The IPL Auction 2026 turned out to be a blockbuster event as franchises surprised everyone by investing heavily in uncapped Indian players. Young domestic stars grabbed the spotlight with their consistent performances across tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and state T20 leagues.
Here’s a detailed look at the uncapped players who became the biggest talking point of the IPL 2026 Auction:
Prashant Veer – Uttar Pradesh | Left-arm All-rounder
Prashant Veer is a promising left-arm all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh who has impressed with both bat and ball in domestic cricket. He played a key role for UP in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, showcasing explosive batting and disciplined bowling.
- UP T20 League strike rate: 150
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy strike rate: 166
Impressed by his all-round abilities, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed Prashant Veer as a long-term option and potential replacement for Ravindra Jadeja.
Kartik Sharma – Rajasthan | Wicketkeeper-Batsman
One of the costliest uncapped buys of the auction, Kartik Sharma was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for ₹14.40 crore. The Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batsman has delivered consistently across formats.
- Vijay Hazare Trophy: 443 runs at a strike rate of 120
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: 350 runs at a strike rate of 162
Kartik’s aggressive batting and reliable wicketkeeping make him a strong future asset in the IPL.
Auqib Nabi – Jammu & Kashmir | Fast Bowler
Auqib Nabi emerged as one of the most lethal fast bowlers in domestic cricket. Representing Jammu & Kashmir, he has dominated batters with pace, swing, and accuracy.
- Ranji Trophy (current season): 29 wickets at an average of 13
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: 15 wickets
His ability to swing the new ball both ways earned him a ₹8.20 crore deal from Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 Auction.
Mangesh Yadav – Madhya Pradesh | Left-arm Fast-Bowling All-rounder
Mangesh Yadav is a talented left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder representing Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket. Known for his control with the ball and handy contributions with the bat, he impressed scouts throughout the season.
Recognizing his potential, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured his services for ₹5.20 crore.
Ashok Sharma – Rajasthan | Fast Bowler
Ashok Sharma has been one of the standout performers in domestic cricket this year. The Rajasthan fast bowler grabbed headlines with his wicket-taking ability in pressure situations.
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy wickets: 20
On the back of this sensational form, Gujarat Titans signed Ashok Sharma for ₹90 lakh, making him a valuable addition to their bowling attack.
IPL Auction 2026: Focus on India’s Future Stars
The IPL Auction 2026 clearly highlighted a strategic shift, with franchises focusing on young Indian talent rather than relying solely on established international stars. These uncapped players are not just squad additions but potential match-winners for the future of the IPL.