The Ranji Trophy has a knack for finding heroes, and right on cue for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Amit Shukla has thrown his name into the ring with a bowling masterclass. The 22-year-old Services spinner didn't just bowl well today; he dismantled Haryana single-handedly in their Elite Group C match of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. A spell that has scouts buzzing. In an almost unbelievable feat, Shukla, a clever left-arm spinner, claimed his first 5 wickets without conceding a single run.
He tore through Haryana’s top order, finishing the innings with a staggering, career-best figures of 8-27. His magic spell bundled Haryana out for just 111, proving he can win a match on his own. This isn't a one-match wonder, either. Amit Shukla is in red-hot form. This 8-wicket haul comes just after his previous match against Gujarat, where he took eight wickets. With 23 scalps already this season, he’s become one of the most dangerous bowlers in domestic cricket.
With the IPL 2026 mini-auction just around the corner, Shukla’s timing couldn't be better. Many franchises are desperate for a young, in-form Indian spinner to build their attack around.
You can be sure the Rajasthan Royals management was watching. Having released their frontline overseas spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, they have a massive spin-shaped hole in their roster, with only Jadeja as a spinner on the roster. Amit Shukla would be the perfect understudy to the Indian international.
But they won't be the only bidders. Lucknow Supergiants, who made the surprising move to release Ravi Bishnoi, are also hunting for a new spin king. Add Sunrisers Hyderabad, who let go of Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar, to the list.
These teams, and many more, aren’t just looking for a player; they’re looking for a game-changer. Amit Shukla has proven he is exactly that. Once an unknown name, he could become a top prospect who could spark a serious bidding war and bag a hefty IPL contract.
