Top 5 gamers to be careful for in group stage of SMAT 2025-26 forward of IPL 2026 Auction ft. Venkatesh Iyer

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26 kicked off today, Wednesday, November 26, featuring several players with international experience representing their state/domestic sides. With 38 teams competing, the tournament promises plenty of excitement and offers IPL franchises a chance to scout emerging talent ahead of the 2026 auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

The league matches have started and will run until December 8, giving every player a chance to perform well and potentially secure an IPL contract in the weeks ahead. Several high-profile Indian players will also be in action, aiming to regain form, push for a national recall, and attract attention from IPL teams.

On that note, here are five key players to watch during the group stage of SMAT 2025-26 ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

#1 Prithvi Shaw

The first player to watch in the group stage of SMAT 2025-26 is Prithvi Shaw. With Ruturaj Gaikwad receiving a national call-up for India’s ODI series against South Africa, Shaw has been named the interim captain of Maharashtra. He will aim to lead from the front, revive his career, and attract IPL franchises after going unsold in the 2025 mega auction.

The 26-year-old enters the tournament in excellent form, having scored 470 runs in seven innings in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy so far at an impressive average of 67.14, including three fifties and one century. In T20s, Shaw has played 117 matches, amassing 2,902 runs at an average of 25.01 with a strike rate of 151.54, including 20 fifties and one century.

With the added responsibility of captaincy, Shaw will be looking to perform consistently and showcase his skills as the IPL 2026 auction approaches.

#2 Shivam Mavi

The next player on the list is Uttar Pradesh pacer Shivam Mavi. At 27, Mavi is expected to be in the spotlight during SMAT 2025-26, as only a limited number of pacers who have represented India are likely to feature in the upcoming IPL auction. A strong performance in the domestic T20 tournament could significantly boost his stock.

Earlier this year, Mavi impressed in the UP T20 League 2025, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets in 10 matches. Overall, he has played 61 T20s, claiming 57 wickets at an average of 29.29, a strike rate of 21.3, and an economy rate of 8.22. In addition to his bowling, Mavi can contribute useful lower-order hitting, making him one of the players to watch.

#3 Venkatesh Iyer

Another player to watch in SMAT 2025-26 is Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer. The 30-year-old was recently released by three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Bought by the franchise for a massive INR 23.75 crore, Iyer struggled last season, scoring just 142 runs in seven innings.

With the 2026 IPL auction approaching, Iyer will be aiming to prove his worth and deliver a strong performance in SMAT to get back to his best. He is expected to be a key player for Madhya Pradesh in the absence of Rajat Patidar, who has been ruled out due to injury. Iyer has played 135 T20s, amassing 3,038 runs at an average of 35.32 with a strike rate of 140.71, including 17 fifties and one century.

#4 Ravi Bishnoi

Former World No. 1 T20I bowler Ravi Bishnoi will also be in the spotlight for Gujarat. The 25-year-old had a disappointing IPL 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), taking just nine wickets in 11 matches at an average of 44.55 and an economy of 10.83, and was subsequently released by the franchise ahead of the 2026 auction.

The SMAT 2025-26 offers an excellent opportunity for the leg-spinner to find his rhythm and regain form, with IPL franchises keeping a close eye on him as he aims to push for a return to the national team. Bishnoi has played 42 T20Is for India, claiming 61 wickets at an average of 19.37, a strike rate of 15.8, and an economy of 7.35, with best figures of 4/13.

#5 Rahul Chahar

The final player on the list is Rahul Chahar. The Rajasthan spinner has slipped down the pecking order of Indian spinners and had a limited role in IPL 2025, playing just one game for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) where he bowled a single over before being released by the franchise.

The SMAT 2025-26 offers a valuable platform for Chahar to showcase his skills and match-winning ability as he looks to secure a new IPL team for the 2026 season. He has featured in six T20Is for India, taking seven wickets.

Overall, Chahar has played 131 T20s, claiming 136 wickets at an average of 26.12, a strike rate of 20.7, and an economy of 7.55, with best figures of 5/14.