IPL auction: Auqib Nabi in demand; Proven SMAT 2025 performers who can attract bidders

SMAT performers who can fetch money in IPL auction [Source: @RR_for_LIFE/x.com]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction is just around the corner, as all ten franchises have retained their core players and will look to further strengthen their teams in the mini auction next week. Apart from the big marquee players, the focus will also be on the star performers from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).

All ten franchises will aim to get the best performers from SMAT in their side, and here are 3 proven performers from the ongoing SMAT competition who could attract bidders in the auction.

1) Auqib Nabi Dar

Auqib Nabi has been the talk of the town and has already attracted several franchises before the mini auction. Playing from Jammu and Kashmir, the 29-year-old has been a revelation for his side and has been one of the best performers in the ongoing SMAT.

(Auqib Nabi in SMAT 2025)

• Seven matches played, 15 wickets taken define Nabi’s SMAT journey so far. He is quick, he is accurate and has been a proven performer and could attract bidders in the upcoming mini auction.

Teams that could target Nabi

• There are several teams that need a quality Indian pacer, and Nabi should be on their radar. For the RCB side, there is no certainty on whether Yash Dayal will play or not, and in case he is not there, the team could go after the express Jammu pacer.
• Also, last season, Sandeep Sharma had an underwhelming season for Rajasthan Royals, and the team can also target him in mini auction.

2) Yash Dhull

The former Under-19 cricketer, Yash Dhull is having a great 2025. It started with a brilliant Delhi Premier League (DPL) season where he scored 435 runs in just eight matches, and the trend continued during the ongoing SMAT as well.

In the ongoing SMAT, he has been a consistent performer and the stats tell the story.

(Yash Dhull in SMAT 2025)

• 261 runs in seven matches with a strike rate of 145, Dhull has been a revelation in the SMAT and the teams should go after him in the mini auction.

Teams that could target Dhull

The Delhi Capitals need a solid opening partner for KL Rahul and having played in the DC camp before, Dhull can be a great choice. Also, KKR, too, needs a solid opening batter and the two teams could fight it out for his services.

3) Ashok Sharma

The Rajasthan pacer has set his base price at just 30 lakhs and in the ongoing SMAT, he has clocked speed in excess of 140. Moreover, apart from showcasing his speed, Sharma is also the leading wicket-taker of the tournament and has been a revelation.

(Ashok Sharma in SMAT)

• 19 wickets in just seven matches, and Sharma has attracted a lot of bidders through his brilliant bowling performance. He is quick and teams require an express pacer in their ranks.

Teams that could target 

Being from Rajasthan, the Rajasthan Royals could be the team that can go after him. The franchise lacks a quality Indian seamer in their ranks, and he can compliment Jofra Archer in terms of sheer pace to terrorise the opponent.

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