With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction nearing its date, domestic cricketers across India are making strong performances in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. Every year, the IPL auction gives
new talents a chance to make it big, and 2026 could be the same.
Several players who have impressed with consistent performances in domestic cricket are likely to attract bidders as franchises look to strengthen their Indian core. Teams with limited purse value or looking for budget-friendly Indian options will closely monitor these performances. As the retention deadline nears and trade talks making headlines, the domestic circuit’s finest performers will hope their red-ball brilliance hands them lucrative IPL contracts.
Here are 5 domestic players who impressed in Ranji Trophy and could get IPL 2026 contract
5. Mayank Agarwal
Karnataka skipper Mayank Agarwal has once again increased his IPL prospects after a string of impressive performances in domestic cricket. The opener, who joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mid-season in IPL 2025 as Devdutt Padikkal’s replacement, played an important role in helping the franchise clinch its maiden IPL title.
In four matches, Agarwal scored 95 runs at a strike rate of 148.43, including an unbeaten 41 off 23 balls against Lucknow Super Giants and a crucial 24-run cameo in the final against Punjab Kings. His strong domestic form, including a Ranji Trophy century against Maharashtra and a recent 175 for Yorkshire, has further strengthened his case ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. With teams expected to revamp their top order, the right-hander could be a valuable addition to their batting lineup.
4. Akash Kumar Choudhary
Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary recently grabbed attention after smashing a world record during the Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh in Surat. The 25-year-old all-rounder created history by scoring the fastest fifty in first-class cricket, reaching the feat in just 11 balls, hitting eight consecutive sixes, including six in a single over.
His explosive knock of 50* off 14 balls made him a serious contender for an IPL contract. A specialist fast bowler who also opened the bowling and took wickets in the same match. With such heroics, the Meghalaya star could attract IPL scouts looking for power-hitters who can contribute with both bat and ball.
3. Shreyas Gopal
Bought for INR 30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction, Shreyas Gopal’s stint with Chennai Super Kings didn’t quite hit it off, as the leg-spinner failed to make a single appearance last season. With CSK likely to make a few changes ahead of the 2026 auction, Gopal could find himself on the release list. However, his recent form in domestic cricket has once again grabbed attention.
The Karnataka all-rounder made headlines in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a hat-trick against Baroda and followed it up with a brilliant all-round performance in the Ranji Trophy against Maharashtra, scoring 71 and taking 4/46. Gopal remains one of the most experienced spinners on the domestic circuit. If released, his current form could help him attract bids from franchises looking for an Indian leg-spinner in IPL 2026.
2. Saransh Jain
Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain has come out to be one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket, strengthening his case for an IPL 2026 contract. The all-rounder has already displayed his brilliance in the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Irani Cup, delivering match-winning performances with both bat and ball. His recent heroics in the 2025 Duleep Trophy final, where he took a five-wicket haul and scored a crucial fifty, could lead him to get a buyer in the auction.
With 158 First-Class wickets, along with notable contributions in List A and T20 formats, Jain’s experience makes him a valuable pick for any franchise looking for a dependable spin-bowling all-rounder. In the Ranji Trophy, his 82 not out guides MP to a thrilling win over Goa.
1. Prithvi Shaw
Once seen as the next Sachin Tendulkar, Prithvi Shaw’s career has seen its fair share of ups and downs. After a solid start in international cricket and a few strong IPL seasons with Delhi Capitals, Shaw went unsold in the 2025 auction. However, his recent domestic performances could see him once again enter the league. The star opener smashed 186 runs in a warm-up game ahead of the 2025–26 domestic season and followed it up with consistent starts for Maharashtra.
Known for his explosive batting in the power play, Shaw has a career IPL strike rate of 147.46 and once scored 479 runs in a single season. His ability to dominate bowlers early and change the game’s tempo makes him a valuable asset. If he maintains his current form, franchises looking for an aggressive opener could see Shaw as a solid pick in the IPL 2026 auction.
