IPL 2026 auction- Uncapped stars who could hit the jackpot:Auqib Nabi, Kartik Sharma to Anmolpreet Singh; 5 youngsters who can spark bidding war

The IPL 2026 auction is around the corner, and one thing that is certain is that some big money moves are expected to take place. Mini auctions have often seen big-money signings take place, and the trend is expected to continue this year as well. With the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26 taking place just weeks before the auction, several standout domestic performers have caught the attention of IPL scouts. Many uncapped players have boosted their value with strong recent form, making them potential breakout picks at the event. This year’s auction will be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, and it promises intense competition among teams looking to strengthen their squads. A total of 350 players will go under the hammer, offering franchises a wide range of options across different roles and skill sets. The auction pool includes 230 uncapped Indian players along with 15 uncapped overseas players, highlighting the strong focus on fresh talent. With franchises eager to find the next breakout star, let’s have a look at Indian uncapped cricketers who could be among the biggest beneficiaries of the mini auction. 1) Auqib Nabi Dar Jammu Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar has become one of the most talked-about domestic players this season. The 29-year-old picked up 15 wickets in seven SMAT matches in Elite Group B with an economy of 7.41. Known for swinging the new ball and backed by 125 first-class wickets in 36 games, he has reportedly received trial calls from several IPL teams. With franchises seeking Indian pacers, he is a strong contender for a big bid. 2) Kartik Sharma Rajasthan’s 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma has impressed after helping his team reach the knockouts from Elite Group D. He scored 133 runs in five matches at a strike rate above 160, contributing important middle-order knocks. His wicketkeeping plus finishing ability make him a valuable option for teams needing backup Indian keepers. 3) Tushar Raheja Tamil Nadu’s Tushar Raheja has drawn interest for his aggressive top-order batting. He scored 151 runs in seven SMAT games at a strike rate of 164 and was the top scorer in the 2025 TNPL with a strike rate of 185. With few explosive Indian wicketkeeper-batters available, he is likely to be on multiple teams’ radar. 4) Anmolpreet Singh Punjab batter Anmolpreet Singh continued his strong domestic run, scoring 241 runs in seven SMAT matches at a strike rate of 172, second only to Abhishek Sharma in his team. After earlier stints with SRH and MI, he enters the 2026 auction in excellent form. 5) Ashok Sharma Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma ended the SMAT league stage as the leading wicket-taker with 19 wickets in seven matches. Bowling around 140 kmph, he has attracted interest from multiple IPL teams. Previously part of KKR and RR setups, he is expected to be in demand as teams look for reliable Indian fast-bowling backups.