The mini auction of IPL 2026 has given new hopes to Indian cricketers who did not perform well in the previous season or those who were unsold in earlier auctions. It is a new beginning for Prithvi Shaw, Sarfraz Khan, Rahul Tripathi, and Shivam Mavi. Each one of them has faced difficulties in their career in the past, but getting picked for this season gives them yet another opportunity to perform. Now, with IPL 2026 just around the corner, these cricketers want to revive their careers. IPL 2026: Four Indian Players Who Can Revive Their Careers Prithvi Shaw It’s ok ❤️🤗 pic.twitter.com/HXQZo2D5cY — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) December 16, 2025 Prithvi Shaw’s journey at the IPL has had its share of ups and downs. In the last year itself, at the mega auction held prior to the IPL 2025, he remained unsold because of his poor performances and off-field incidents. This year too, at the mini auction held ahead of the IPL 2026 in Abu Dhabi, a repetition of the same seemed to occur. His name was mentioned in the first round, but no team placed a bid. He also did not find a buyer in Accelerated Round 2. Only in the Accelerated Round 3 did his former team, Delhi Capitals, place a bid for him, purchasing him for his base price of 75 lakh. Shaw has managed to do his best in the domestic season after joining a new team from Mumbai to Maharashtra. His performances improved, and it seemed like he has finally found his form as a batsman. Delhi Capitals choosing him for their team once again means they trust him enough to be a part of their lineup. He can finally revive his career after impressing in the U-19 World Cup in 2018. Also Read | IPL 2026: Full squads of 10 teams post Mini Auction Sarfaraz Khan SARFARAZ KHAN HAMMERED 73 (22). 🤯- Watch out for the celebration. 🤣🔥pic.twitter.com/mBigcoR6uC — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 16, 2025 Sarfaraz Khan is also a youngster who had a disappointing last season. He went unsold in IPL 2025 despite performing well domestically. However, he started IPL 2026 with confidence after performing well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 73 off 22 balls just a few hours before the start of the auction. Though CSK rely on experienced players every time, their strategy was different in this case. Due to their large purse and some spots left, five times champions targeted local performers. Though Sarfaraz remained unsold in early rounds, later on, he was chosen by CSK, and thus he got another chance in the tournament. Sarfaraz has been performing quite well in all formats and has been known for his knack of taking quick openings in the middle-order phase. Missing last season, this IPL 2026 offers him another opportunity to prove that he’s one of the most consistent domestic batsmen in India. Rahul Tripathi Bari phirlo amader Rahul da 💜🏡 pic.twitter.com/EzP6TDEzOI — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 16, 2025 Rahul Tripathi has been one of the most consistent batters in IPL. However, his form in IPL 2025 for CSK was well below his expected standards. He failed to score many runs, was unable to convert his starts into big scores, and ultimately lost his place in the playing XI. Despite not having an impressive season, his performances in the league are impressive, with more than 2000 runs and an average strike rate of 137.84. He is one of the few batters who have been able to display aggressiveness against spin and fast bowlers. His performance in IPL 2022 gave him a chance in India's T20I side in 2023, but just after five games, he was dropped from the side following the poor run. KKR's move to sign Tripathi for 75 lakhs is very sagacious. They know the batting style of the player very well. He may find his element back in the same environment. This is the opportunity for him to bounce back and show the world that he is still among the most effective Indian batter in the league. Also Read | Steal Deals of IPL 2026 Auction: Smart Buys That Shocked Everyone Shivam Mavi Uppal awaits you, Shivam 🔥[Shivam Mavi | Play With Fire] pic.twitter.com/HRq8LDxWou — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 17, 2025 Shivam Mavi was having a tough period in the previous year. He remained unsold in the IPL 2025 auction as well as struggled due to injuries. However, participating in the UP T20 League, Mavi impressed everyone by taking the maximum number of wickets in the competition. This proved that he was back on track and was bowling well. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) signed him for 75 lakh Rupees. For Mavi, this is an opportunity to regain prominence in the IPL. His pace, athleticism, and powerplay bowling skills are required by SRH. The announcement of him being signed created happiness among his family members, who celebrated the arrival of their son back into the league. A Season of Second Chances For Shaw, Sarfaraz, Tripathi, and Mavi, the battle of IPL 2026 is more than just an experience. This is an opportunity for them to reverse all the negative that has happened in the past. Each of these players has the ability, the talent, and the hunger to come back and make an outright comeback. With new franchises counting on them, the battle of IPL 2026 might become the turning point for these cricket players.