Ashutosh Aman has been a quiet force in SMAT bowling for 5 seasons. His 6 economy across 474 balls is one of the lowest sustained figures on our prospect list. He has taken 29 wickets at a strike rate of 16 balls per wicket, combining containment with steady wicket-taking.

The 6 economy sits 3 runs below the IPL 2025 middle-overs average of 9. That margin gives him a cushion to absorb the domestic-to-IPL inflation that most bowlers experience. Even if his economy climbs by 2 runs per over at IPL level, an 8 economy in the middle overs would still be serviceable.

The 474 ball sample across 5 seasons is substantial. It is large enough to separate genuine skill from favorable matchups. Aman has proven he can contain at the domestic level over a sustained period.

His batting adds a minor dimension: 102 runs off 131 balls at a SR of 78. That batting profile is tail-end quality. He will not be selected for his batting, but he can hold a crease if needed in a lower-order role.

The model projects 0.17 WAR/M for 2026 at medium confidence. The declining trajectory is the primary concern. It means his most recent SMAT campaigns have produced weaker output than the career aggregate, suggesting the 6 economy may overstate his current level. A bowler whose best days are behind him faces an uphill battle to break into a new league.

For a player with 5 seasons of data and no IPL exposure, the declining trajectory signal is particularly damaging. It narrows the window of opportunity. Aman would need to reverse the recent form dip in the next SMAT cycle, posting numbers at or below his career economy, to demonstrate that the skill remains intact.

The path to an IPL spot is not closed, but it is narrowing. Indian spinners with sub-6 economies are always in demand. The question is whether Aman can still deliver those numbers when it matters.

All numbers from SMAT (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy) and domestic T20 career data.