With the IPL 2026 mini-auction set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, franchises are finalizing strategies to snap up fresh talent. This year, a cluster of uncapped Indian players, having set the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) alight, are on the cusp of landing massive contracts and becoming household names.
The auction promises high-stakes bidding wars, particularly for Indian talent, with a shortlist of 359 players—including 244 Indians—vying for 77 available slots. Leading the pack of uncapped prospects are two fast bowlers and three dynamic batters whose recent performances have made them impossible to ignore.
The Top Five Uncapped Prospects
The table below summarizes the domestic stars tipped to spark bidding wars:
| Player (Role) | Key SMAT 2025/26 Performance | Notable Strength & Auction Context |
| Auqib Nabi (Pacer) | 15 wickets in 7 matches (Econ: 7.41) | Swing bowler; had trials with IPL teams; seasoned domestic performer. |
| Kartik Sharma (WK-Batter) | 133 runs in 5 matches (SR: 160+) | Power hitter; praised by experts like Pietersen & Ashwin; top uncapped pick prediction. |
| Ashok Sharma (Pacer) | 19 wickets in 7 matches (Leading wicket-taker) | Pace (~140 kph); recent RCB trials; former KKR/RR squad member. |
| Anmolpreet Singh (Batter) | 241 runs in 7 matches (SR: 172) | In-form; experienced; previous IPL stints with SRH & MI. |
| Tushar Raheja (WK-Batter) | 151 runs in 7 matches (SR: 164) | Aggressive opener; top-scorer in 2025 TNPL (SR: 185). |
The Stories Behind the Stats
Beyond the numbers, these players bring compelling narratives. Auqib Nabi, 29, combines exceptional domestic form with hard-earned perspective. Despite taking 44 Ranji Trophy wickets last season, he has learned to manage expectations. "It feels different, but... if it doesn't happen, it's fine. I'm used to it," he says, reflecting on past auctions.
In contrast, teenage wicketkeeper Kartik Sharma is generating explosive hype. His fearless six-hitting has drawn public praise from legends like Kevin Pietersen, while analyst Aakash Chopra predicts he could become the highest-paid uncapped player. He is seen as a perfect fit for teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who have large purses and a need for his skill set.
Pacer Ashok Sharma's journey is one of seizing opportunity. From nearly quitting cricket, he excelled in a talent hunt and has since absorbed lessons from greats like Pat Cummins and Shane Bond. His record-breaking SMAT season has already earned him a trial with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Auction Mechanics and Expectations
This mini-auction will be a one-day event starting at 2:30 PM IST on December 16. Kolkata Knight Riders (INR 64.30 crore) and Chennai Super Kings (INR 43.40 crore) enter with the largest budgets, positioning them as major players for top talent. While big names like Cameron Green will attract attention, the intense demand for reliable Indian players ensures that the uncapped market will be fiercely competitive.
For these five domestic stars, the Abu Dhabi auction is more than just a player pool—it's the culmination of years of hard work and a chance at a life-changing IPL breakthrough.
