is likely to get a big payday.
He's not an opener who gets easy runs in the Powerplay. He comes in when the team is under pressure and starts hitting right away. His strike rate has been over 160 this season, and he's played key innings that helped Rajasthan make the playoffs. Teams really want Indian finishers this year, especially with the Impact Player rule changing things, and Kartik is a great fit. You could see him as the next Dhruv Jurel.
Left-handed? Yep. Wicketkeeper? Yep. A threat in the Powerplay? Absolutely.
Tushar Raheja has been a standout player for Tamil Nadu. He brought his excellent play from the TNPL (where he scored the most runs at a rate of 185!) right into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In a game where the first six overs often decide the outcome, Raheja’s aggressive approach is key. He doesn't wait to get comfortable; he attacks the bowling right away. Teams like DC or PBKS that need a firm Indian batter at the top should consider Raheja as a safe bet with a big payoff.
Sure, power hitters get all the buzz, but you still need someone to pile on the runs. Kunal Chandela has probably been the most steady batter in the whole tournament, smashing 350 runs in only seven innings.
What's really cool is that he doesn't play slow; his strike rate is over 150. This mix of being consistent (Average of 50.00) and aggressive is hard to find. He's been key to Uttarakhand's batting, scoring big against tough bowlers. If a team wants a reliable No. 3 who can hold the innings together and then speed things up (like Sai Sudharsan), Chandela is their guy.
If I were a betting man, I'd say Ashok Sharma will cost the most. Fast Indian bowlers who can hit 140kph and get wickets are gold dust at a mini-auction. But watch out for Kartik Sharma, good finishers in the middle order are hard to find, so don't be shocked if RR and CSK get into a bidding war over him.
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