The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), India’s premier domestic T20 cricket tournament, is in full swing. While Tilak Varma leads the charts with stellar batting performances, seasoned campaigners like Yuzvendra Chahal and Shreyas Gopal are also making headlines with their consistent displays, brining good news for their teams, who bought them in the IPL auction this year.
Yuzvendra Chahal shining on the big stage
Punjab Kings’ marquee signing for IPL 2025, Yuzvendra Chahal, has been in sensational form in the ongoing SMAT. In five matches, the leg-spinner has taken 10 wickets with best figures of 4/9 and an impressive economy rate of 7.50. This performance justifies his hefty ₹18 crore IPL price tag and serves as a promising sign for the Punjab Kings franchise.
CSK’s Shreyas Gopal impresses for Karnataka
Shreyas Gopal, the latest addition to the Chennai Super Kings roster, is turning heads with his exceptional bowling for Karnataka. CSK acquired him for 30 lakh rupees. In just five matches, he has scalped 10 wickets, including a stunning 5/13 spell, and boasts an economy of just 5.30. His stellar performances must be a source of joy for CSK fans and management alike.
Tilak Varma dominates the batting charts
Mumbai Indians’ Tilak Varma continues to prove why he’s among the most exciting young talents. In five matches, he has amassed 281 runs, including a mammoth 151-run knock as his highest score. With a strike rate of 176.72, one century, and two half-centuries, Tilak’s form is a huge boost for his franchise.
Unsold players making a mark
Despite going unsold in the IPL auction, Mohit Jangra from Mizoram has been sensational. In five matches, he has scored 252 runs, including three half-centuries, making him the second-highest run-getter in the tournament. Chandigarh’s Jagjit Singh has emerged as a standout bowler, leading the wicket-taking tally. In just four matches, he has claimed 11 wickets, including a brilliant 5/38 spell, while maintaining an economy rate of 7.31.
Top Batters in SMAT 2024 so far
Here is the table for the most runs based on the provided data:
| Player | Team | Matches | Strike Rate | Best Score | 100/50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilak Varma | Hyderabad | 5 | 176.72 | 151 | 1/2 |
| M Jangra | Mizoram | 5 | 157.50 | 80* | 0/3 |
| Harvik Desai | Saurashtra | 5 | 157.23 | 76 | 0/2 |
| S Gani | Bihar | 5 | 154.37 | 120* | 1/1 |
| Rohan Kunnummal | Kerala | 5 | 176.69 | 87 | 0/2 |
Top bowlers in SMAT 2024
| Player | Team | Matches | Wickets | Econ. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jagjit Singh | Chandigarn | 4 | 11 | 7.31 |
| Yuzi Chahal | Haryana | 5 | 10 | 4.16 |
| Sshreyas Gopal | Karnataka | 5 | 10 | 5.30 |
| HV Patel | Haryana | 5 | 10 | 6.88 |
| Abid Mushtaq | J + K | 5 | 10 | 8.50 |
| Mukesh Choudhary | Maharashtra | 4 | 10 | 8.07 |
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