Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Syed Mushtaq Ali 2025 Kicked off on November 26, featuring several players with international experience representing their state/domestic sides. With 38 teams competing, the tournament promises plenty of excitement and offers IPL franchises a chance to scout emerging talent ahead of the 2026 auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. There have been plenty of good performances so far and on that note, here are five key players to watch during the group stage of SMAT 2025-26 ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
- Prithvi Shaw
The 26-year-old enters the tournament in excellent form, having scored 470 runs in seven innings in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy so far at an impressive average of 67.14, including three fifties and one century. In T20s, Shaw has played 117 matches, amassing 2,902 runs at an average of 25.01 with a strike rate of 151.54, including 20 fifties and one century. He has scored 151 runs in five matches in the ongoing SMAT and can be a good option for many teams.
- Venkatesh Iyer
The 30-year-old was recently released by three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Bought by the franchise for a massive INR 23.75 crore, Iyer struggled last season, scoring just 142 runs in seven innings.Iyer has played 135 T20s, amassing 3,038 runs at an average of 35.32 with a strike rate of 140.71, including 17 fifties and one century. Venkatesh Iyer will be a hot pick in this upcoming auction
- Auqib Nabi
The Jammu and Kashmir pacer has been impressive in the domestic circuit and has earned praises from plenty of fans. He can swing the new ball and bowls with a good pace. He has picked up 12 wickets in six matches in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
- Ravi Bishnoi
25-year-old had a disappointing IPL 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), taking just nine wickets in 11 matches at an average of 44.55 and an economy of 10.83, and was subsequently released by the franchise ahead of the 2026 auction. He will be on demand in this mini auction.
- Ashok Sharma
The Rajasthan paced is currently the leading wicket taker in SMAT 2025 with 16 wickets in eight matches. He can also play a few shots lower down the order and has already done trails with KKR last season. Ashok Sharma could be a surprise pick given his consistent performances so far.
