IPL 2026 Auction Targets: 5 TNPL 2025 Breakout Stars Set For Big Contracts

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Tushar Raheja [Source: @TNPremierLeague/x.com]Tushar Raheja [Source: @TNPremierLeague/x.com]

The Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 has concluded with IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans claiming their maiden title. But the tournament's real winners might turn out to be the breakout stars who have positioned themselves for lucrative IPL 2026 mini auction deals.

Several players have delivered performances that could see them command high prices in the auction ahead of the next edition.

5. Amit Sathvik

A star from the champion Tiruppur Tamizhans' side, opening batter Amit Sathvik scored 340 runs in nine matches. He registered four half-centuries and maintained an average of 48.47 during the tournament.

His ability to provide solid and dynamic stars might allow some IPL teams to bring about flexibility in their team composition. This makes him an attractive option for franchises seeking backup openers who can make significant contributions.

4. Abhishek Tanwar

The experienced Chepauk Super Gillies pacer finished joint-fourth in the wicket-taking charts with 13 scalps in 9 innings.

Tanwar has previously topped the TNPL wicket-taking charts twice (2018 and 2022). His consistent performances across multiple seasons demonstrate his reliability. IPL teams seeking experienced Indian pacers who can bowl in different phases might target him.

3. Esakkimuthu A

The 23-year-old pacer announced himself on the big stage by claiming 14 wickets in eight matches. This was his debut in a professional T20 tournament, and he did not let the opportunity pass him by easily.

Playing for the champions Tiruppur Tamizhans, Esakkimuthu maintained an economy rate of 7.46. He delivered when it mattered the most with impressive figures of 2/27 in the final.

Esakkimuthu's ability to bowl tight lines in the death overs makes him an ideal prospect for IPL teams seeking Indian pace talent.

2. Sonu Yadav

Despite the disappointing campaign of the Nellai Royal Kings, medium pacer Sonu Yadav emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker. He claimed 16 scalps in just seven innings.

The 25-year-old maintained an impressive average of 12.81 and showed remarkable consistency by taking at least one wicket in every game. Additionally, he can also be a handy batter lower down the order, as he has demonstrated in TNPL 2025.

1. Tushar Raheja

The tournament's biggest revelation was the 24-year-old wicket-keeper batter Tushar Raheja. He shattered TNPL records with a staggering 488 runs in just nine innings.

The left-handed opener averaged 61 with a strike rate of 186, hitting 32 sixes throughout the tournament. His match-winning 77 in the final against Dindigul Dragons capped off a phenomenal campaign.

Raheja's ability to open the batting while keeping wickets makes him an ideal choice for franchises seeking Indian talent. His explosive batting style could trigger a bidding war among teams like KKR and CSK.

Conclusion

The IPL 2026 mini auction promises to be a career-defining moment for these TNPL stars. With franchises increasingly prioritising value-for-money Indian talent, players like Raheja and Sony Yadav could command significant price tags.

Their performances in the tournament demonstrated the depth of talent in Tamil Nadu cricket. As IPL teams seek to build balanced squads, these TNPL stars exemplify the ideal blend of proven success and untapped potential.