The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 has been a breeding ground for talent, with several players putting in impressive performances that are sure to catch the eyes of IPL franchises. As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches on December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, teams will be looking to scout emerging talents and fill the 77 available slots. Among the many players who have shone, Karan Lal stands out as a potential trigger for a bidding war.
Karan Lal, a Bengal all-rounder, has grabbed attention with his explosive batting in the tournament. KKR had been closely monitoring Lal's performance, and he responded by smashing a 43-ball century against Himachal Pradesh. His innings of 113 runs off 50 balls included 10 sixes and eight boundaries, helping Bengal chase down a target of 212. This was not a one-off performance, as Lal has consistently delivered impactful innings. In four matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, he has hit 15 sixes, placing him among the top six hitters in the tournament. Last year, he scored 338 runs at a strike rate of 161.72, hitting 18 sixes.
Lal's success can be attributed to opening the batting, which allows him to play freely. He was called for KKR trials in Mumbai in mid-November, where he impressed with a 52 off 23 balls. In a recent match against Pondicherry, while Bengal's batting crumbled, Lal stood out with 40 runs.
Besides Lal, several other players have made a strong case for themselves. Abhimanyu Easwaran, the Bengal captain, has also displayed excellent form, sending a strong message to IPL franchises. In six matches, Easwaran has scored 255 runs, including a century and a half-century, with a strike rate exceeding 150. His 58 against Services was crucial in a chase, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable top-order batsman.
Sarfaraz Khan, known for his red-ball cricket, announced his T20 return with a 47-ball century in a match against Assam. This performance has put him back in the spotlight for the IPL auction.
Ayush Mhatre from Mumbai has showcased consistency, amassing over 230 runs with a blend of caution and aggression. Kunal Chandela from Uttarakhand has provided stability to his team's top order, demonstrating adaptability to either anchor the innings or accelerate as needed. Ishan Kishan's return to domestic T20 cricket has been marked by aggressive starts and controlled tempo management, making him a valuable prospect for IPL teams.
Several other players are also in contention for triggering bidding wars. Prithvi Shaw has been in excellent form, scoring 470 runs in seven Ranji Trophy innings. Venkatesh Iyer, released by KKR, will be looking to revive his IPL career. Auqib Nabi, a pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, has impressed with his ability to swing the new ball. Ashok Sharma, the leading wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, could also be a surprise pick.
The IPL 2026 mini-auction promises intense bidding and significant squad reshuffles, with 1,355 players registered for just 77 slots. Teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with a substantial purse of ₹43.40 crore, will be aiming to bolster their squads. They might target players like Matheesha Pathirana, whom they released but could seek to regain in a bidding war. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with the highest purse of ₹64.30 crore, will also be key players in the auction.
