5 Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy players who can bag major deals in the IPL 2026 auction

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) remains the pinnacle of T20 franchise cricket, an annual carnival that captivates millions and serves as a massive financial and professional stepping stone for players across the globe. As the anticipation builds for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the focus is sharply turning toward the reservoir of untapped and promising talent emerging from India’s domestic circuits.

This auction, set to be a strategic battleground for all ten franchises, will not only see established international stars go under the hammer but will also provide a life-changing opportunity for many uncapped domestic cricketers. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), India’s premier inter-state T20 tournament, has once again been a crucial proving ground.

The ongoing SMAT 2025 season has been a showcase of exceptional performances, with several players delivering career-defining spells and explosive innings that have undoubtedly caught the keen eye of IPL scouts and team think tanks. For franchises looking to plug specific gaps, bolster their Indian core, or simply invest in the future, the high-octane T20 performances in the SMAT are the ultimate litmus test. The following five domestic players, based on their stellar run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 and overall domestic pedigree, are poised to attract significant bids, transforming them from domestic heroes into potential IPL millionaires.

1. Auqib Nabi Dar: The express pacer from Jammu & Kashmir

Auqib Nabi Dar is an aggressive, genuine fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir known for his consistent wicket-taking ability and raw pace, which is a rare and highly sought-after commodity in the IPL. His excellent run in the SMAT 2025, coupled with an impressive red-ball record, has positioned him as one of the top Indian fast-bowling prospects on the auction list.

Auqib Nabi, who's rumoured to be on MI's radar after being spotted in MI trials, might also attract interest from 3 Time Champions KKR, since he used to be KKR's net bowler in the past.

— Knights Den (@aknightsden) November 23, 2025

2. Kartik Sharma: The hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter

Kartik Sharma is a young, explosive wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, highly rated for his high-impact, big-hitting ability in the middle order. His aggressive intent and phenomenal strike rate, particularly against pace, make him the kind of dynamic Indian finisher every IPL team seeks.

Kartik Sharma and Ashok Sharma here at RCB Trials in Navi Mumbai ❤️🔥

— CHIKU JI❤️ (@MaticKohli251) December 9, 2025

3. Manisankar Murasingh: Tripura’s all-round hero

Manisankar Murasingh is a veteran all-rounder for Tripura who finally burst into the national spotlight with an outstanding SMAT 2025 campaign. He is a genuine dual-threat, capable of scoring quick runs in the middle/lower order and delivering crucial overs with his medium-fast bowling. He won the prestigious Lala Amarnath Award by BCCI in 2024.

Also READ: BCCI updates IPL 2026 players auction list with last-minute changes; Swastik Chikara among 9 new players – check out the names and base prices

4. Ashok Sharma: The Rajasthan pace sensation

Ashok Sharma is a right-arm medium-fast bowler from Rajasthan who has been arguably the most effective pacer in the SMAT 2025 tournament. Known for his ability to generate bounce and take wickets with the new ball and in the middle overs, he is a ready-made option for any franchise seeking Indian pace depth.

Ashok Sharma, with 19 wickets in just 7 SMAT matches this season, attended the RCB trials.

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) December 9, 2025

5. Raj Limbani: The U-19 World Cup and SMAT star

Raj Limbani is a promising young right-arm medium pacer from Baroda, best known for his solid performance in the U-19 World Cup. He is an investment in the future, offering good control, the ability to swing the ball, and consistency that belies his age.

So, Raj Limbani is with Gujarat Titans. #IPL2024

— Varun Giri (@Varungiri0) April 19, 2024

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Players with highest base price of INR 2 crore – Cameron Green to Venkatesh Iyer