The anticipation is building for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, where team strategies will be built, and fortunes will be made. As is often the case, uncapped stars are likely to remain a key focus. They generally fall into a limited price category and possess immense skill, with the majority standing on the edge of making their international debuts for their respective countries. Franchises will keenly compete for these high-potential players, eager to secure versatile and future-proof talent. Here are some uncapped stars, all with a base price of INR 30 lakh, who are expected to trigger intense bidding wars.
5 uncapped players who can trigger a bidding war in IPL 2026 auction
1) Tanush Kotian (India) – Off-spin all-rounder
Known as one of India’s premier domestic off-spinning all-rounders, Tanush Kotian is riding a phenomenal wave of recent form. His exceptional performance in the 2023-24 domestic season earned him the prestigious ‘Player of the Tournament’ award after his crucial centuries and wicket-taking ability led Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title. This proven capability under pressure, combined with his rare skillset, makes him a highly coveted asset.
His maiden call-up to the Indian national team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series in Australia in late 2024 (as a replacement for the retired Ravichandran Ashwin), despite not yet making his debut, underscores the high potential for future growth that franchises will be eager to invest in.
2) Atharva Ankolekar (India) – Left-arm spin all-rounder
A promising young left-arm orthodox spin-bowling all-rounder, Atharva Ankolekar is highly valuable due to the need for quality Indian players who can balance a squad. His potential is highlighted by his past success as the highest wicket-taker in the U-19 Asia Cup and his vital all-round contributions to Mumbai’s 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win.
Demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, Ankolekar’s demand is palpable, as evidenced by his status as the most expensive player in the T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction. He offers an attractive, versatile, and high-potential option for franchises seeking a top-tier Indian spin option who can also contribute with the bat.
3) Traveen Mathew (Sri Lanka) – Overseas off-spin all-rounder
Traveen Mathew represents a rare and high-potential prospect as a young, internationally experienced off-spin bowling all-rounder from Sri Lanka. His strong performance in the 2025 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, including a key three-wicket haul against the Pakistan Shaheens, signals his potential for success in competitive T20 formats.
Backed by List A career statistics showing an impressive 29 wickets at an average of 18.48, and having already featured in leagues like the ILT20, franchises view him as a strategically valuable overseas player. He offers flexibility in team composition and, with 15 wickets in 15 T20s, has the potential to become a surprise package in the tournament.
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4) Sunny Sandhu (India) – Fast-bowling all-rounder
Sunny Sandhu is a promising young right-arm medium-fast bowling all-rounder—a prized asset for any T20 squad due to the essential requirement for Indian pace-bowling all-rounders. His potential as an explosive finisher was vividly demonstrated in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26, where he scored a game-changing 30 runs off just 9 balls for Tamil Nadu, showcasing exceptional power-hitting ability under pressure.
This is combined with his knack for taking key wickets and high performance in U-23 state tournaments. The young player even received a viral social media endorsement from veteran Indian spin legend Ashwin, making him one of the most exciting, high-potential Indian players in the pool.
5) Delano Potgieter (South Africa) – Overseas power-hitter & pacer
Delano Potgieter is a strong contender to trigger a bidding war, thanks to his exceptional all-round abilities and recent match-winning performances in top T20 leagues like the SA20. As a left-handed power-hitter who can bat flexibly in the top order and a right-arm medium pacer known for taking crucial wickets and maintaining a low economy rate, he offers a rare and valuable skillset that provides immense team balance.
His significant performance in the 2025 SA20 season, including a spectacular five-wicket haul of 5/10 and quick-fire runs, has already made him a sought-after talent. Furthermore, his uncapped status in the IPL allows teams to acquire him at an attractive base price without consuming a valuable overseas slot, greatly increasing his demand.
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