The IPL 2025 mega auction is over; however, players from the SMAT 2024 could get contracts from franchises left with significant sums in their purse. Few players from SMAT 2024 could feature in the IPL next season. Let’s check out how this is possible and top players likely to play for IPL franchises in 2025.
1. R Smaran
Team at SMAT 2024: Karnataka
Orientation: Left-handed
Role: Middle-order batsman
Smaran’s first SMAT season already has him the spotlight. The 21-year-old looks set to become a big-game player in future seasons with his high strike rate (170) and intense batting performances throughout SMAT 2024. His 6 sixes vs Gujarat will attract IPL teams to his immense talent ahead of their potential search for a replacement batter.
2. Abid Mushtaq
Team at SMAT 2024: Jammu & Kashmir
Orientation: Left-handed
Role: Middle-over spinner
Mushtaq didn’t get any game time while at Rajasthan Royals during IPL 2024. However, the skilled cricketer secured 12 wickets for Jammu & Kashmir at SMAT 2024 with a 7.8 economy rate.
3. Mohit Ahlawat
Team at SMAT 2024: Services
Orientation: Right-handed
Role: Wicketkeeper and middle-order batsman
SMAT 2024 was the opportunity Mohit needed to establish his image as a consistent wicketkeeper-batter. He managed a range of over 35 scores across 6 innings consecutively for Services at SMAT 2024. IPL franchises would want to get their hands on a reliable player if the opportunity arises before IPL 2025.
4. Bhanu Pania
Team at SMAT 2024: Baroda
Orientation: Right-handed
Role: Middle-order batsman
Pania combined with Shivalik to deliver fans the SMAT 2024 experience they desired. Both players were in their big-hitting form throughout this tournament. He is set to be on the cards for many IPL franchises ahead of next season if they seek a replacement player.
5. Shivalik Sharma
Team at SMAT 2024: Baroda
Orientation: Left-handed
Role: Middle-order batsman
Baroda’s semifinal berth at SMAT 2024 would have been difficult to achieve without Shivalik Sharma. The skilled player managed an impressive haul of 16 sixes at SMAT 2024 for Baroda. He combined nicely with teammates to deliver several electrifying performances, and would be a likely replacement player for scouting IPL sides.
6. Atharva Ankolekar
Team at SMAT 2024: Mumbai
Orientation: Left-handed
Role: All-rounder
Ankolekar was part of the 2020 U-19 World Cup side that returned triumphant. However, his career in the IPL has not taken off yet after several attempts to break into India’s premier cricket league. He played in three SMAT 2024 matches and managed 4 wickets (6.3 economy rate) throughout his appearances. However, IPL franchises will fancy his overall offering over basic performance stats.
Ankolekar can play as a lower-order batsman, as evident in his 16 runs off 6 balls during the SMAT 2024 final. The skilled players could be on the radar of IPL franchises if they seek a replacement player ahead of 2025.
7. Urvil Patel
Team at SMAT 2024: Gujarat
Orientation: Right-handed
Role: Opening batsman and wicketkeeper
Patel went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction after featuring for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2023. The player did not take part in IPL 2024 but made a statement with his SMAT 2024 performance. Patel hit the competition’s second-fastest century and got another ton vs Uttarakhand in the competition.
He also managed an electrifying cameo performance vs Karnataka by slamming 33 runs from 14 balls.
Is The Timing of SMAT 2024 Fair to Players Who Deserve IPL Contracts?
SMAT 2024 began during the IPL 2025 mega auction and continued for several days without many players receiving professional contracts from franchises.
Top players like Chandigarh pacer Jagjit Singh didn’t get any IPL contract after finishing as the SMAT 2024 highest wicket-taker.
Players who ended up getting IPL contracts during SMAT 2024 are grossly underpriced. For example, Madhya Pradesh spin bowler Kumar Kartikeya secured 17 wickets for his team. He could only sign a ₹ 30 lakh deal with the Rajasthan Royals after several electrifying performances during SMAT 2024.
BONUS: Shreyas Iyer Hails Fans at Chinnaswamy During SMAT 2024 Final
Team India cricketer and IPL star Shreyas Iyer heaped praise on the crowd present during the SMAT 2024 final. Iyer was blown away by the show of fanfare and electrifying support for participating teams. He spoke after Mumbai clinched their second SMAT title after a hard-fought final encounter vs Madhya Pradesh:
“Whenever we play at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the crowds are electrifying. The way they came in huge numbers today — it was out of this world. I was not expecting it. I initially saw one stand fully packed at the start of the match. But later on, once the match picked up pace, the numbers increased, and it went bonkers. We know how much the people of Bengaluru love their RCB players, but I’m happy that they supported us as well,” Iyer said.
