The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy offers players a last chance to impress IPL scouts

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (BCCI Photo) MUMBAI: The Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy offers India’s budding cricketers a last chance to catch the eye of IPL scouts ahead of the December 16 mini-auction in Goa. The tournament starts on Saturday at five venues — Kolkata, Mumbai, Mohali, Indore and Sovima — World Cup stars will also beat the established stars in Naga0. Suryakumar Yadav and recently retired Test pacer Mohammed Shami are looking to revive their whiteball international ambitions.With the tournament ending just 10 days before the auction, its timing is ideal for uncapped players hoping to secure an IPL contract. For the 10 franchises, it’s an opportunity to assess emerging talent and identify potential additions to their squads.It will also test the players’ ability to switch formats after the first round of Ranji Trophy. Among those looking to impress is Prithvi Shaw, whose career has lost steam after a promising start. Signed by Delhi Capitals last season, the opener didn’t even get a game.Shaw, as Maharashtra’s leader, will be hoping for a strong campaign to remind the franchise and selectors of his abilities. Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant Veer, one of Chennai Super Kings’ most expensive uncapped picks at Rs 14.2 crore in the last auction, will also be under scrutiny.One of the biggest attractions of the tournament will be 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who will captain Bihar in his first two matches before joining India A in the ACC Rising Stars tournament.