IPL Trophy (Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images) With the IPL 2026 mini-auction around the corner, several uncapped Indian cricketers are suddenly in the limelight. Mini-auctions often produce surprise millionaires and with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26 taking place right before the auction, this year’s timing provided the perfect stage for domestic players to impress IPL scouts. Based on their SMAT performances, here are five uncapped players who could attract strong offers. Auqib Nabi Dar (Jammu and Kashmir) Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar has quickly become one of the most talked about names in domestic cricket. The 29-year-old took 15 wickets in seven matches in the elite Group B and maintained an economy of 7.41. Known for swinging the new ball and backed by an outstanding first-class record of 125 wickets in 36 matches, Nabi has reportedly been invited to trial by several IPL franchises. With teams actively looking for quality Indian pacers, he may prove to be one of the most sought-after uncapped bowlers in the auction.
Rovman Powell Unfiltered: ‘Playing in the IPL changed my life’
Kartik Sharma (Rajasthan) Rajasthan have had an excellent SMAT season and qualified for the elite group D knockout stage ahead of major domestic teams like Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Nineteen-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Kartik Sharma played a key role in this run. Kartik has scored 133 runs in five matches at a strike rate of over 160, an important middle-order contribution. His ability to keep goals and finish games late could make him a valuable two-in-one option for teams that need to have both roles covered. Tushar Raheja (Tamil Nadu) Tamil Nadu’s Tushar Raheja is another uncapped wicket-keeper batsman who has caught the eye. The left-hander scored 151 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 164 while batting in SMAT 2025/26. He also excelled in the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 185 strikes. With India’s lack of explosive goalkeepers this year, Raheja is expected to be high on several teams’ shortlists. Anmolpreet Singh (Punjab) At 27, Anmolpreet Singh is a regular in domestic cricket for Punjab, though he has never enjoyed the hype enjoyed by teammates like Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera or Ramandeep Singh. This season could change that. Anmolpreet scored 241 runs in seven matches at a success rate of 172, second only to Abhishek – the world number one T20 batsman – among Punjab’s run-scorers. He previously had brief IPL stints with SRH and MI but now enters the IPL 2026 auction as one of India’s most in-form batsmen. Ashok Sharma (Rajasthan) Rajasthan’s 23-year-old pacer Ashok Sharma finished the SMAT 2025/26 league stage as the top wicket-taker by grabbing 19 wickets in seven matches. His ability to reach speeds close to 140 kmph makes him an attractive option for teams that crave Indian fast bowling. Ashok has also been a part of IPL teams earlier as he was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals which may further boost his chances of re-signing.
