With the IPL Auction 2025 just days away, the spotlight is shifting towards a group of uncapped Indian players who have dominated the domestic circuit and could now command big bids. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has thrown up several standout performers, and franchises are already recalibrating their scouting lists. Here are four uncapped players who might become the surprise packages of this year’s IPL Auction.
- Bhanu Pania - Baroda
Baroda’s Bhanu Pania has emerged as one of the most exciting finishers in Indian domestic cricket. In the previous Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season, he smashed 273 runs at a sensational strike rate of 215 while averaging 54.60. His 25 sixes turned heads last year, and he’s continued that form in 2025 with an outrageous average of 112 and a strike rate of 181. With this level of consistency and power-hitting, Pania could attract big attention at the IPL Auction, especially from teams like the Mumbai Indians, given the Baroda connection with Hardik Pandya.
- Ashok Sharma - Rajasthan
Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma has delivered one of the most dominant bowling displays this season. With 19 wickets from seven games, including four matches where he grabbed 3 or more wickets, Ashok is shaping up as one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in the auction pool. Previously picked by KKR in 2022 and Rajasthan at base price in 2025, this could be the year he commands a much bigger purse at the IPL Auction.
- Auqib Nabi Dar - Jammu & Kashmir
J&K all-rounder Auqib Nabi Dar has quietly put together a stellar campaign, taking 15 wickets in seven games at an economy of 7.41. His consistency stands out, he didn’t go wicketless even once this season. With several franchises already inviting him for trials, Nabi is expected to draw serious interest at the IPL Auction 2025.
- Kunal Chandela - Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand captain Kunal Chandela is the leading run-scorer of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this year. With 350 runs in just seven matches at a strike rate of 151, Chandela has shown both stability and acceleration. His ability to double up as a wicketkeeper adds tremendous value. At 31, after years of consistent domestic performances, this could finally be his breakthrough moment at the IPL Auction, possibly earning him his maiden IPL contract.
As the countdown begins, these uncapped stars may just become the biggest steals of the IPL Auction, proving once again that the league’s greatest stories often come from the shadows.
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