IPL 2026 mini auction: Indian uncapped spinners who could spark bidding wars

Sakshi Sharma

Kumar Kartikeya in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)Kumar Kartikeya in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)

As the countdown begins for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, franchises will once again turn their attention to India’s domestic circuit. Every year, few uncapped Indian players emerge as hot properties, and this time, spinners are firmly in the spotlight. 

With teams looking to build sustainable squads, young Indian spinners who can deliver under pressure are expected to attract serious interest.

Ahead of the 2026 auction, several franchises have already begun tracking domestic performers through trials and recent tournaments. So, having said this, in this article, let's take a look at the five uncapped spinners that can attract high bids.

Tanush Kotian

Tanush Kotian has firmly established himself as one of the most reliable players in Indian domestic cricket. His standout performances in the 2023–24 season, where he played a key role in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy win. 

His growing stature was further underlined when he received his maiden India call-up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test series in Australia in 2024. However, he is yet to make his international debut.

Taking a look at his overall stats in T20, Kotian’s numbers also make a strong case. He has played 36 matches and bagged 33 wickets at an economy rate of 6.65. In FC format, he has played 43 matches and taken 129 wickets at an economy rate of 3.41. 

In Ranji Trophy 2025-26, playing for Mumbai, Kotian played four innings and scalped seven wickets at an economy rate of 4.33.

Teams that can target Tanush Kotian in IPL 2026

  • CSK: The 'Yellow Army' values finger spinners who can bowl in the powerplay and maintain control. Kotian might fit their philosophy perfectly, offering accuracy, discipline, and tactical awareness.
  • RCB: Last year's IPL winners, there was a slight concern last season, which was the lack of consistent wicket-takers in the middle overs. While players like Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have contributed, Kotian could add depth and reliability to the spin department.

Atharva Ankolekar

Criterion
Data
Matches
23
Wickets
19
Economy
6.62

(Atharva Ankolekar T20 stats)

Atharva Ankolekar has quietly built a strong reputation as a promising left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder. He was the most expensive player in the T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction. In that tournament, Ankolekar played six innings and took five wickets at an economy rate of 7.40. With the bat, he made 123 runs at the strike rate of 135.16.

Ankolekar's dual skillset, effective spin bowling combined with useful lower-order batting, will make him a hot pick in the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction. In SMAT 2025, playing for Mumbai in 8 innings, he has taken nine wickets at an economy rate of 7.91. 

Teams that can target Atharva Ankolekar in IPL 2026

  • SRH: After releasing Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar ahead of IPL 2026, SRH will want to sign a reliable Indian spinner who can control and strike in the middle overs. Ankolekar fits this requirement well and could become a long-term solution for SRH.
  • MI: With one of the smallest purses heading into the auction, MI will have to focus on smart signings. Given Ankolekar’s Mumbai roots and steady rise, he could be a realistic and strategic target for the five-time champions.

Kumar Kartikeya

Criterion
Data
Matches
52
Wickets
55
Economy
7.05

(Kumar Kartikeya T20 stats)

Kumar Kartikeya brings variety to the table with his left-arm spin. As an uncapped Indian spinner, he represents a cost-effective option for franchises aiming to strengthen their domestic core without overspending.

In SMAT T20 2025, Kartikeya has played seven innings and scalped four wickets at an economy rate of 5.50. In Ranji Trophy 2025-26, the MP star has played eight innings and taken 21 wickets at an economy rate of 2.66.

It is vital to mention that Kumar Kartikeya has played in IPL before; last season, he was part of the Rajasthan Royals. Overall in IPL, he has taken 12 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 8.65.

Teams that can target Kumar Kartikeya

  • RCB: The franchise is expected to remain in the market for Indian spinners, and Kartikeya’s profile suits their need for depth and variation. His inclusion could help them manage match-ups more effectively, especially on slower pitches.

Praveen Dubey

It is important to note that, ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the Punjab Kings released Pravin Dubey. In IPL 2025, he just featured in one match for the Punjab-based franchise. In SMAT 2025, playing for Karnataka, he has featured in 6 innings and taken eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.35.

Teams that can target Praveen Dubey in IPL 2026

  • SRH: With a renewed focus on strengthening their spin attack, SRH could look at Dubey as a ready-made domestic option.
  • CSK: The five-time champions are reportedly keen on adding a dependable Indian spinner following the recent release of Ravindra Jadeja. CSK can use Pravin Dubey's talent and add an extra spin option for the upcoming season.