IPL 2021 Auction: 5 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 performers who can earn big

While India did conclude its first domestic tournament (SMAT) since the start of the pandemic, the fans are now pretty excited for the upcoming IPL auction being held on February 18. A majority of the teams would be eyeing to fill their voids along with some backups. So yes one can expect some interesting buys happening at the auction table. Now with the uncapped players exhibiting some vigorous performances in the SMAT, the scouting personnel would have definitely added them in their radar. Hence let’s check out top 5 players from SMAT who can earn big in the upcoming auction.

5. Kedar Devdhar

Captain leading from the front! ??

Baroda skipper Kedar Devdhar brings up his fifty in the #SF2 of the #SyedMushtaqAliT20. ??#PUNvBDA

Follow the match ? https://t.co/i4nZz3tPqC pic.twitter.com/2Q20IvVGcy

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) January 29, 2021

Being the second-highest scorer of SMAT, not only did he lead his side (Baroda) to the finals, but also played a pivotal role at the top for his team. The 31-year old scored 349 runs from eight matches at an impressive average of 69.80. He fetched his best knock against Maharashtra by scoring an unbeaten 99 from 71 deliveries. Devdhar has also played an IPL game for Deccan Chargers but went unsold in the 2020 IPL auctions. But with runs in his pocket now, some teams might look to fetch him as a backup opener.

4. Shah Rukh Khan

A hard-hitting lower-order batsman who can play some impressive cameos with his action-packed batting has been SMAT’s best batsman in terms of the strike rate (220). Although he just scored 88 runs from his four innings, what was prolific was his ability to perform in crucial situations. His best innings in the tournament came against Himachal Pradesh where he scored an unbeaten 40 off 19 deliveries in the quarter-finals. His proposition of being a hard-hitting batsman might attract a lot of franchisees who will be willing to use him as a game-changer.

3. Avi Barot

While representing Saurashtra, the 28-year-old wicket-keeper batsman had a stunning SMAT season. Regardless of only playing five innings, Barot still remained the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament. Out of his five innings, a total of 283 runs were amassed from his bat including a 92 and a top class 122 from 53 deliveries. Apart from his runs what really stands out is his impressive strike rate of 184.97. A proposition of being an aggressive batsman who can bat anywhere in the top seven along with his wicket-keeping ability might zing some teams to add him in their squad.

2. Sheldon Jackson

Although Sheldon has been picked in the IPL before, the 34-year old is still trying to make his case for a potential IPL contract. By using his experience, the right-handed batsman did amass a total of 242 runs from five innings. In addition to that, he smashed a magnificent unbeaten hundred (106* from 50 balls) which helped his side to chase a record total of 227 in the SMAT. His wicket-keeping skills along with a realm of experience might captivate some IPL teams especially those who lack the local batters.

1. Mohammed Azharuddeen

? in 37 balls! ??

Sensational stuff this is from Mohammed Azharuddeen. ??

What a knock this has been from the Kerala opener! ?? #KERvMUM #SyedMushtaqAliT20

Follow the match ? https://t.co/V6H1Yp60Vs pic.twitter.com/Nrh88uOOFU

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) January 13, 2021

This 26-year-old prospect did dazzle everyone when he smashed a gripping 54 balls 137 against Mumbai in the SMAT. The right-hander since then has been termed as one of the budding prospects who could raise an exciting IPL offer for himself. In the SMAT, Azharuddeen notched a total of 214 runs from his five innings. In addition to that, he carried a healthy average of over 53 alongside an exuberant strike rate of 194. His explosive package can propel teams to have him in their camps.