The spotlight of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mini-auction shifts to Abu Dhabi this Tuesday, with a keen focus on the contingent of thirteen players hailing from Uttar Pradesh. All ten franchises will gather with their purses, aiming to secure fresh talent for long-term stability, and the hopes of these domestic stars rest on their recent performances.
Uttar Pradesh's Contingent Awaits Big Break
The list of thirteen players from UP includes some familiar names and exciting newcomers. The cricketers going under the hammer are: Shivam Mavi, Prashant Veer, Naman Tiwari, Kartik Tyagi, Vijay Kumar, Swastik Chikara, Adarsh Singh, Sunil Kumar, Vishal Nishad, Siddharth Yadav, Aaqib Khan, Akshu Bajwa, and Shiva Singh. Among them, the likes of Mavi, Veer, Tyagi, Adarsh Singh, and Tiwari are predicted to generate significant interest based on their domestic exploits.
Key Players and Their Recent Form
Shivam Mavi, the Indian pacer, is eyeing a strong comeback to the IPL and a potential return to national contention. His last two years were marred by injury, including a setback while playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) early in IPL 2024. Despite recovering and training with LSG, he didn't get a game. However, he has since showcased form in the UPT20 league and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026.
All-rounder Prashant Veer turned heads with a stellar UPT20 league, scoring 320 runs and taking eight wickets in 10 matches. He followed this with 9 wickets in 7 matches at an economy of 6.5 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. Speaking to TOI, Veer remained philosophical: "I always do my best which is the only thing that is in my hand. Let's see what destiny has in store for me."
Left-handed batter Adarsh Singh emerged as a powerful hitter, recording the most sixes in a single UPT20 innings. He amassed 352 runs in 10 matches at an average of 50.29 and a strike rate of 156.44. His red-ball prowess was also on display when he smashed a rapid double century for UP against Mumbai in the Men's U23 state ‘A' elite quarter-final, ending with 350 runs in seven matches.
Pacer Naman Tiwari was the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the UPT20 league, claiming 19 scalps in 10 matches. He continued his form by taking six wickets in two matches at the CK Nayudu Trophy. Tiwari revealed he has given trials to different franchises, stating, "Let us see how things turn out for me on Tuesday."
What Lies Ahead for UP Talent?
The mini-auction represents a critical juncture for these players. Franchises are increasingly looking towards robust domestic performers to build their cores, and the impressive statistics from recent tournaments put these UP cricketers in a strong position. While the auction dynamics are unpredictable, the consistent performances in the UPT20 league and other domestic circuits have certainly bolstered their profiles. Tuesday in Abu Dhabi will reveal which of these thirteen talents secure an IPL contract and take the next big step in their cricketing careers.
