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From Iyer to Shaw: Indian players who must perform in SMAT to earn lucrative IPL contract

Rajgeeta Yadav

Prithvi Shaw and Venkatesh Iyer [Source: AFP]Prithvi Shaw and Venkatesh Iyer [Source: AFP]

The countdown has begun for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, India’s premier domestic T20 competition, which will be played from November 26 to December 18.

For several cricketers, this tournament is not just about winning matches, it is about reviving careers and earning a lifeline before the IPL 2025 mini-auction on December 16.

Many players who went unsold in the IPL mega auction or were released by their franchises now have a last chance to prove their worth. With strong performances, they can grab attention and trigger bidding wars. Here are four Indian players under the most pressure to deliver.

Prithvi Shaw 

Prithvi Shaw, who will lead Maharashtra, enters SMAT with the biggest point to prove. Once considered one of India’s most explosive young openers, Shaw went unsold in IPL 2025 mega auction after a disappointing season with Delhi Capitals, where he scored 198 runs in 8 innings at an average of 24.75.

Despite this, Shaw’s overall T20 record remains impressive. In 117 innings, he has scored 2902 runs at a strike rate of 151.54, including 1 century and 20 fifties.

Teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, who are searching for a stable and attacking opener, might pick him if he shines. For Shaw, SMAT 2025 could be the perfect opportunity to remind everyone why he deserves a place in the IPL.

Venkatesh Iyer 

Another player under pressure is Venkatesh Iyer. Shockingly, the ₹23.75-crore signing, the most expensive buy in KKR’s history, was released ahead of the mini-auction. The left-hander managed only 142 runs in 7 innings last season, although he kept up a strong strike rate of 139.21.

However, one poor season doesn’t define him. Notably, Iyer has been a dependable run-getter over time with 3038 runs in 119 T20 innings, averaging 35.32, supported by 1 hundred and 17 fifties.

With several IPL teams desperate for a strong middle-order Indian batter, a good SMAT campaign could put him back in the spotlight and even ignite a bidding war.

Akash Deep

The third player needing a strong performance is Akash Deep, the right-arm pacer who was released by Lucknow Super Giants. Bought for ₹8 crore, he had high expectations on his shoulders, but coming back from injury hurt his rhythm.

Notably, he played 6 matches for LSG, taking just 3 wickets, and his economy rate soared to 12.05, which made it tough for the team management to retain him. 

Now, SMAT becomes the perfect stage for him to prove that he still has the skills to trouble batters. His domestic T20 career numbers show potential, with 52 wickets in 48 matches at an economy of 8.20. 

Teams looking for Indian fast bowlers could target him again, but only if he delivers consistently and keeps the runs under control.

Mayank Agarwal

The fourth player in this list is Mayank Agarwal, an experienced opener who was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru after a poor run. 

Notably, Mayank had first gone unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction and then joined RCB later as an injury replacement for ₹1 crore. Unfortunately, he failed to make an impact, scoring only 95 runs in 4 innings, which raises the risk of him going unsold again. 

However, Mayank brings with him a huge amount of experience, having scored 5,012 runs in over 209 T20 innings. 

As the captain of the Karnataka side in SMAT, he will need to lead by example and deliver big starts. Teams searching for stability and maturity at the top of the order might look at him, but only if he performs this season. Otherwise, he might go unsold again.