Tamil Nadu has long been one of India’s most productive T20 nurseries, and the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) continues to offer IPL franchises a close-up look at domestic talent under pressure. This season was no different — several standout performers forced their way into pre-auction discussions with breakout campaigns, multi-skill profiles, and high-value roles.

Here are the top TNPL players to watch out for at the IPL 2026 auction.

Sunny Sandhu – Pace-bowling All-rounder

Team: Salem Spartans
Role: New-ball seam + lower-order hitter
Key Numbers (U-23 State Trophy): 253 runs | Avg 50.60 | SR 107.65 | 11 wickets | Econ 5.49

Sunny Sandhu fits one of the IPL’s rarest domestic profiles — a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder. While Salem Spartans’ TNPL season didn’t allow his T20 numbers to shine, his all-round returns in the 50-over U-23 State Trophy reaffirmed his value: controlled new-ball swing, steady wickets, and reliable lower-order hitting.

Sandhu is still a developmental pick rather than an immediate IPL starter, but his dual skill set makes him attractive for teams working with tight purse space.

IPL Teams that could be interested:
Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders — teams that value multi-skill depth and affordable Indian pace options.

R. Sonu Yadav – Death-bowling All-rounder

Team: Nellai Royal Kings
Role: Death-overs bowler + No.8 batting option
TNPL 2025: 16 wickets in 7 matches (tournament leader)
SMAT 2025: 7 wickets in 6 matches | Econ 8.52

R. Sonu Yadav returned to the forefront with a standout TNPL season, finishing as the highest wicket-taker. More importantly, his skill set — death bowling with variety — directly matches one of the biggest gaps in IPL squads: Indian death-overs backups.

His deceptive slower ball and stronger batting output (a rescue act 43 off 25 in SMAT) have added layers to his profile. While his economy rate at the higher level will raise questions, Sonu remains a high-value depth signing.

IPL Teams that could be interested:
Chennai Super Kings (local connection), Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals — teams seeking Indian death-overs reserves.

Tushar Raheja – Wicketkeeper-Opening Batter

Team: Tiruppur Tamizhans
Role: Left-hand top-order aggressor + WK option
TNPL 2025: 488 runs in 9 matches | SR 185.55

Tushar Raheja was the batting engine behind Tiruppur Tamizhans’ maiden TNPL title. A left-hander with natural timing and aggressive intent from ball one, Raheja repeatedly delivered under pressure: fast starts, mid-innings control, and match-winning contributions.

His 79 (43) against defending champions Dindigul Dragons and his 77 (46) in the final showcased his temperament.

However, his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy numbers showed a dip against stronger bowling — a reminder that he is a high-upside project rather than a guaranteed IPL starter.

IPL Teams that could be interested:
Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals — franchises that value left-hand top-order flexibility and wicketkeeping backups.

Summary: TNPL players most likely to be shortlisted by IPL scouts