The T20 Mumbai League continues to be a critical platform for fringe domestic talent looking to break into the IPL. The league is known for producing battle-tested, high-intent performers who face strong competition in condensed, high-pressure environments. This season, one all-rounder stood out clearly in both the league and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, strengthening his case for the upcoming IPL auction.

Sairaj Patil – Seam-Bowling All-rounder

T20 Mumbai 2025: 233 runs | SR 150+ | 7 wickets | Player of the Tournament
SMAT 2025: 11 wickets (group stage)
Role: Middle-order hitter + medium-pace wicket-taker

At 28, Sairaj Patil may not fit the conventional “young breakout” narrative, but he has finally shaped himself into one of Mumbai’s most reliable white-ball all-rounders. His rise was turbocharged by the T20 Mumbai League, where he delivered a standout campaign: 233 runs at a strike rate above 150, seven wickets, and three Player of the Match awardsculminating in the Player of the Tournament honour.

His value proposition is twofold:

1. A genuine seam-bowling wicket-taker:
   Patil’s medium pace is not just filler overs. He takes wickets in short, targeted bursts — a trait that often separates true all-rounders from part-time options. This season’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy reinforced that, with 11 wickets in the group stagemaking him one of Mumbai’s most dependable options behind Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande.
2. Explosive middle-order hitting:
   Although batting opportunities were limited in SMAT, his T20 Mumbai sample shows undeniable six-hitting power. His training reflects that mindset — 500 to 1000 balls a dayaiming for 50 to 100 sixes per sessionan intensity that mirrors the demands of modern T20 finishing roles.

Despite being monitored by IPL teams for multiple seasons, Sairaj is yet to receive a breakthrough opportunity. But his profile — Indian seam-bowling all-rounder with finishing ability — remains one of the most sought-after and scarce categories at the auction.

Realistically, teams may still view him as:

• A depth option rather than a first-XI pick,
• Someone who strengthens the Indian bench in squads using impact-player strategies,
• A low-cost, high-upside pick with a proven domestic body of work.

Likely IPL fits:
Mumbai Indians (depth), Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders — teams that value Indian seam-bowling all-rounders who can contribute across phases.