The Indian Premier League 2026 mini auction saw several uncapped Indian players getting their dream contracts across all 10 franchises. These are cricketers who haven’t represented India in any format yet but have been making waves in domestic cricket. Particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and various state leagues. Let’s break down every single uncapped Indian IPL player signing. Team by team, and understand exactly why each franchise invested in these youngsters.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings went aggressive with their uncapped Indian picks. They invested heavily in youth while maintaining their trademark eye for all-round ability.
Kartik Sharma (14.2 Crores) – At just 19 years old, this wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan became one of the most expensive uncapped Indian IPL player signings in the auction. And there’s good reason for it. In 12 Twenty20 matches, Sharma has already accumulated 334 runs at an average of 30.3 while striking at a blistering 162.9. He’s smashed 2 fifties already, showing he can build innings.
But here’s what really caught Chennai’s attention – his versatility. In this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sharma batted at numbers 4 and 5. He scored runs at an average of 26.6 with a strike rate of 160.2 across 5 matches. Now, what makes him truly special is his first-class record. He’s scored centuries against Mumbai (batting at number 6) and Delhi (batting at number 8), proving he’s not just a slogger but a proper batsman who can adapt to any situation.
Chennai likely sees Sharma as either a finisher who can explode in the death overs or as an understudy to Sanju Samson, who can be groomed for bigger responsibilities down the line. For 14.2 crores, they’re clearly backing his explosiveness and his ability to keep wickets while batting in multiple positions.
Prashant Veer (14.2 Crores) – Another 14.2 crore investment, and this one’s fascinating. Veer is a 20-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh who bats left-handed and bowls slow left-arm orthodox. The comparisons to Ravindra Jadeja are inevitable, and Chennai is clearly viewing him as a potential Jadeja 2.0.
His recent domestic performance has been nothing short of remarkable. The guy played 6 matches across 7 days, constantly travelling between Mumbai and Kolkata. He juggled commitments in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Uttar Pradesh Under-23 fixtures. Despite this insane schedule, he delivered with both bat and ball.
In 9 Twenty20 matches, Veer averages 28 while striking at 167.1. With the ball, he’s picked up 12 wickets at an economy of 6.45. This year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy saw him score at an average of 37.3 with a strike rate of 169.6. Along with it, he also claimed 9 wickets at an economy of 6.7.
He was spotted in the Uttar Pradesh Twenty20 League playing for Noida Super Kings, where he was the highest scorer for his side. He amassed 320 runs in 10 matches at an average of 64 and a strike rate of 155.3. Chennai’s clearly betting on his all-round abilities developing into something special.
Aman Khan (0.4 Crores) – At 29 years old, Khan is the experienced one in this Chennai group. The Puducherry all-rounder who bowls right-arm medium has actually played Indian Premier League cricket before – 1 game for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022 and 11 games for Delhi Capitals in 2023. But those stints didn’t go well. He averaged just 13 with the bat, struck under 110, and never even got to bowl.
So why did Chennai pick him up? Well, his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performance this season has been promising. Khan became the highest scorer for Puducherry and literally their only player to even cross the 100-run mark. In 7 matches, he’s accumulated 236 runs at an average of 33.7 and a strike rate of 160.5, including 2 fifties. He also chipped in with 6 wickets, though his economy of 9.7 suggests bowling isn’t his primary skill.
In his overall Twenty20 career spanning 32 matches, Khan averages 20.7 while striking at 146, with 3 fifties to his name. Chennai might be planning to use him as a batting depth option who can extend the order and bowl a few overs of medium pace if needed. At just 0.4 crores, it’s a low-risk punt on someone who’s clearly found form.
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Delhi Capitals
Delhi went for 2 very different profiles – a mature fast bowler who’s been knocking on the door and a teenage batting prodigy.
Auqib Nabi (8.4 Crores) – 29 years old J&K pacer might seem old for an uncapped Indian IPL player, but Nabi’s journey has been about consistent excellence in domestic cricket. He’s finally getting rewarded. The fast bowler has been making waves for a while now, even knocking on the India A door.
His Twenty20 record speaks for itself – 43 wickets in 34 matches at an economy of 7.7. But it’s the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 that really put him on the map. As Jammu and Kashmir’s highest wicket-taker, Nabi grabbed 15 wickets in 7 matches at an economy of 7.4. That’s serious wicket-taking ability combined with control.
For Delhi, he’s not a project player who needs development. Nabi arrives as a finished product, someone who can slot straight into their pace attack and deliver immediately. His red-hot domestic form has already earned him India A consideration, and this Indian Premier League contract might just be the final stepping stone before national selection. At 8.4 crores, Delhi is investing in proven domestic quality.
Sahil Parakh (0.3 Crores) – Complete contrast here. Parakh is just 18 years old, a left-handed top-order batter from Maharashtra who also bowls a bit of leg-spin. He made his debut for Maharashtra in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and has played only 2 matches so far.
So what caught Delhi’s eye? His India Under-19 performances. In the recent Youth One Day Internationals against Australia Under-19, Parakh was India’s highest scorer, averaging 66.5 while striking at 126, including a century. That’s serious pedigree at the junior level.
He’s also impressed in the Maharashtra Premier League, displaying a wide range of strokes and genuine power-hitting ability. In 8 Maharashtra Twenty20 matches, he’s scored 202 runs at an average of 28.8 with a strike rate of 177.1.
At 0.3 crores, this is Delhi investing in the future. Parakh might not play many games this season, but he’s one to watch for in the coming years.
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat focused their uncapped Indian investments entirely on bowlers who can take wickets.
Ashok Sharma (0.9 Crores) – Here’s an interesting journey. Sharma is a 23-year-old medium pacer from Rajasthan. He was a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals before being picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022 (without playing a game), then picked by Rajasthan Royals in the mega auction (again without playing). He now finds himself with the Gujarat Titans.
Third time lucky? Maybe, because Sharma finished as the highest wicket-taker in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In 10 matches, he claimed an incredible 22 wickets at an economy of 9.2. Now, that economy might seem high, but here’s the thing – he picked up 2 wickets or more in 7 out of his 10 games. That’s consistent wicket-taking ability.
In fact, his entire Twenty20 career is just this 1 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season. He made his debut and immediately made an impact. Gujarat is clearly backing his raw wicket-taking prowess over economy or experience. At 0.9 crores, it’s a reasonable investment in someone who’s shown he can consistently break partnerships.
Prithvi Raj (0.3 Crores) – Another pace option, but this one brings different skills. The 27-year-old left-arm medium pacer from Andhra played most of his Twenty20 games in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He had previously featured in a couple of games for the Kolkata Knight Riders back in 2019.
Across 14 Twenty20 matches, Raj has taken 20 wickets at an economy of 8.8. His recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy form has been particularly impressive – 12 wickets in 9 matches at an economy of 7.4. That’s much better control than his career numbers suggest.
What makes Raj valuable is his ability to crank up the pace when needed, while also possessing pace variations and the skill to consistently hit hard lengths. For Gujarat at base price, he’s a left-arm option who can add variety to their attack.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata made 4 uncapped Indian signings, addressing their long-standing wicketkeeper issue while adding spin bowling depth.
Tejasvi Dahiya (3 Crores) – Finally, an Indian wicketkeeper for Kolkata Knight Riders! The 23-year-old from Delhi made his debut this season in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and has been sensational. In 6 matches, he’s averaged 56.5 while striking at 168.6.
His breakout moment came with a 19-ball 53 against Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – that’s explosive power combined with clean hitting. But it was the Delhi Premier League 2025 where he first shot to fame. In 10 matches, Dahiya scored 339 runs at an average of 48.4 with a strike rate of 190.4, including 4 fifties.
Kolkata has lacked a quality Indian wicketkeeper for the last couple of seasons, and at 3 crores, Dahiya addresses that need perfectly. He’s not just a keeper who can bat a bit – he’s a proper batsman who keeps wickets.
Daksh Kamra (0.3 Crores) – A 22-year-old all-rounder from Haryana who bowls leg-spin and bats aggressively. Kamra has been a regular member of Haryana’s Under-23 squad, and while his numbers aren’t flashy yet, Kolkata’s clearly identified potential. At base price, it’s depth addition without much risk.
Prashant Solanki (0.3 Crores) – This is an interesting pick-up. Solanki is a 25-year-old leg-spinner who’s played for both Maharashtra and Mumbai. He actually played 2 games for Chennai Super Kings in 2022, bowled well, but never featured again.
His recent form justifies Kolkata’s faith. In 23 Twenty20 matches, he’s taken 20 wickets at an economy of 8.1. But it’s the Maharashtra Premier League where he really stood out – 17 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 7.2. That’s serious control and consistent wicket-taking for a leg-spinner.
This year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy saw him pick up 6 wickets in 7 matches at an economy of 8.4. For Kolkata at base price, he’s a leg-spin option with Indian Premier League experience who’s been performing consistently in domestic cricket.
Sarthak Ranjan (0.3 Crores) – Now this is the most surprising pick. Ranjan is a 29-year-old leg-spinner from Delhi who last played a Twenty20 match for Delhi way back in 2018. So why did Kolkata pick him?
The Delhi Premier League 2025, that’s why. Ranjan emerged as the tournament’s second-highest run-getter with 449 runs in 9 matches at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 146.8, including 6 fifties. Yes, you read that right – the leg-spinner was batting like a specialist batsman.
This is a redemption story waiting to happen. Someone who disappeared from the competitive circuit has forced his way back purely through the weight of runs in a state league. Kolkata’s taking a punt on the fact that he can replicate this form at the Indian Premier League level. At base price, it’s worth the gamble.
Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow made 3 strategic picks targeting middle-order firepower and death bowling.
Mukul Choudhary (2.6 Crores) – 21 years old, wicketkeeper, middle-order batter from Rajasthan. Choudhary made his debut in 2023 but only got a proper run this year in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. And boy, did he make it count.
In 5 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches, he’s scored 173 runs at an average of 57.6 while striking at a breathtaking 198.8. That includes 2 fifties against quality oppositions like Mumbai and Delhi. These weren’t cheap runs – they came in pressure situations against strong bowling attacks.
But here’s what makes him really special – his first-class credentials. In the Men’s State A Trophy, Choudhary scored 617 runs at an extraordinary average of 102.83. That combination of red-ball technique and white-ball explosiveness is rare.
He was actually picked as a replacement for Kartik Sharma, who suffered a finger injury during Rajasthan’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, and he grabbed that opportunity with both hands. Lucknow’s clearly seeing him as a clean-hitter who can finish games from the middle order. At 2.6 crores, it’s a solid investment in someone who’s shown he can handle pressure.
Akshat Raghuwanshi (2.2 Crores) – The 22-year-old middle-order batter from Madhya Pradesh last played Twenty20s for his state back in 2022, but his Madhya Pradesh Premier League Twenty20 performance brought him back into the spotlight.
As the 6th-highest run-getter in that tournament, Raghuwanshi scored 239 runs in just 5 matches at an average of 59.7 and a strike rate of 177. That includes 1 hundred and 1 fifty – consistency plus explosiveness.
Lucknow’s investment in his middle-order solidity, combined with his power-hitting ability. At 2.2 crores, they’re backing state league form to translate to the Indian Premier League stage.
Naman Tiwari (1 Crore) – 20 years old, left-arm medium pacer from Lucknow who also represented India Under-19 in 2024. His Under-19 World Cup showing was impressive – 12 wickets in 6 matches at an economy of just 5.1. That’s exceptional control at the junior level.
The Uttar Pradesh Twenty20 League provided further evidence of his quality. As the 4th-highest wicket-taker in that tournament, Tiwari grabbed 19 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 8.2. For Lucknow at 1 crore, he’s a young left-arm pace option who can be developed over the coming seasons, while potentially contributing immediately given his domestic performances.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai went for depth, picking up 4 uncapped Indian players at base price across different skill sets.
Mohd Izhar (0.3 Crores) – 21-year-old left-arm medium pacer from Bihar who made his debut in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In 5 matches, he picked up 9 wickets at an economy of 7.1. That’s an impressive start to his Twenty20 career.
What’s interesting is his background – Izhar was a net bowler for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League 2025 and is also a graduate from the MRF Pace Foundation. That’s serious pedigree in terms of training and exposure. Mumbai’s essentially picking up someone who’s already been identified by other franchises and premier cricket institutions as having elite potential. At base price, it’s a smart investment.
Danish Malewar (0.3 Crores) – Here’s an unusual pick. Malewar is a 22-year-old top-order batter from Vidarbha who also bowls a bit of leg-spin. But here’s the thing – he hasn’t played a white-ball game yet. His entire career has been in the red-ball format, where he’s had a good start for both Vidarbha and Central Zone.
Mumbai’s clearly betting on his first-class technique translating to Twenty20 cricket. They’re catching him before other franchises do, banking on his batting quality being good enough to adapt to the shorter format. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy, but at base price, the risk is minimal.
Atharva Ankolekar (0.3 Crores) – 25-year-old all-rounder from Mumbai who bats left-handed and bowls slow left-arm orthodox. This one makes complete sense for the Mumbai Indians – picking up local Mumbai talent who’s already played Twenty20 cricket.
In 25 Twenty20 matches, Ankolekar averages 16.8 with the bat while striking at 156.9. With the ball, he’s taken 19 wickets at an economy of 7.1. His recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign saw him pick up 9 wickets in 10 matches, though his economy of 8.9 suggests he’s still working on consistency.
Mumbai’s historically been excellent at nurturing local talent, and Ankolekar fits that pattern perfectly. At base price, he’s a left-arm spinning all-rounder who provides options with both bat and ball.
Mayank Rawat (0.3 Crores) – 26-year-old all-rounder from Delhi who bats right-handed and bowls off-spin. Though he only debuted for Delhi in the Twenty20 format in 2024, his Delhi Premier League 2024 performance was outstanding.
As the 7th-highest run-getter in that tournament, Rawat scored 289 runs in 10 matches at an average of 72.2 while striking at 190.1. That includes 3 fifties. Those are proper middle-order numbers.
In 11 Twenty20 matches overall, he averages 28.5 with the bat, and his off-spin has claimed 5 wickets at an economy of 7.6. Mumbai’s getting a genuine all-rounder who can contribute in multiple ways. At base price, it’s excellent value.
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Punjab Kings
Punjab made just 1 uncapped Indian signing, but it’s an interesting one given the Impact Player rule.
Vishal Nishad (0.3 Crores) – 20-year-old leg-spinner from Uttar Pradesh picked for just 0.3 crores. But here’s what makes his story fascinating – he only played 4 matches in the Uttar Pradesh Twenty20 League, yet an Indian Premier League franchise came calling.
And in all 4 of those matches, Nishad came in as the Impact Player for Gorakhpur Lions. In those 4 games in that specific role, he claimed 8 wickets at an economy of 7 runs per over. That’s exceptional numbers for someone being used tactically as a specialist bowler.
Punjab clearly identified him as someone who can deliver in high-pressure situations despite limited game time. The Impact Player rule has created opportunities for specialists like Nishad to showcase their skills in specific match situations, and his selection validates that pathway. At base price, he’s a calculated gamble on a young leg-spinner whose control and variations could prove crucial in a format where quality spin often determines outcomes.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan picked up 5 uncapped Indian players under 1 Crore, reflecting a strategy of accumulating depth rather than big investments.
Ravi Singh (0.95 Crores) – The most expensive of their uncapped Indian picks at 0.95 crores, Singh is a 24-year-old left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Railways. In 10 Twenty20 matches, he’s scored 295 runs at an average of 42.1 with a strike rate of 174.5, including 2 fifties.
This year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy saw him finish as Railways’ highest run-scorer with 218 runs in 7 matches at an average of 36.3, maintaining a strike rate of 173. The 1 fifty he scored demonstrated his ability to build an innings while maintaining aggression.
For Rajasthan, Singh represents the complete package – wicketkeeping skills, explosive batting, and proven performance under pressure. At just under 1 crore, he’s excellent value for a keeper-batter with those numbers.
Sushant Mishra (0.9 Crores) – 24-year-old left-arm medium pacer from Jharkhand who’s shown serious wicket-taking ability. In 14 Twenty20 matches, he’s claimed 26 wickets at an economy of 9.2. That economy might be high, but the wicket-taking rate is exceptional.
His Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign this season was phenomenal – 19 wickets in 10 matches made him the 3rd-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His economy remained at 9.1, suggesting he’s an attacking bowler willing to risk runs for wickets. That approach aligns well with modern Twenty20 philosophy, where breakthrough wickets often matter more than miserly economy rates.
For Rajasthan at 0.9 crores, Mishra is a left-arm pacer who can break partnerships consistently.
Yash Raj Punja (0.3 Crores) – 19-year-old leg-spinner from Karnataka who was actually a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals before earning this contract. His unusual height for a leg-spinner caught attention, especially after West Indian fast bowling legend Ian Bishop posted a photo with him, calling him a promising young leg-spinner from Bengaluru.
Despite having no professional cricket under his belt, Punja’s performance in the Maharaja Karnataka State Cricket Association Twenty20 Trophy was impressive – 2nd-highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets in 11 matches at an economy of 7.45.
Rajasthan is signing their own net bowler who’s performed well in state leagues. It’s a low-risk investment in someone they’ve already had extended exposure to and whose work ethic they can vouch for. At base price, it makes perfect sense.
Brijesh Sharma (0.3 Crores) – 27-year-old right-arm medium pacer from Bengal picked based on his Bengal Pro Twenty20 League exploits, where he finished as the 6th-highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets in 7 matches at an economy of 7.7. While his overall Twenty20 statistics aren’t extensive, his recent form in state leagues suggests someone who can contribute in specific match situations. At base price, Rajasthan is adding pace bowling depth without significant financial commitment.
Aman Rao (0.3 Crores) – 21-year-old opening batter from Hyderabad who made his debut in 2024, but this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has been transformative. In 11 Twenty20 matches, he’s scored 301 runs at an average of 33.4 with a strike rate of 162.7, including 2 fifties.
His recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign saw him accumulate 234 runs in 10 matches at an average of 26 while maintaining a strike rate of 163.6. But what really caught attention was his brutal 52 not out against Mumbai, where he tore into Shardul Thakur for 24 runs in the very first over. That’s fearless batting against quality pace bowling.
Rajasthan’s getting a young opener with genuine firepower at base price. That’s excellent value for someone who’s shown he can attack from ball 1.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Bengaluru made 5 uncapped Indian investments, with 1 significant outlay and 4 base price picks.
Mangesh Yadav (5.2 Crores) – This is Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s biggest bet among uncapped Indian players. The 23-year-old left-handed all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh bats left-handed but bowls left-arm medium pace – a genuine all-rounder who can contribute equally with bat and ball.
His rise came through the Madhya Pradesh Premier League, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in just 6 matches at an economy of 8. What made him special were his 3 four-wicket hauls in that tournament – consistency and impact combined.
Scouts noted his bowling with pace and control, along with a repeatable yorker at the death. That’s perhaps the most valuable skill a bowler can possess in Twenty20 cricket. For Bengaluru spending 5.2 crores on an uncapped Indian all-rounder, they’re clearly backing him to become a genuine match-winner who can bat in the middle order and bowl crucial death overs.
Satvik Deswal (0.3 Crores) – 18 years old from Puducherry, Deswal brings genuine all-round ability. He’s a right-handed batsman who bowls either slow left-arm orthodox or wrist spin – unusual versatility for someone so young.
His Puducherry Twenty20 League performance grabbed headlines – 14 wickets at an economy under 6 runs per over. That’s remarkable control for a teenage spinner. Bengaluru is investing in potential that can be developed over multiple seasons. At base price, it’s a no-brainer for someone with his skill set.
Kanishk Chouhan (0.3 Crores) – 19-year-old bowling all-rounder from Haryana who bats right-handed and bowls off-spin, plus he plays for India Under-19. His performance in the 2025 Under-19 Asia Cup fixture against Pakistan in Dubai was match-winning – 46 runs and 3 wickets for 33 runs in India’s comprehensive 90-run victory.
Delivering in high-pressure India-Pakistan contests, even at the youth level, demonstrates mental fortitude alongside skill. Bengaluru’s getting an off-spinning all-rounder with proven big-match temperament at base price.
Vihaan Malhotra (0.3 Crores) – Another 19-year-old, this batting all-rounder from Punjab also plays for India Under-19. Malhotra was originally an opener but lost that position to Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, so he made the number 3 position his own instead.
His ability to adapt to changing circumstances and thrive despite setbacks shows resilience. He bowls right-arm off-spin too, giving Bengaluru flexibility. At base price, he’s another India Under-19 talent who can be groomed for the future.
Vicky Ostwal (0.3 Crores) – 23-year-old slow left-arm orthodox bowler from Maharashtra who brings some experience. In 15 Twenty20 matches, he’s taken 14 wickets at an economy of 6.4. His recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy mirrored those numbers exactly – 7 wickets in 7 matches at 6.4 runs per over.
That consistency is valuable. Bengaluru’s getting a left-arm spinner with control who won’t leak runs. At base price, it’s solid depth and good backup for Krunal Pandya.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers went all-in on uncapped Indian talent, picking up 7 players, the most of any franchise.
Salil Arora (1.5 Crores) – Their most expensive uncapped Indian signing, and for good reason. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Punjab has had an explosively successful start to his domestic white-ball career. In just 9 Twenty20 matches, Arora has scored 359 runs at an average of 59.8 while striking at 197.2. That includes 1 hundred and 1 fifty.
Let’s be clear – those aren’t just good numbers, they’re exceptional. An average approaching 60 combined with a strike rate approaching 200 makes him one of the most destructive batsmen in domestic cricket. His Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign reinforced this, as the 5th-highest run-getter with 358 runs in 8 matches at an average of 71.6 and a strike rate of 198.8.
Sunrisers are known for their power-hitting philosophy, and Arora’s demonic hitting fits perfectly. At 1.5 crores, he’s a wicketkeeper who can accelerate from any position in the batting order.
Onkar Tarmale (0.3 Crores) – 23-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Maharashtra with an interesting backstory. During trials with Sunrisers, Varun Aaron was impressed with his pace, but Tarmale pulled his hamstring after bowling just 2 overs. Despite being unable to complete the trial, Sunrisers still bid for him.
That tells you they’d been tracking him for a while. Tarmale was picked by Thane Eagle Strikers in the 2025 Twenty20 Mumbai League after mentor and former Mumbai and India pacer Dhawal Kulkarni noted his potential. Under Kulkarni’s guidance, he’s added yorkers, wide yorkers, slower balls, and slow bouncers to his arsenal.
His pace peaks around 140 to 145 kilometres per hour, which caught scouts’ attention during his brief Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy appearances before injury. For Sunrisers at base price, he’s high-upside raw pace that needs proper injury management.
Amit Kumar (0.3 Crores) – 23-year-old leg-spinner from Jharkhand with a great story. When flight cancellations hit the country recently, Kumar, fresh from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy league stage, couldn’t attend his scheduled Sunrisers trial. He thought the opportunity was gone.
But Sunrisers had been tracking him closely for a long time, and the missed trial didn’t change their assessment. They signed him anyway for 30 lakh. What makes Kumar special, according to Shahbaz Nadeem (currently Joint Secretary at Jharkhand State Cricket Association), is his bowling pace combined with a unique grip and a googly that’s particularly difficult to pick.
He’s been a net bowler for international teams and Indian Premier League teams for multiple years, gaining invaluable experience. In 5 Twenty20 matches, he has 3 wickets at an economy of 8.3. Those are modest numbers, but Sunrisers clearly see potential beyond current statistics.
Shivang Kumar (0.3 Crores) – 23-year-old slow left-arm orthodox spinner from Madhya Pradesh who’d tried out unsuccessfully with Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians before Sunrisers called. He couldn’t attend twice when Sunrisers invited him, but they persisted.
Known as a run-controlling spinner who can also hit the ball hard, Kumar represents the multi-dimensional player modern Twenty20 demands. In 4 Twenty20 matches, he’s taken 4 wickets at an economy of 8.05. His friendship with Aniket Verma (already at Sunrisers) should help his transition into the squad dynamics.
Krains Fuletra (0.3 Crores) – 21-year-old left-arm chinaman bowler from Saurashtra. That’s a rare skill set – left-arm wrist spinners who turn the ball away from right-handed batsmen are uncommon, making them valuable in Twenty20 leagues where batsmen have less exposure to such bowling.
Fuletra bowled well in the Saurashtra Pro Twenty20 League, claiming 10 wickets in 9 matches at an economy of 7. For Sunrisers, he’s a tactical weapon who can be deployed in specific match situations where his unusual trajectory could prove decisive. At base price, it’s worth having that option in the squad.
Sakib Hussain (0.3 Crores) – 21-year-old right-arm medium pacer from Bihar who was a net bowler for both Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders before being picked by Kolkata Knight Riders without getting games. Now with the Sunrisers, he hopes for better luck.
His selection came after scouts noticed his performance in a broadcast Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy game. In 12 Twenty20 matches, he’s taken 10 wickets at an economy of 10.3 – numbers that need improvement but suggest wicket-taking ability exists. His recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy saw 5 wickets in 5 matches at an economy of 9.7, showing slight improvement in control.
Praful Hinge (0.3 Crores) – 23-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler from Vidarbha who’s played just 1 Twenty20 match – in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he picked 1 wicket for 23 runs. That’s minimal experience.
So why did Sunrisers pick him? Former cricketer Priyank Panchal endorsed him on social media after the auction, describing him as deceptively quick with the ability to hit the deck hard. Those traits translate well to bouncy Indian Premier League pitches. Sunrisers are clearly backing scouting intelligence over statistics here. At base price, the risk is minimal for potentially discovering raw fast bowling talent.
The Big Picture
Several uncapped Indian players across 10 franchises, with prices ranging from base price of 0.3 crores all the way up to 14.2 crores for Chennai’s double investment in Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. What does all this tell us?
First, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has firmly established itself as the primary scouting ground for uncapped Indian IPL player talent. Nearly every signing had standout performances in that tournament, whether as the highest wicket-taker, the highest run-scorer, or someone who delivered match-winning performances that caught franchise attention.
Second, state-level Twenty20 leagues are creating multiple pathways to Indian Premier League recognition. The Delhi Premier League revived Sarthak Ranjan’s career. The Madhya Pradesh Premier League propelled Mangesh Yadav and Akshat Raghuwanshi into the spotlight. The Uttar Pradesh Twenty20 League showcased Prashant Veer and Vishal Nishad. These tournaments provide additional data points for scouts while offering players more competitive cricket than ever before.
Third, franchises are clearly willing to invest heavily when they identify special talent. Chennai spending over 14 crores each on 2 teenage prospects shows conviction. Bengaluru paying over 5 crores for Mangesh Yadav’s all-round ability reflects faith in his potential. These aren’t token investments – they’re serious backing of players that franchises believe can make an immediate impact.
Fourth, wicketkeeper-batters remain in high demand. Kartik Sharma, Tejasvi Dahiya, Mukul Choudhary, Ravi Singh, and Salil Arora all earned contracts based on their ability to keep wickets while batting aggressively. Finding keepers who can genuinely contribute with the bat solves multiple team balance issues, making them valuable commodities.
Fifth, the age range is interesting. While there are teenagers like Sahil Parakh and Satvik Deswal, and veterans like Auqib Nabi and Aman Khan approaching 30, most fall in the 20 to 24 bracket. That’s the sweet spot – young enough to develop further, old enough to have meaningful domestic experience.
For these players, the Indian Premier League 2026 represents a life-changing opportunity. Some will become regulars in their franchise playing elevens. Others might spend the season on the bench, but they are gaining exposure to world-class coaching, training facilities, and professional environments that will accelerate their development. A few will eventually graduate to international cricket, using the Indian Premier League as their launchpad.
Franchises have now established a clear pathway for uncapped Indian IPL players. Perform consistently in domestic cricket, particularly the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Deliver in state leagues where scouts are watching. Show a specific skill – whether explosive batting, wicket-taking bowling, or genuine all-round ability – that franchises value. Then grab your opportunity when it comes.
These players have done exactly that. Now they need to prove they belong at the highest level of Twenty20 cricket.
