India’s premier domestic competition, the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 has once again unearthed exciting talent that could light up the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2025-26 season, a host of players have turned heads with impactful performances across the first-class season that IPL franchises boast of.
Among the standout names is Prithvi Shaw, whose return to red-ball form saw him score big with a massive double century, a sign that his aggressive batting could flourish in the T20 format. Another player drawing attention from scouts is Auqib Nabi, the Jammu & Kashmir pacer who has been one of the most prolific wicket-takers in the ongoing season, impressing with his ability to move the ball and consistently trouble top batters.
Several other names who are known for their all-round skills and leadership round out a list of domestic performers set to make a significant impact in IPL 2026 as franchises look for dynamic, homegrown players to boost their squads in the upcoming season.
5 Ranji Trophy 2025-26 performers set to make an impact in IPL 2026
Ravichandran Smaran
Karnataka batter Ravichandran Smaran has had a remarkable 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season as he continues to dominate the run-scoring charts. Across 8 matches and 13 innings, R Smaran has amassed 950 runs at an average of 95.00 and a strike rate of 62.58. The 22-year-old batter, who boasts of four hundreds in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 and three 50-plus scores, is sure to be a key performer in IPL 2026 after he was roped in by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the auction for a sum of INR 30 Lakh.
Auqib Nabi
Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi recently rose to fame after his brilliant spell in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 semifinal, which also helped the side cruise into their first-ever final. Nabi, who took nine wickets in total in the semi-final along with a valuable knock of 42, has become the first fast bowler to complete 50 wickets in a season. The 29-year-old is expected to continue his brilliant performance in the IPL 2026, where he will be donning the Delhi Capitals (DC) jersey.
Prithvi Shaw
Former India U19 captain Prithvi Shaw regained his form in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. During his Ranji Trophy 2025-26 stint, Shaw etched himself into history books, scoring the third-fastest century as he reached the 200-run mark off 141 balls. In all, Shaw scored 537 runs in 7 matches and is likely to continue this form in the IPL 2026, where he returns with the Delhi Capitals.
Shahbaz Ahmed
Not a new name but Shabhaz Ahmed has made a remarkable attempt to regain his form back. After some injury struggles, the Bengal all-rounder has become a crisis man for his state team. This season, he has smashed 434 runs at an average of almost 40. On top of this, he has picked up 39 wickets. On top of this, he has had superb performances at SMAT and VHT as well. Part of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Shahbaz could be lethal at the Ekana surface.
Mohammed Shami
Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami might have been struggling to get back into the Indian side, but he has left no stone unturned over these years. The 35-year-old once again showcased his excellence with the ball in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, especially in the semi-final, registering the best First-Class figures of 8/90 in 22.1 overs. Shami, who was traded to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the auction, is sure to put on a display of his excellent bowling in IPL 2026.
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