IPL 2018 Auction: 5 stars from Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy who could start a bidding war

One of the main reasons why the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was moved up to January was to ensure that IPL teams had a good look at the domestic talent ahead of the auction. Some players have made the most of that and ensured that they are in the minds of those that matter ahead of the auction that will take place in Bengaluru.

Rishabh Pant was one of Delhi's stars as they lifted the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after beating Rajasthan by 41 runs but he has already been retained by Delhi Daredevils. Aside from him, there are several other players, who have put forward a strong case for themselves to be picked by an IPL side on the strength of their recent form.

Here are 5 stars from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy who could start a bidding war in the IPL Auction 2018:

Mandeep Singh

Although only 26, Mandeep Singh has already featured for three different IPL teams. However, whether at Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders or Royal Challengers Bangalore, he hasn't been able to establish himself as one of the stars of either three sides.

On the back of an impressive campaign for Punjab in T20s, Mandeep will be hoping that 2018 is the year in which he showcases his true potential and becomes the player that many thought he would be.

An average of almost 40 and strike rate of 150 during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy would have reminded any potential suitors of his ability to play freely at the top of the order. Considering the number of teams who will be looking to strengthen their Indian batting, given his experience and recent form, Mandeep could be one that a lot of teams look to.

Sreenath Aravind

He has always flown under the radar for RCB

It has always been about the batsmen and RCB and that is perhaps why Sreenath Aravind has flown under the radar for the franchise. No longer under the shadows of the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, Aravind was simply sensational for Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Although his side failed to qualify for the final, his tally of 15 wickets from eight matches helped him finish as the second-leading wicket-taker in the tournament. What was even more staggering about his performance was that it came at an average of 11.9 and an economy rate of 6.5.

Indian fast bowlers will always be an integral part of any IPL side and a left-arm pacer who is experienced and also has plenty of variations in his bag will certainly be someone most teams would love to have.

Deepak Chahar

He finished as the leading wicket-taker and had an economy rate of just 5.5

Form is of utmost importance going into the IPL Auction as teams are most likely to look at players who are in great form in an attempt to fill the gaps in their squad. As the leading wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 19 wickets from 9 matches, Deepak Chahar is in sensational form and has put forward a strong case for selection.

Despite being rejected as a 16-year-old by Greg Chappell, who was then the director of Rajasthan Cricket Association, he earned a contract with the Rajasthan Royals and then turned up for Rising Pune Supergiant as well.

With teams looking for a solid Indian bowling line-up, Chahar could well turn out to be the missing link in the pace attack as he has all the skills to succeed. On the back of 19 wickets at an average of under 10 and economy rate of 5.5, the 25-year-old is sure to attract plenty of suitors.

Karun Nair

Peaking at the right time

The art of peaking at the right time is something that cricketers often wish to perfect especially when there is a huge day just around the corner. For every T20 cricketer right now, that day is the IPL Auction and if ever there was a perfect time to showcase your skills it is in the days and weeks leading up to it.

Karun Nair knows all about that as the Karnataka batsman smashed two centuries and a fifty in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy just before the IPL 2018 Auction. Although his side failed to qualify for the final, the Indian batsman scored 379 runs at an average of 42 and strike rate of almost 175.

Considering his experience and proven track record in the IPL, Nair was always going to be amongst the Indian batsmen who got picked, but his recent run might have just earned him a few extra admirers that might turn into more money during the upcoming IPL auction.

Kulwant Khejroliya

He was a revelation in Delhi's victorious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign

Although he played no part in last year's IPL, Kulwant Khejroliya was certainly one of the most inspiring stories from the season. Signed by the eventual champions, Mumbai Indians, the pacer went from being a waiter in Goa to part of an IPL-winning side.

This year, he is unlikely to go under the radar as the left-arm fast bowler has shown an incredible array of variations that will make him an invaluable asset to most sides. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the 25-year-old finished with 12 wickets from nine matches at an average of 18 and economy rate of just 6.6.

Left-arm pacers are a rare commodity and especially one with the bag of tricks that Kulwant possesses will be invaluable. That is what makes him someone many teams will keep their eyes on.