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Top 5 Domestic Indian Players to Watch in IPL 2026: The greatest beauty of the Indian Premier League (IPL) lies in the fact that it transforms anonymous domestic players into overnight superstars. The 19th season of the IPL (2026) is about to commence, and once again, all eyes are fixed on those young Indian stars who have recently created a sensation in domestic cricket.
Having delivered stellar performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Ranji Trophy, these five players are now poised to dazzle on the grand stage of the IPL. Let's take a look at the five in-form domestic players you absolutely cannot afford to miss this season.
IPL 2026: 5 In-Form Domestic Stars Ready to Shine in the 19th Season
Based on their performances in domestic tournaments, these five names are currently the most talked-about players featuring in IPL 2026:
5. Sushant Mishra – Rajasthan Royals
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Left-arm pacer Sushant Mishra is known for his precise line and length. The Rajasthan Royals have acquired his services for a sum of ₹90 lakh. Delivering a stellar performance during the domestic season, Sushant claimed 22 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, emerging as the tournament's leading wicket-taker. By taking 3 wickets in the final match as well, he proved that he is a player built for the big occasions.
4. Salil Arora – Sunrisers Hyderabad
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If you are looking to witness explosive batting, keep a close watch on Salil Arora. SRH has signed him for a sum of ₹1.50 crore. The sheer magnitude of his current form can be gauged from the fact that, across 8 matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he smashed 358 runs at a staggering strike rate of 198.
His unbeaten knock of 125 runs off just 45 balls (featuring 9 fours and 11 sixes) against Jharkhand caught the attention of IPL franchises.Also Read: IPL 2026: Top 5 Youngest Players
3. Ashok Sharma – Gujarat Titans
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Capable of bowling at speeds of 140 km/h, Ashok Sharma will be seen playing for the Gujarat Titans this season. Previously, he was part of the KKR and RR squads but did not get an opportunity to make his debut. By taking 22 wickets in this year's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he has significantly strengthened his credentials. The Gujarat team could look to utilize his pace during the death overs.
2. Kumar Kushagra – Gujarat Titans
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Young wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra is likely to be seen playing the role of a 'finisher' for the Gujarat Titans this season. Although he was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for a substantial sum in 2024, he did not receive many opportunities back then. This time around, however, he is in blistering form. Playing for Jharkhand in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he amassed 422 runs a tally that includes a blistering knock of 81 runs off just 38 balls in the final match.
1. Aqib Nabi Dar – Delhi Capitals
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There was a fierce bidding war between the Delhi Capitals and SRH to acquire this pacer from Jammu & Kashmir—a battle that was ultimately won by Delhi. Aqib Nabi surprised everyone by taking 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. Additionally, he has claimed 15 wickets in the T20 format (SMAT). His key strength lies in his economical bowling (low economy rate), a quality that proves invaluable in a high-scoring tournament like the IPL.
Also Read: IPL 2026: Top 5 Best Players Making Their Debut in the 19th Season
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