This Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 remains the pinnacle of franchise cricket, an annual carnival that rakes in millions for players around the world and serves as a massive financial and professional stepping stone. Set to build to standby IPL 2026 mini-auctionThe focus is turning sharply to a pool of promising talent coming out of India’s domestic schemes.
Road to IPL 2026: Homegrown stars in 2025 in mini-auction spotlight
Having a strategic battleground for all ten franchises will provide a life-changing opportunity to ensure that not only established international stars don’t go under the hammer, but also a lot of fluff. This Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT)India’s Inter-Prime Ministers T20 tournament has once again become an important ground.
On going SMAT 2025 The season has been a showcase of exceptional performances, with several players undoubtedly intrigued by the IPL Scouts and the Team’s think tanks. For franchises looking to plug specific gaps, tap into the Indian core or simply invest in the future, the high-octane T20 performances at the SMAT are the ultimate Litmus test. Syed Mushtaq Ali Truchy 2025 and domestic pedigree in general, the following five local players to attract significant bids, turning them from local heroes to potential IPL millionaires.
5 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy players who could fetch huge bargains in IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. AUQIB NABI DAR: Express Pacer from Jammu & Kashmir
AUQIB Nabi Dar is an aggressive, genuine fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir known for his consistent and much sought after guarding ability and raw pace, a rare and highly prized commodity in the IPL. His excellent run in SMAT 2025 coupled with an impressive red ball record has positioned him as one of the best Indian fast bowling prospects in the auction list.
- SMAT 2025 Performance: Dar has been a consistent performer, taking 15 wickets in five matches at 15.26 and an economy rate of 7.41. His best figures were 4/16 against Bihar.
- Best internal performance: Outside of Smat, it’s over Second Leading Wicket-Taker in the Ranji Trophy from 2024-25 29 Waketsby demonstrating between parenting and classroom formats.
- IPL Date: He is an indefatigable player and has not played a single IPL match. But he was a pure bowler Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and recently joined the trials Mumbai Indians (mi) and Delhi Capitals (DC) Shows strong franchise interest ahead of auction.
- Base price: The main price is officially listed ₹ 30 lakhs.
Rumored to be on MI’s radar after being spotted in Mi trials, he may also attract the interest of 3-time champions KKR as he has been a net bowler for KKR in the past. pic.twitter.com/oj49ajwddi
– Knights den (@aknightsden) November 23, 2025
2. Karthik Sharma: Hard-hitting Wicketeeper-corpse
Kartik Sharma, a young, explosive wicket-keeper-batsman from Rajasthan, has been highly rated for his high-impact, high-scoring ability in a big way. His aggressive intent and phenomenal strike rate, especially against PACE, make him the type of dynamic Indian finisher every IPL team wants.
- SMAT 2025 Performance: His performances in the current domestic season have been quite consistent. In his short T20 career, he scored 334 runs in 12 T20s at 164.58, establishing his reputation as a power hitter with an exceptional strike rate of 334.
- Best internal performance: Heads in Ranji Trophy 2025-26, scored two centuriesincluding a stunning knock against Mumbai, which proves his temperament across formats.
- IPL Date: He is an indefatigable player. It was a part Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Camp when IPL 2025 and recently progressed Royal Rallengers Bengaluru (RCB) camps 2026 ahead of the mini-auction and participated in closed ILL trials with several franchises, with teams like CSK and KKR eyeing him as a potential key player.
- Base price: The main price is officially listed ₹ 30 lakhs.
Karthik Sharma and Ashok Sharma here at RCB trials Navi Mumbai ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/pez2liubsh
– Chiku Ji❤️ (@ matikohli251) December 9, 2025
3. Manisankar Murasingh: All-round hero of Tripura
Manisankar Murasingh is a veteran all-rounder for Tripura who finally came into the national limelight with his outstanding SMAT 2025 campaign. He is a genuine dual threat, having quick runs and medium fast bowling in the middle/lower order. In 2024, he won the prestigious Lala Amarnath award by the BCCI.
- SMAT 2025 Performance: He finished the group stage with a magnificent all-round display with the ball, taking 5 wickets at an excellent economy of 7.6.
- Best internal performance: His defining moment marked Karnataka’s first giant, a bowling figure of 2/30 in the first innings and later conceded 35 off 35 balls to clinch victory.
- IPL Date: He unexhausted player and despite consistent domestic performances, has never played for an IPL team leading to inclusion in the league. But he was one of the bowlers Rajasthan Royals During IPL 2024.
- Base price: Its base price is estimated ₹ 30 lakhs (Expected for a proven internal all-rounder).
4. Ashok Sharma: Rajasthan PACE sensation
Ashok Sharma is a right arm unarmed medium fast bowler from Rajasthan who is the most effective pacer in the SMAT 2025 tournament. Known for his ability to create bounce and take wickets with the new ball and in the middle overs, India is a ready option for any franchise looking for PACE depth.
- SMAT 2025 Performance: Sharma was one of the best wicket takers in the tournament, bag 19 wickets in seven matches Rajasthan, which included two 4-wicket hauls and two 3-wicket hauls for Rajasthan.
- Best internal performance: A sensational run at SMAT 2025, where he played a key role in Rajasthan’s strong group stage, his best T20 performance confirmed a match-winning ton from a promising talent.
- IPL Date: It is currently listed as one unexhausted player in the same category as the others. Purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ₹ 55 lakh in 2022 and purchased Rajasthan Royals (RR) For ₹ 30 lakh in 2025. He was recently released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2026 auction.
- Base price: The main price is officially listed ₹ 30 lakhs.
Ashok Sharma participated in the RCB trials in only 7 SMAT matches this season. pic.twitter.com/exwfzd6rwp
– RIBBIANS OFFICIAL (@RCIBIBIFFIFIAL) December 9, 2025
5. Raj Limbani:
Raj Limbani is a promising young right-arm medium pacer from Baroda who is best known for his solid performance in the U-19 World Cup. An investment that offers good handling, ball swing and consistency to age.
- SMAT 2025 Performance: Has been a consistent wicket-taker for Baroda. His recent bowling figures include 3/39 and 3/39 vs service against Gujarat and 3/36 vs 3/36 and 3/39 vs service, showing his ability to be devastating in short bursts. He also contributed Quickfire 7 (2) with bat vs puducherry.
- Best internal performance: A match-winning spell at SMAT 2025 in Baroda, including against Puducherry, on the back of controlled bowling at the U-19 World Cup 2024, makes him a hot prospect.
- IPL Date: He unexhausted player and has not played for any IPL team. He is among the young players with international exposure (U-19) who are often targeted by franchises for long-term development. He was a net bowler for Gujarat Titans (GT) During IPL 2024.
- Base price: The main price is officially listed ₹ 30 lakhs.
So Raj Limbani with Gujarat Titans. #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/jnvgxqbjcj
– Varun Giri (@varunungiri0) April 19, 2024
Read: IPL 2026 Auction: Players with highest base price of INR 2 crore – Venkatsh Iyer Cameron Green
