The much-awaited final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, December 15, featuring Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh. Mumbai advanced to the final with a six-wicket victory over Baroda in the semi-final, while Madhya Pradesh secured their spot with a dominant seven-wicket win over Delhi.
Ahead of the final, it’s worth noting that several players from both teams participated in the 2025 IPL auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. However, not all of them were fortunate enough to be picked up by IPL franchises. These unsold players now have a golden opportunity to prove their worth on a major stage—the SMAT final.
Here’s a look at five players who went unsold in the IPL auction but will feature prominently in the SMAT 2024 final:
1. Prithvi Shaw (Mumbai)
Prithvi Shaw, one of the most high-profile names to go unsold at the IPL auction, will take center stage for Mumbai in the SMAT final. Once hailed as a prodigious talent in Indian cricket, Shaw has struggled with consistency in recent years. Despite getting out cheaply for eight in the semi-final against Baroda, Shaw has the ability to dominate the game in the powerplay. His explosive batting makes him a dangerous opener, and he’ll be crucial to Mumbai’s chances of victory.
2. Shardul Thakur (Mumbai)
Shardul Thakur, a seasoned T20 cricketer, was another surprise exclusion from the IPL 2025 auction. The all-rounder, who has played for multiple IPL teams including Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings, offers value with both bat and ball. Thakur’s recent form, where he picked up just five wickets in nine IPL games last season, might have contributed to his unsold status. Regardless, his experience and versatility make him a key player for Mumbai in the final.
3. Hardik Tamore (Mumbai)
Wicketkeeper-batter Hardik Tamore also found himself unsold in the IPL 2025 auction despite being a powerful hitter. Known for his ability to play at various positions in the batting order, Tamore has been an integral part of Mumbai’s SMAT campaign. Though he hasn’t had many batting opportunities in recent matches, his explosive potential makes him one to watch in the final.
4. Atharva Ankolekar (Mumbai)
Young left-arm spinner Atharva Ankolekar, who was also unsold at the IPL auction, has been impressive in the ongoing SMAT. With his mature performances in the knockout stages, Ankolekar has proven his worth as a dependable all-rounder. At just 24 years old, he has already made a mark in T20 cricket, taking nine wickets in 14 matches and offering valuable lower-order batting. His all-round ability will be vital for Mumbai in the final.
5. Tripuresh Singh (Madhya Pradesh)
Madhya Pradesh’s Tripuresh Singh also went unsold in the IPL auction, despite having an impressive strike rate of 170 in T20 cricket. The 22-year-old batter didn’t get an opportunity to bat in the semi-final against Delhi but is expected to play a crucial role in the final. Singh will likely come in lower down the order and utilize his power-hitting abilities to challenge the experienced Mumbai bowlers.
These five players, who were overlooked by IPL franchises, now have a prime opportunity to showcase their skills on a big stage and prove to the IPL teams that they made a mistake by not bidding for them. The SMAT 2024 final promises to be an exciting affair, with these unsold players aiming to make a statement.
SOURCE: Sportkeeda.com
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