Some players can become big earners in the IPL mini-auction. Notably, uncapped Indian talents who impressed during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy could spark a bidding war at the auction, while other familiar names used the tournament to revive their careers and make a comeback in the Indian Premier League.
Many domestic actors may attract bids of more than ₹5 crore. Among them, there are five players who have shown consistency, impact and match-winning ability who can convince franchises to invest heavily in the auction. PPreparations are underway to hammer the layers in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
IPL 2026 auction: Domestic performers who deserve ₹5+ crore deals
Auqib Nabi
Auqib Nabi has emerged as one of the most reliable fast bowlers on the domestic circuit and is a strong contender for a big IPL deal. The performance of this fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has been excellent.
He has taken 15 wickets in seven matches with control and variety. He swings the new ball, bowls disciplined in the middle overs and can handle pressure in the death overs.
Nabi does not rely on express pace, but his accuracy and ability to swing the ball make him a valuable option for teams who need an all-round Indian fast bowler. He is likely to attract many bids and could secure his first IPL contract at a significant price.
Ashok Sharma
Ashok Sharma has impressed with his bowling in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The young fast bowler from Rajasthan bowled match-winning bowling in the entire tournament, taking 19 wickets in 7 matches. He has the ability to attack early, hit the deck hard and maintain control.
Apart from his bowling, Sharma can also provide useful runs lower down the order. The 23-year-old cricketer already has experience having been a part of the IPL environment with KKR and Rajasthan Royals, even though he is yet to make his debut.
With a base price of Rs 30 lakh and a strong all-round skill set, Sharma is expected to attract huge interest in the IPL 2026 auction. Teams looking for a reliable Indian fast bowler who can take the new ball and handle pressure will likely place him high on their list.
Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan and Shams Mulani
Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan are in the first batch of players in the IPL 2026 auction after going unsold last season. The pair have a chance to revive their careers in the IPL.
Shaw, who struggled with form, fitness and off-field problems, has shown improvement since his transfer to Maharashtra. With two fifties in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he enters the auction at a base price of ₹75 lakh.
Sarfaraz has had a strong SMAT campaign, including a century. This right-handed batsman was not sold in the last two auctions. He will again enter with a base price of ₹75 lakh as he bids to make a comeback at the national level.
Another name that is attracting attention is Mumbai’s reliable spinner Shams Mulani. His all-round consistency makes him a valuable option in domestic cricket.
Also read: IPL 2026 auction: Teams may deliberately ignore star players
