anticipation is building for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Mini-auction, where team strategies will be made, and fortunes will be made. As is often the case, the untapped stars are likely to remain the main focus. They generally fall in a limited price range and possess immense skill, with most of them standing on the verge of making their international debuts for their respective countries. Franchises will compete keenly for these high-potential players, eager to secure versatile and future-proof talent. Here are some uncapped stars, with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, that are expected to trigger an intense bidding war.
5 uncapped players who can start a bidding war in the IPL 2026 auction
1) Tanush Kotian (India) – Off spin allrounder
Known as one of India’s leading domestic off-spinning all-rounders, Tanush Kotian Riding on an unprecedented wave of recent form. His exceptional performances in the 2023–24 domestic season earned him the coveted ‘Player of the Tournament’ award, as his crucial centuries and wicket-taking ability led Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title. This proven ability under pressure, coupled with his rare skills, makes him a highly coveted asset.
His first selection in the Indian national team (as a replacement for the retired) for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series in Australia in late 2024 Ravichandran Ashwin), despite not having made its debut yet, highlights the high potential for future growth in which franchises will be eager to invest.
2) Atharva Ankolekar (India) – Left-arm spin all-rounder
A promising young left-arm orthodox spin-bowling all-rounder, Atharva Ankolekar This is highly valuable due to the need for quality Indian players who can balance a team. His potential is highlighted by his past success as the leading wicket-taker in the Under-19 Asia Cup and his vital all-round contribution to Mumbai’s 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win.
Demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, Ankolekar is clearly in demand, as evidenced by his status as the most expensive player. t20 mumbai league 2025 auction. He offers an attractive, versatile and high-potential option for franchises looking for a top-class Indian spin option who can also contribute with the bat.
3) Traveen Mathews (Sri Lanka) – Overseas off-spin all-rounder
traven matthew The Sri Lankan represents a rare and high-potential prospect as a young, internationally experienced off-spin bowling all-rounder. His strong performance at the 2025 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, including taking three wickets against Pakistan Shaheens, indicates his potential for success in competitive T20 formats.
Backed by List A career statistics that have shown an impressive 29 wickets at an average of 18.48, and having already featured in a league like the ILT20, franchises see him as a strategically valuable overseas player. He provides flexibility in team combinations and has the potential to be a surprise package in the tournament with 15 wickets in 15 T20s.
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4) Sunny Sandhu (India) – Fast bowling all-rounder
sunny sandhu Is a promising young right-arm medium pace bowling all-rounder – a prized asset for any T20 team due to the Indian need for fast bowling all-rounders. His ability as an explosive finisher was clearly on display in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26, where he displayed exceptional power-hitting ability under pressure, changing the game for Tamil Nadu by scoring 30 runs off just 9 balls.
This is coupled with his ability to take important wickets and high performances in the under-23 state tournaments. The youngster also received viral social media support from veteran Indian spin legend Ashwin, making him one of the most exciting, high-potential Indian players in the pool.
5) Delano Potgieter (South Africa) – Overseas power-hitter and pacer
delano potgieter Given his exceptional all-round abilities and recent match-winning performances in top T20 leagues like the Top T20 League, he is a strong favorite to start the bidding war. SA20As a left-handed power-hitter who can bat flexibly at the top of the order and as a right-arm medium pacer who is known for taking important wickets and maintaining a low economy rate, he provides a rare and valuable skill that provides tremendous balance to the team,
His crucial performances in the 2025 SA20 season, including an impressive five-wicket haul of 5/10 and pacey runs, have already made him a sought-after talent. Furthermore, his uncapped status in the IPL allows teams to acquire him at an attractive base price without consuming valuable overseas slots, significantly increasing his demand.
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