As the IPL 2026 auction approaches on 16 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi, franchises are poring over a long list of uncapped talent, searching for hidden match-winners ready to thrive on cricket’s biggest T20 stage. With 359 players shortlisted, including a significant crop of uncapped Indians, this auction could turn the careers of several domestic stars into overnight sensations. Sources tracking the auction highlight a mix of fast bowlers, all-rounders, and dynamic batters who could trigger bidding wars despite not yet having played international cricket.
Below are five uncapped players who have caught the attention of IPL scouts and analysts alike.
Ashok Sharma
Ashok Sharma enters the IPL 2026 auction buzz with momentum on his side. The 23-year-old fast bowler from Rajasthan has been one of the standout performers in the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, topping the wicket-taking charts with impressive figures that include multiple four-wicket hauls. His raw pace—regularly around the 140 km/h mark—paired with the knack for striking in crucial moments, has turned heads in the domestic circuit.
Sharma’s wicket-taking ability has been a key ingredient in Rajasthan’s competitive performances, but what makes him intriguing for IPL teams is his consistency across matches and phases of the game. In tightly contested T20 matches, bowlers who can hold their nerve and exploit pressure situations are at a premium, and Ashok’s SMAT showing suggests he could translate that composure to the IPL stage. Franchises with gaps in their Indian fast-bowling depth—especially those seeking attack bowlers who can bowl at both ends—will view him as a compelling uncapped prospect.
Given his youth and upward trajectory, Ashok could be one of the uncapped players to see significant bidding interest even at a base price of ₹30 lakh, making him a pivotal name to watch on auction day.
Also Read: RCB Target SMAT Pacer At IPL 2026 Auction As Yash Dayal Uncertainty Continues
Auqib Nabi
From the picturesque valleys of Jammu & Kashmir, Auqib Nabi Dar brings a unique blend of experience and consistency to the table. A right-arm medium pacer who also contributes useful lower-order runs, Nabi has built a reputation as a reliable performer across formats. In the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, he ranked among the leading wicket-takers, showcasing his ability to swing the ball and extract movement in Indian conditions.
At 29, Nabi offers a maturity that differentiates him from many younger uncapped bowlers. His experience in red-ball and white-ball cricket gives franchises confidence that his skills aren’t confined to one format. With 15 wickets in just seven SMAT matches in this season and a strong first-class track record behind him, he is shaping up as one of the most sought-after uncapped fast bowlers in the auction.
IPL teams often look for Indian pacers who can bowl their full allotment, especially with constraints on overseas player quotas. Nabi’s blend of control, pace, and battle-tested experience could see multiple franchises engage in a competitive bidding scenario.
Prashant Veer
One of the most intriguing all-round prospects in the uncapped pool is Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old right-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler from Uttar Pradesh. Veer’s performance in the SMAT and other domestic competitions has delivered glimpses of his explosive batting alongside effective spin bowling, making him a rare two-skill package at his age.
In a standout performance for UP in the SMAT, Veer was instrumental with both bat and ball in a dominant win, earning the Player of the Match award thanks to an unbeaten 37 and key wickets with his left-arm spin. His versatility gives franchises flexibility: he can stabilize in the lower order, hit big in the slog overs, and bowl crucial middle-over spells.
All-rounders, especially Indian ones, are prized assets in the IPL, as they help with squad balance and allow teams to play an extra specialist if needed. Veer’s dual threat profile could ignite a bidding war, particularly among teams seeking clutch performers who can contribute in multiple departments.
Also Read: Why KKR Target Cameron Green Could Be A Shock CSK Buy At IPL 2026 Auction
Kartik Sharma
At just 19 years old, Kartik Sharma represents one of the most exciting young talents in the IPL 2026 uncapped cohort. A wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, he has shown composure and striking ability in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches, with quickfire cameos that caught the eye of scouts.
His batting statistics include a strike rate north of 160 in T20 outings, and while his match exposure is limited compared to seasoned domestic stars, his natural attacking instincts make him a candidate for franchises looking for dynamic batting depth and backup keeping options. In a tournament where the ability to switch gears rapidly is essential, a young, explosive wicketkeeper-batter with an aggressive game can be a treasure—particularly at a modest base price.
Several IPL teams reportedly invited Kartik to recent trials, indicating early interest that could transform into competitive bidding on auction day if he continues to impress in pre-auction events.
Vignesh Puthur
Breaking the traditional uncapped narrative, Vignesh Puthur is a rare case of a player who already made his IPL debut in IPL 2025 but enters the 2026 auction as an uncapped prospect since he has not yet represented India. The left-arm wrist spinner from Kerala gained attention for his performances for Mumbai Indians, where he bowled in several matches and demonstrated the kind of mystery spin that troubles even top international batters.
Left-arm wrist spin is a relatively scarce commodity in the IPL, and Puthur’s ability to extract spin and deceive batsmen on turning surfaces gives him a unique niche. Many analysts note that franchises are keen to bolster their spin departments, and having a wrist spinner with proven IPL experience can be a significant tactical advantage in subcontinental conditions.
Though Mumbai Indians released him ahead of this mini-auction, his prior exposure and the potential for development could spark interest across teams willing to invest in a spinner who already knows the pressures of the IPL stage. Early scouting reports have linked him with multiple bids as franchises seek to add variety to their bowling attacks.
