Prithvi Shaw, Venkatesh Iyer & Ravi Bishnoi march into SMAT 2025-26 with focus on IPL 2026 auction – InsideSport

The 2025-26 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) commences tomorrow. The Indian domestic T20 tournament holds immense value. It acts as a feeder event for the Indian Premier League (IPL). This time around, it’ll be of even more importance since 100 out of 105 matches in SMAT will be over by the time the mini-auction takes place on December 16.
The IPL franchises will have a better idea about players’ form and ability before bidding on them. Some of the cricketers in focus will be Venkatesh Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep, Rahul Chahar, and Prithvi Shaw. Each will be looking to get something out of SMAT.
Venkatesh, who plays for Madhya Pradesh, hasn’t yet been named captain. In fact, he hasn’t yet led his domestic team. But since regular captain Rajat Patidar is out with an injury, there’s a chance that Venkatesh might be handed the captaincy. If that happens and he does well, Kolkata Knight Riders won’t just bid for him but might name him as their captain for IPL 2026.
But Venkatesh will also look to do well as an all-rounder. Considering there aren’t many star Indian all-rounders, he might be one of the most sought-after players. His form could decide how big a cheque he takes home.
Let the action begin! 🙌#SMAT 2025-26 begins tomorrow! 👏

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Bishnoi, Akash, Chahar, and Shaw will also be in the same position. Barring Shaw, all the others have been released. There are serious concerns over the T20 credentials for Akash, who was paid INR 8.00 crore by Lucknow Super Giants. His IPL record is woeful, and this might be the time to prove everyone wrong.
Bishnoi has lost form in the IPL. He’ll be sought after, since there aren’t many leg spinners of his quality, but the price could very well be decided by his performance for Gujarat. Chahar falls in the same boat as a leggie and would want to play matches in the IPL again after getting benched by the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Shaw, who went unsold last year, will look to return to the IPL. Having switched states, from Mumbai to Maharashtra, the opener has found success in the first leg of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. Shaw has also been named interim captain for SMAT since Ruturaj Gaikwad has earned an India ODI call-up.
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