IPL 2026 Mini Auction: Kerala Players to Watch Out For
As IPL 2026 mini auction nears, several Kerala cricketers including Imran, Scaria and Kunnummal emerge as strong prospects for franchises.
Kerala players like Ahammed Imran, Akhil Scaria and Vignesh Puthur gear up to attract bids at the IPL 2026 mini auction.
With the date of the IPL 2026 mini auction set, the view of Kerala's taking over Indian cricket is coming very clear. Southern state's tourney of skilful players has made it to the auction leading the franchises to invest in domestic performers who have proven their strength and mix of young talents.
The occurence from Kerala shows the variety and the depth—consistent top-order batsmen, creative spinners, and also the thousand in one sort of all-rounders who can take care of every department equally well. While some of the names are very much familiar and have had their appearances in the auction after previous IPL stints, multiple new faces are also looking for a breakthrough on the large platform.
Kerala Players to Keep an Eye On
Vignesh Puthur
The left-arm unorthodox spinner stole the limelight in his IPL debut with the Mumbai Indians in the year 2025, taking three wickets in a single match, but he suffered a season-ending injury afterwards. MI released Puthur, who will want to redo his IPL journey, most likely through a different team this time.
Rohan Kunnummal
Kunnummal, a great top-order batsman from Kerala, has proved his consistency and thus high run production in both the domestic and KCL cricket. His leadership among the Calicut Globstars in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) caught more eyes and raised his auctionability.
Jikku Bright
The previous season saw Jikku Bright take on the role of net bowler for the Mumbai Indians, but he is now fully part of the auction pool. The fortunate event of the talented boy getting a shot in the IPL, not this year at least, may happen with a little luck, though.
Akhil Scaria
Akhil has been the KCL's MVP, being the top wicket-taker for two seasons. The left-arm medium pacer, who is also a decent batsman, hit the milestone of 50 KCL wickets in 2025, giving him an edge as an all-rounder.
Abdul Bazith
The off-spinning all-rounder comes with a bit of an IPL background since previously he was with Rajasthan Royals. His power hitting combined with his bowling skill make him a valuable and flexible player for any team.
Ahammed Imran
Imran, the brightest of Kerala young stars, led the state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at the age of only 19. Besides, he was one of the KCL top scorers for Thrissur Titans and the general opinion is that he will soon be playing in the IPL.
Salman Nizar
Nizar, a left-handed batter famous for his ability to hit sixes, was given a trial with the Chennai Super Kings last year. If he can become consistent, his power-hitting might turn him into a very good batting partner for those teams who are after firepower in the middle-order.
Other Kerala Prospects
Moreover, the auction list of Kerala is not only consisting of the leading players but also includes young all-rounder Edhen Apple Tom (20) and also the experienced bowlers KM Asif and Mohammed Sharafuddeen who could get drafted as value picks.
IPL 2026 Mini Auction: Complete List of Kerala Players
Ahammed Imran, Akhil Scaria, Salman Nizar, Rohan Kunnummal, Vignesh Puthur, Jikku Bright, Abdul Bazith, Edhen Apple Tom, KM Asif, Mohammed Sharafuddeen, Srihari Nair.
