SMAT 2025/26 Breakouts Position Five Uncapped Indians as Top IPL 2026 Targets

As the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26 reaches its business end, five uncapped Indian talents have turned the tournament into their personal showcase, delivering match-defining performances that have put every IPL franchise on high alert. With the IPL 2026 mini-auction just weeks away, these breakout stars—a mix of fiery pacers, explosive keeper-batters, and proven domestic run-machines—are expected to trigger fierce bidding wars and walk away with life-changing paychecks.

Auqib Nabi Dar—Jammu & Kashmir’s Swing King

The 29-year-old Jammu & Kashmir seamer has been the revelation of the season, picking up 15 wickets in seven games at an economy of 7.41 with prodigious new-ball movement. Backed by 125 first-class wickets in 36 matches and trial calls from multiple IPL teams, Auqib is firmly established as the most sought-after uncapped Indian fast bowler heading into the auction.

Kartik Sharma—Rajasthan’s Teenage Keeper-Finisher

At just 19, wicket-keeper batter Kartik Sharma has announced himself with 133 runs at a strike rate above 160, routinely clearing the ropes in the death overs. His clean glovework and ice-cool finishing helped Rajasthan upset domestic giants and storm into the knockouts, making him the ultimate dual-role prospect franchises crave.

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Tushar Raheja—Tamil Nadu’s Left-Handed Destroyer

Left-handed opener and wicket-keeper Tushar Raheja has plundered 151 runs in seven SMAT games at a 164 strike rate, fresh off being the top scorer in TNPL 2025 (185 SR). Explosive and reliable behind the stumps and in red-hot form, Raheja is poised to become one of the most expensive uncapped keeper-batters in the auction.

Anmolpreet Singh—Punjab’s Stylish Run-Machine

Long overshadowed by Punjab’s IPL regulars, the 27-year-old Anmolpreet has finally grabbed the spotlight with 241 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 172—second only to Abhishek Sharma in his team. After short, underwhelming stints with SRH and MI, he now enters the auction as the most in-form uncapped Indian top-order batter.

Ashok Sharma—Rajasthan’s 140-kph Wicket-Taking Machine

The 23-year-old Rajasthan quick topped the SMAT 2025/26 wicket-taking charts with 19 scalps in seven games, consistently hitting 140 km/h and excelling in both powerplay and death. Already experienced in the IPL ecosystem with past contracts at KKR and RR, Ashok is virtually guaranteed to fetch massive bids as franchises hunt for the next big Indian pace sensation.

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