As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction approaches on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shifted the focus from established stars to a group of uncapped Indian cricketers who could unexpectedly become big draws for franchises.
With teams constantly searching for balance and strategic depth, Ashwin believes that some relatively unknown players could see their auction values soar and even become crorepatis — earning ₹1 crore or more — despite having modest base prices.
Ashwin discussed these prospects on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, highlighting a few names he thinks have the skills and potential to spark bidding wars. In a competitive auction environment where flexibility and match-winning ability are prized, these uncapped talents could offer significant value. Ashwin’s insights add intrigue to the auction, where franchises might be tempted to pursue lesser-known talents in addition to big marquee players.
Key Wicket-Keeper Batters on the Radar
Ashwin’s primary focus was on two uncapped Indian wicket-keeper batters whom he believes could attract heated interest from teams. The players he singled out were Kartik Sharma and Salil Arora, both of whom bring explosive batting and keeping skills to the table. According to Ashwin, these two could become central figures in bidding battles because teams will not want to miss out on either of them.
Ashwin explained the dynamics by saying, “Bohot mushkil hain. To stick out your neck and say, yeh jayega bohot paiso ke lie. But do playero ke beech mein, I think one will go expensive. One is Kartik Sharma and the other is Salil Arora, jo Punjab ka player hain.” He stressed that franchises could quickly switch targets depending on who gets picked first: “Salil Arora… So, jo bhi team Kartik Sharma ko miss karega na, woh Salil Arora ke peehce bhagega. Or the other way around… they will go behind Kartik Sharma.”
This strategic interplay could significantly raise the auction prices for both players, even if they start with base tags as low as ₹30 lakh, demonstrating how auction psychology can elevate relatively unknown names.
Additional Value Pick and Auction Implications
Beyond the two wicket-keeper batters, Ashwin also pointed to Tushar Raheja, a player from Tamil Nadu, as another uncapped prospect worth watching. While Ashwin didn’t predict exactly how high Raheja’s price might go, he suggested that Raheja’s all-round capabilities could make him an attractive and affordable option for franchises seeking depth in their middle order.
With teams preparing to fill 77 spots in the auction and a substantial pool of domestic talent available, these lesser-known players could disrupt expectations and provide smart buying opportunities. Ashwin’s spotlight on them highlights how uncapped players can influence auction strategies when franchises look beyond big names toward those who can deliver impact performances.
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