The anticipation is palpable as the IPL 2026 auction draws near, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. With 1,390 players initially registering, the BCCI has shortlisted 350 players for the auction, including 240 Indians and 110 overseas players. Among them are 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped international recruits.
Franchises will be vying for 77 available slots, with 31 reserved for overseas players. The auction will see players with a reserve price ranging from ₹30 lakh to ₹2 crore, with 40 players falling into the highest reserve price category.
One particular area of interest in the auction will be uncapped Indian wicket-keeper batters. Here, we take a closer look at five such players to watch out for in the IPL 2026 auction:
### 1. Ricky Bhui
Ricky Bhui, the Andhra Pradesh wicket-keeper batter, is the first player on our list. With a base price of ₹30 lakh, the 29-year-old has been showcasing decent form in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Bhui has the experience of playing in four IPL matches but will be looking to make a bigger impact if given the opportunity this season.
### 2. Tushar Raheja
Tamil Nadu cricketer Tushar Raheja, aged 25, is the next player to watch. With a base price of ₹30 lakh, Raheja has been a standout performer in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, showcasing his clean hitting and powerful strokeplay. Despite a relatively quiet Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, Raheja’s potential is undeniable.
### 3. Kartik Sharma
At just 19 years old, Rajasthan wicket-keeper batter Kartik Sharma is another promising talent to keep an eye on. With a reputation for clean and powerful hitting, Sharma has already garnered attention by training with Chennai Super Kings during IPL 2025. His potential for long-term success makes him an exciting prospect for IPL franchises.
### 4. Ravi Singh
Ravi Singh, the 24-year-old Railways wicket-keeper batter, has been steadily making a mark in domestic cricket. His consistent performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, coupled with his ability to score quickly, make him a valuable asset for teams in the auction.
### 5. Yashvardhan Dalal
Haryana’s Yashvardhan Dalal, aged 20, has been in scintillating form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing runs with remarkable consistency. With four fifties to his name in the tournament, Dalal’s ability to deliver match-winning performances makes him a player to watch in the auction.
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, these uncapped Indian wicket-keeper batters are set to attract attention from franchises looking to bolster their squads with promising talent. With their skills and potential on display, it will be interesting to see how these players fare in the upcoming season.
