Several uncapped Indian cricketers are emerging as potential headline-makers for the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction, thanks to their standout performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The board had initially released a list of 1355 players, but after receiving the preference list from all franchises, the list has been pruned by 75 per cent. Out of the final 350, 240 are Indians while the 110 are from abroad.
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Interestingly, 35 new players, who were not part of the first list, have been included. Some of the prominent names among them are Quinton de Kock, Dunith Wellalage, and George Linde. Afghanistan’s Arab Gul and West Indies’ Akeem Auguste have also been included.
AllSportsPeople gives you 10 names who can command the sensational bids despite remaining uncapped.
Uncapped Indian players who may be in demand at IPL 2026 mini-auction
Auqib Nabi Dar: Swing specialist turning heads
Jammu & Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi is being seen as a hot prospect after a blistering run in Elite Group B. He has picked up 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy of just 7.41. He has the ability to swing the new ball both ways. Moreover, he has an impressive first-class tally of 125 wickets in 36 games, which makes him a prime target for franchises.
Kartik Sharma: Dynamic finisher with dual skills
Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma has become one of SMAT’s breakout performers. He has amassed 133 runs across five matches at a strike rate north of 160. Teams will be eager to secure Indian keepers who can finish innings with a brisk strike rate. And Sharma’s clean striking and tidy glove work make him an appealing package.
Sunny Sandhu: Fast-bowling all-rounder on the rise
Sunny Sandhu's blistering 30 off nine balls for Tamil Nadu in SMAT 2025-26 showed that he can hit the ball cleanly, and his reliable medium-fast bowling is a bonus. An endorsement from former Indian great Ravichandran Ashwin has further boosted his stock.
Atharva Ankolekar: Left-arm spin option who can bat
Atharva Ankolekar played a crucial role in Mumbai’s 2024 SMAT title. He also emerged as the most expensive buy at the T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction, and he can earn a massive bid in the auction.
Tanush Kotian: High-value all-rounder with a proven pedigree
Spinner Tanush Kotian had an exceptional 2023-24 domestic season, which earned him the Ranji Trophy’s Player of the Tournament award and a maiden India call-up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, he is yet to earn an international cap and is one of the auction’s most bankable uncapped prospects.
Tushar Raheja: Proven power-hitter at the top
Tamil Nadu opener Tushar Raheja is another uncapped wicketkeeper-batter who can turn heads at the auction table. Raheja scored 151 runs from seven matches, striking at 164 in SMAT, and had a TNPL 2025 season where he topped the run charts with a staggering strike rate of 185. He is one of the pick candidates.
Ashok Sharma: SMAT 2025/26’s top wicket-taker
Rajasthan’s Ashok Sharma has been the best bowler of this year’s SMAT league stage, finishing with 19 wickets in seven games. He can consistently hit speeds around 140 kmph, and is being touted as the next big Indian pace sensation. Earlier, he had been part of both KKR and RR setups.
Anmolpreet Singh: Experienced name ready for a reboot
Punjab’s Anmolpreet Singh has scored 241 runs in seven games at a strike rate of 172 in SMAT, and his record is only bettered by Abhishek Sharma (304) from his team. After earlier stints with SRH and MI, he is ready to finally step up and rub shoulders with the big boys.
Kunal Chandela: The veteran who can finally break through
Kunal Chandela is 31 years old, and the veteran all-rounder was in supreme form in SMAT. He scored 350 runs in seven matches with a strike rate of 150.86. Recruiters will be looking at him with interest in the auction.
Raj Limbani: The young turk who can chip in with wickets
Baroda pacer Raj Limbani caught the eye with his 5/3 spell against Gujarat in SMAT. He picked up 15 wickets in the tournament and can attract a sizeable bid for his services.
IPL 2026 Mini Auction Date and Venue
The IPL 2026 mini-auction will be held on December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, marking the third consecutive year the event takes place outside India.
Phase | Description | Timeline / Notes |
Pre-Auction Trade Window | Player swaps and cash deals to rebalance squads | Open now and closes approximately 1 week before the auction |
Mini-Auction | Teams fill gaps left after trades | December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi |
Post-Auction Trade Window | Final squad adjustments and tune-ups | Opens after the auction and closes approximately 1 month before IPL 2026 |
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- Virat Kohli IPL 2026 team, salary: Will the former India captain retire or look for a transfer?
- IPL 2026 Auction: Date, Players List, Rules & Mini-Auction Preview
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