Domestic cricket is the engine of the IPL. Here are the three most important tournaments and why they matter, in short:
The premier T20 tournament. It is the #1 scouting ground for specialists—finishers, power-hitters, and death bowlers.
The 50-over (List A) format. It identifies players with "white-ball temperament"—the ability to build an innings and adapt to modern aggressive tactics.
The red-ball (First-Class) grind. Scouts use this to test a player’s core technique, fitness, and mental toughness over multiple days.
Tournaments like the Vinoo Mankad or C.K. Nayudu help teams find "prodigies" before they even reach the senior state teams.
Local leagues (like TNPL or Maharaja T20) act as a "pre-screen" for IPL scouts to find raw talent in high-pressure, televised settings.
Franchises don't just watch; they track advanced stats (strike rate vs. spin, dot-ball %, etc.) across these specific tournaments to decide their auction bids.