NEW DELHI: With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, franchises are on the lookout for uncapped domestic players who could make a big impact. Several performers from state T20s and domestic tournaments have caught the eye and game-changing potential.
IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: All you need to know about the big bidding day
1. Salman Nizar (Kerala)
Nizar has been a dominant force in Kerala’s domestic competitions, scoring 628 runs in the Ranji Trophy and finishing with a strike rate of 193 in the Kerala Cricket League. His big-hitting potential makes him a possible game-changer in the shorter format.
2. Auqib Nabi (Jammu & Kashmir)
Nabi has been a consistent force in domestic cricket this season. In the Ranji Trophy, he grabbed 29 wickets in just five matches, including a best of 7 for 24. Known for his accuracy and early breakthroughs, he could provide IPL teams with a dependable new-ball option.
3. Tushar Raheja (Tamil Nadu)
A hard-hitting opener and wicketkeeper, Raheja scored 488 runs at a strike rate of 185 in the TNPL 2025, including a match-winning 77 in the final. His ability to provide explosive starts makes him a player to watch in the mini auction.
4.Naman Tiwari (Uttar Pradesh)
Tiwari impressed as a left-arm pacer in the UPT20, finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker with 19 wickets. At just 20, his pace and recent performances put him firmly on the radar of teams looking for young, impactful bowlers.
5. Kartik Sharma (Rajasthan)
A talented middle-order batter, Kartik has impressed in domestic T20s with a strike rate over 160. He was Rajasthan’s highest run-scorer in the previous Vijay Hazare Trophy, making him a promising option for teams seeking depth in the batting line-up.
6. Yash Raj Punja (Karnataka)
The leg-spinner had a stellar Maharaja Trophy season, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 23 scalps in 10 games. Tall and crafty, Punja’s ability to take wickets consistently makes him an exciting prospect for IPL squads.
7. Abhishek Pathak (Madhya Pradesh)
Pathak has been one of the most destructive batters in domestic T20s recently, hitting a century and a fifty in his state league. His explosive stroke play could make him an attractive middle-order option for IPL teams.
8. Ashok Sharma (Rajasthan)
The 23-year-old pacer has been turning heads in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, picking up 20 wickets in eight matches. With genuine pace and the knack for early strikes, Sharma is expected to generate significant interest among franchises looking for wicket-taking options.
9. Mangesh Yadav (Madhya Pradesh)
A versatile all-rounder, Yadav claimed 14 wickets in six matches during the Madhya Pradesh Premier League 2025. His left-arm pace and batting potential add balance to any T20 squad, making him a likely target for franchises seeking flexibility.
10. Prashant Veer (Uttar Pradesh)
Veer has made an impact with both bat and ball in the middle overs, striking at over 155 in the UPT20 while also picking up key wickets. His ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him a flexible choice for franchises.
