Published By: Sanchari Das

Left Out, But Not Left Behind! Five Unsold IPL Stars in SMAT Spotlight

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy continues to underline the depth of talent in Indian cricket

The IPL 2025 mega auction saw over 639 crores spent on 184 players. However, over 300 players went unsold and will not feature in the upcoming edition. While the auction dominated headlines, Indian talent was making waves in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), the premier T20 tournament organized by the BCCI. SMAT served as a trial ground for youngsters, showcasing their skills. Despite impressive performances, some players failed to attract franchise attention. Here are five unsold players who are making a mark in SMAT 2024.

Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal’s absence from IPL 2025 shocked cricket fans. Once a franchise captain, he was expected to fetch a significant bid. Despite the snub, Agarwal has been performing well in SMAT. The right-hand batter scored a fifty against Tripura and a 48-run knock against Uttarakhand in his opening match. Over five games, he’s accumulated 133 runs at a strike rate 141.48. His consistency in SMAT underscores his value, leaving many puzzled about his IPL exclusion.

Anmolpreet Singh

Punjab’s Anmolpreet Singh has showcased his batting prowess despite going unsold. Known for his stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, he proved his worth with a fiery 60 off 36 balls against Hyderabad, helping Punjab secure a narrow 7-run win. Anmolpreet has scored 149 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 160.21. A household name in domestic cricket, he was the fifth-highest run-getter in SMAT 2023-24 but struggled to capitalise on limited IPL opportunities. His current form speaks volumes about what IPL teams missed.

Urvil Patel

Gujarat’s Urvil Patel has made headlines with his explosive batting. Recently, he smashed the fastest T20 century by an Indian in SMAT, a 28-ball blitz against Tripura, breaking Rishabh Pant’s record. Patel followed this with another century in 36 balls against Uttarakhand. Over five matches, he’s scored 282 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 229.26. Despite these stellar performances, Patel found no bidders after being released by Gujarat Titans post-2023. His dynamic batting has turned heads, making him a player to watch.

Mohit Jangra

Representing Mizoram, Mohit Jangra has been a revelation. The 25-year-old has scored 252 runs in five matches, including three half-centuries, making him Mizoram’s highest run-scorer. Additionally, he’s the fifth-highest run-getter in the tournament, boasting a strike rate of 157.50 and an average of 126. In a match against Punjab, Jangra smashed an unbeaten 67 off 34 balls and dismissed key batters Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh. Jangra’s all-round abilities highlight his immense potential and make his IPL snub surprising.

Arpit Guleria

Himachal Pradesh’s Arpit Guleria performed in SMAT 2024, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/19) just a day after the IPL auction. Despite going unsold, Guleria showcased his bowling prowess in his first match, picking up six wickets in four games at an impressive average of 7.07. A former Lucknow Super Giants player, his stellar form in domestic cricket reaffirms his capabilities as a match-winner. Guleria’s IPL exclusion appears increasingly unjustified.

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy continues to serve as a platform for emerging and seasoned cricketers to showcase their skills. While Mayank Agarwal, Anmolpreet Singh, Urvil Patel, Mohit Jangra, and Arpit Guleria might have gone unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, their stellar performances in SMAT 2024 prove their potential. These players have made a strong case for themselves, and it’s only a matter of time before they find the recognition they deserve.