IPL 2026 Mini Auction: Uncapped Indians Steal the Spotlight

The  IPL 2026  mini auction on Tuesday turned heads as uncapped Indian players dominated the headlines, triggering bidding wars and reshaping team strategies. While established stars often steal the limelight, this auction showcased a wave of promising domestic talents who are now set to make a name on the biggest T20 stage.

Prashant Veer - CSK, INR 14.2 Crore

At just 20, Prashant Veer’s journey from the UPT20 League with Noida Super Kings to  Chennai Super Kings (CSK)  has been meteoric. Known as ‘Miller’ for his six-hitting prowess, Veer finished the UPT20 with 320 runs at a strike rate of 155 and added eight wickets. This performance fast-tracked him into senior cricket, earning him the distinction of being the joint-highest-paid uncapped Indian in the IPL. CSK clearly sees him as a potential long-term replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, and fans can’t wait to see him in action.

Salil Arora - SRH, INR 1.50 Crore

Punjab’s Salil Arora has been making waves with his explosive batting. The 23-year-old scored 358 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of nearly 200 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s top six-hitter. His ability to finish games aligns perfectly with Sunrisers Hyderabad’s strategy, and with wicketkeeping skills in his arsenal, he brings added depth to the squad.

Mangesh Yadav - RCB, INR 5.20 Crore

RCB invested heavily in left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav, whose performances in the MP T20 League earned him the Emerging Player award. Yadav, who can consistently clock 140kph, topped the wickets chart with 14 scalps and showed glimpses of all-round potential. With such impressive stats, his price tag of INR 5.2 crore reflects the faith RCB has in him as a back-up for their frontline bowlers.

Tejasvi Dahiya - KKR, INR 3 Crore

KKR secured explosive wicketkeeper-batter Tejasvi Dahiya after a stellar run in the Delhi Premier League, where he smashed 339 runs at a strike rate of 190.45. Dahiya’s ability to hit sixes with ease and play impactful innings in critical moments makes him an exciting prospect for the franchise. Trained under coach Sanjay Bharadwaj, Dahiya is poised to make an impact in the T20 league.

Kartik Sharma - CSK, INR 14.2 Crore

Kartik Sharma, a serial six-hitter from Rajasthan, created a buzz with five franchises vying for his signature. CSK eventually secured him for INR 14.2 crore, identical to Prashant Veer’s price. Known for his ability to dismantle both pace and spin, Sharma’s domestic performances, including impressive six-hitting in the Ranji and Vijay Hazare Trophies, make him a dynamic addition to the team.

Naman Tiwari - LSG, INR 1 Crore

Left-arm pacer Naman Tiwari first came into the spotlight through a pace hunt programme at 16. His rise through age-group cricket and consistent performances, including 19 wickets in the UPT20, earned him a spot with Lucknow Super Giants. Tiwari’s familiarity with IPL environments as a net bowler adds confidence as he steps into senior cricket.

Auqib Nabi - DC, INR 8.40 Crore

Delhi Capitals picked swing bowler Auqib Nabi for INR 8.40 crore, making him the most expensive Indian bowler in the mini auction. With sharp swing and death bowling skills, Nabi has been a standout performer for Jammu & Kashmir in domestic T20s and can contribute with the bat when needed.

Mukul Choudhary - LSG, INR 2.60 Crore

Mukul Choudhary’s journey from a fast bowler to a wicketkeeper-batter highlights his versatility. After a slow start in senior cricket, Choudhary bounced back in the Under-23s with 617 runs at an average of 102.83, emerging as a leading six-hitter. His consistency and adaptability make him a valuable asset for Lucknow Super Giants.

The IPL 2026 mini auction has clearly demonstrated that uncapped players are no longer just prospects—they are emerging stars ready to make their mark on the global stage. With franchises investing heavily in young talent, fans can expect thrilling performances and exciting new match-ups in the upcoming season.

Source

IANS