Former Indian batter Abhinav Mukund has picked four debutants to watch out for in the upcoming IPL 2026. The former Tamil Nadu opener included two CSK players in his list. Mukund picked Kartik Sharma, who was roped in for INR 14.20 crore in IPL 2026 mini auction by CSK.

Mukund also named Uttar Pradesh orthodox spinner Prashant Veer, who was also bought by CSK for a whopping amount of INR 14.20 crore.

“Both of them will start. I think Kartik Sharma is slightly ahead because a lot more teams were interested in him. He’s got this exceptional middle-order hitting ability. He can also keep wickets, but I think it’s his hitting ability, that’s why I put him at one. Prashant Veer, an exciting prospect. One more guy I am looking forward to from CSK,” Abhinav said on ESPNcricinfo.

Mukund also picked Ashok Sharma, who was bought by Gujarat Titans in the mini-auction for INR 90 lakhs. The former left-hander named Auqib Nabi, who played an instrumental role in taking Jammu and Kashmir to Ranji Trophy glory. Nabi was picked by Delhi Capitals for INR 8.40 crore in the auction.

“Auqib Nabi, the hero for Jammu & Kashmir. He’s had a fabulous red ball season. How will he go in the white ball? Another guy that I am looking forward to. A guy who is highly rated by almost all fast bowlers I have spoken to around the country. Apparently can bowl upwards of 145 clicks, which is very rare. It’s a rare commodity in Indian cricket,” said Abhinav.

The 19th edition of IPL 2026 is set to begin on March 28, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.