Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 remains the pinnacle of franchise cricket, an annual carnival that attracts millions of people and serves as a major financial and professional stepping stone for players around the world. As anticipation grows IPL 2026 Mini-AuctionThe focus is increasingly turning towards the reservoir of untapped and promising talent emerging from India’s domestic circuit.
Road to IPL 2026: Domestic stars eye mini-auction at SMAT 2025
This auction, which is going to be a strategic battleground for all ten franchises, will not only be the auction of established international stars but will also provide a life-changing opportunity for many uncapped domestic cricketers. Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT)India’s premier interstate T20 tournament has once again become an important proving ground.
Working smat 2025 This season has been a showcase of extraordinary performances, with many players delivering career-defining spells and explosive innings that have undoubtedly caught the keen eye of IPL scouts and team think tanks. For franchises looking to address specific shortcomings, strengthen their Indian core, or simply invest in the future, high-octane T20 performances in the SMAT are the ultimate litmus 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, which will transform them from home heroes to potential IPL millionaires.
5 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy players who can get big deals in IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Auqib Nabi Dar: Express pacer from Jammu and Kashmir
Auqib Nabi Dar is an aggressive, genuine fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir who is known for his consistent wicket-taking ability and raw pace, which is a rare and highly sought-after commodity in the IPL. His impressive red-ball record along with his stellar performance in the SMAT 2025 has established him as one of the top Indian fast-bowling prospects in the auction list.
- SMAT 2025 Performance: Dar has performed well in five matches, taking 15 wickets at an impressive average of 13.26 and an economy rate of 7.41. His best figures were 4/16 against Bihar,
- Best Domestic Performance: Beyond SMAT, he finished as Second leading wicket taker Ranji Trophy in 2024-25 29 wicketsDisplaying his composure and class across all formats.
- IPL History: He is an uncapped player and has never played an IPL match. The important thing is that he was a net bowler Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and have recently participated in trials Mumbai Indians (MI) And Delhi Capitals (DC) Ahead of the auction, there is indication of strong franchise interest.
- Base Price: Their base price is officially listed ₹30 lakh,
After being seen in the MI trials, it is rumored that Auqib Nabi is on the radar of MI and 3-time champions KKR may also be interested in him, as he used to be a net bowler for KKR in the past. pic.twitter.com/oj49AJWdDI
– Knights Den (@aknightsden) 23 November 2025
2. Karthik Sharma: Hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman
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 phenomenal strike rate, especially against pace, makes him the dynamic Indian finisher that every IPL team wants.
- SMAT 2025 Performance: His performances in the current domestic season have been extremely consistent. In his short T20 career, he has scored 334 runs in 12 T20s at an extraordinary strike rate of 164.58, establishing his reputation as a power hitter.
- Best Domestic Performance: He has made headlines by scoring in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 two centuriesWhich also includes a brilliant innings against Mumbai, which proves his batting nature across all formats.
- IPL History: He is an uncapped player. he was part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Camp during IPL 2025 and recently seen Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Camp Ahead of the 2026 mini-auction and took part in closed-door IPL trials with multiple franchises, indicating that teams like CSK and KKR see him as a potential future key player.
- Base Price: Their base price is officially listed ₹30 lakh,
Kartik Sharma and Ashok Sharma at the RCB trials here in Navi Mumbai ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/PeZ2lIIBSH
– Chiku ji❤️ (@MaticKohli251) 9 December 2025
3. Mani Shankar Murasingh: Tripura’s all-round hero
Mani Shankar Murasinghe is an experienced all-rounder from Tripura who finally burst into the national spotlight with an excellent SMAT 2025 campaign. He is a genuine dual threat, capable of scoring runs quickly 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 at an average of 46.16 and a whopping strike rate of 172.04 (10th best in the group stage). He took 5 wickets with the ball at an excellent economy of 7.6.
- Best Domestic Performance: His defining moment was an all-round performance against domestic giants Karnataka, where he first bowled an impressive 2/30 and then scored 69 off 35 balls to tie the match and secure victory in the Super Over.
- IPL History: That is one uncapped players And despite consistent domestic performances, he never played for an IPL team, which led to calls for his inclusion in the league. Although he was a bowler Rajasthan Royals During IPL 2024.
- Base Price: Their base price is likely to be ₹30 lakh (Expecting a proven domestic all-rounder).
4. Ashok Sharma: Fast bowler from Rajasthan
Ashok Sharma is a right-arm medium pacer from Rajasthan who has been arguably the most effective fast bowler in the SMAT 2025 tournament. Known for his ability to generate bounce and take wickets with the new ball and the middle overs, he is a ready option for any franchise seeking depth of Indian pace.
- SMAT 2025 Performance: Sharma was one of the top wicket-takers in the tournament 19 wickets in seven matches For Rajasthan, that included two 4-wicket hauls and two 3-wicket hauls.
- Best Domestic Performance: His sensational 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 transition from a promising talent to a match-winner.
- IPL History: He is currently listed as a uncapped players In the same category as the others. he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Was bought in 2022 for ₹55 lakh Rajasthan Royals (RR) For ₹30 lakh in 2025. He was recently released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2026 auction.
- Base Price: Their base price is officially listed ₹30 lakh,
Ashok Sharma participated in the RCB trials after taking 19 wickets in only 7 SMAT matches this season. pic.twitter.com/EXWfzD6rWp
– RCBIAN Official (@RcbianOfficial) 9 December 2025
5. Raj Limbani: Under-19 World Cup and SMAT star
Raj Limbani is a promising young right-arm medium pacer from Baroda, who is known for his solid performances in the Under-19 World Cup. He is an investment for the future, offering good control, the ability to swing the ball, and consistency commensurate with 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, which shows his ability to be devastating with the shorter balls. He also contributed to the quick firing 7(2) With the bat vs Puducherry.
- Best Domestic Performance: His exceptional performances for Baroda in the SMAT 2025, including a match-winning spell against Puducherry on the back of his controlled bowling in the Under-19 World Cup 2024, makes him a strong prospect.
- IPL History: That is one uncapped players And never played for any IPL team. He is among the young players with international experience (Under-19) who are often targeted by franchises for long-term development. he was a net bowler Gujarat Titans (GT) During IPL 2024.
- Base Price: Their base price is officially listed ₹30 lakh,
So, Raj Limbani is with Gujarat Titans. #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/JnvGXQBJCj
– Varun Giri (@Varungiri0) 19 April 2024
Also read: IPL 2026 auction: Players with highest base price of Rs 2 crore – Cameron Green to Venkatesh Iyer
