Despite the buzz around big signings, several star players failed to attract any bids and went unsold. This included some well-known names who have been regulars in the IPL over the years.
The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah was filled with excitement, featuring intense bidding wars, strategic moves, and unexpected decisions by the 10 franchises. Rishabh Pant made headlines as Lucknow Super Giants secured him for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL auction history.
Another standout moment was 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi being signed by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.10 crore, making him the youngest player ever bought in IPL history.
Despite the buzz around big signings, several star players failed to attract any bids and went unsold. This included some well-known names who have been regulars in the IPL over the years. For many of these unsold players, it could signal the end of their IPL journeys.
Let’s take a look at how the playing XI from the unsold category might shape up.
Prithvi Shaw going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction came as a surprise. After spending seven seasons with Delhi Capitals, the franchise decided not to keep him, and no team showed interest, even at his base price of INR 75 lakh.
Shaw has scored 1,892 runs in 79 IPL matches with a strike rate of 147.47. Known for his aggressive batting at the top, his lack of consistency and fitness issues likely played a role in teams overlooking him this auction.
David Warner, a veteran of the IPL, went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, marking a surprising end to his long career in the tournament. Despite his impressive past, including leading SRH to an IPL title in 2016, no team bid for him after he set his base price at INR 2 crore. Earlier this year, Warner retired from all formats of international cricket.
Warner, the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL history with 6,565 runs, has struggled with form recently, which likely contributed to his lack of interest from franchises in the auction.
Mayank Agarwal, a reliable top-order batter, went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction despite setting his base price at INR 1 crore. After leaving Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2023 auction, Agarwal had limited opportunities with SunRisers Hyderabad, playing just 4 matches in IPL 2024. Over his IPL career, Mayank has played 127 matches and scored 2661 runs.
His lack of game time in recent seasons likely played a role in teams overlooking him this auction.
Jonny Bairstow went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, which came as a surprise to many. Known for his aggressive batting, he scored 1589 runs in 50 IPL matches at a strike rate of 144.45, playing for both SRH and PBKS. Bairstow has proven his versatility, excelling as an opener or at No. 4, and also contributes with his wicket-keeping skills.
Despite his past performances, Bairstow’s form in IPL 2024 was below expectations, with only 298 runs in 11 matches. His lack of involvement in all three formats for England might have also played a role in teams overlooking him this auction.
Daryl Mitchell, the all-rounder from New Zealand, played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024, where he impressed with valuable contributions in the middle order scoring 318 runs in 13 matches. Despite his solid performances, CSK released him before the IPL 2025 auction.
To many’s surprise, Mitchell went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. Given his all-round abilities and experience, there were high expectations that he would attract bids, but no franchise showed interest in him.
Sarfaraz Khan missed out on an IPL deal despite having a base price of INR 50 lakh and a breakthrough season in red-ball cricket for India. The Mumbai batter had shown promise in domestic cricket but failed to attract interest from franchises during the IPL 2025 auction.
Sarfaraz’s last IPL appearance was with Delhi Capitals in 2023, after previously playing for PBKS. He began his IPL career with RCB in 2015 but struggled to make an impact, having played 50 matches and scored 585 runs over the course of his IPL career.
Shardul Thakur, a pace-bowling all-rounder, went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 2 crore. He struggled in IPL 2024, taking only five wickets in nine matches for Chennai Super Kings, and the Impact Player Rule limited his role further.
With 95 IPL matches and 94 wickets to his name, Thakur’s recent form led to a lack of interest from franchises.
Also Read: 3 players Mumbai Indians (MI) bid for unsuccessfully at the IPL 2025 auction
Piyush Chawla, one of the most successful spinners in IPL history, went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. The 35-year-old has taken 192 wickets in 192 matches and played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ spin attack over the last two seasons, claiming 35 wickets in 27 games.
Chawla had set his base price at INR 50 lakh, but despite his impressive IPL record, no franchises showed interest. This may mark the end of his IPL career in the cash-rich league.
Umesh Yadav’s IPL career could be coming to an end, as no team showed interest in him during the IPL 2025 auction. The veteran India pacer made his debut in 2010 and played his most recent season with Gujarat Titans, where he featured in seven matches and took 8 wickets.
Across 148 IPL appearances, Umesh has claimed 144 wickets. However, his recent form and going unsold in the auction could mark the end of his IPL career.
Navdeep Saini, known for his pace, went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 75 lakh. Injuries have hindered his career, and he was unavailable for IPL 2024 due to fitness issues. Despite a strong showing in domestic cricket, no team opted to bid for him.
Saini has played 32 IPL matches, claiming 23 wickets at an economy rate of 8.88. His injury troubles and lack of recent IPL opportunities likely played a role in teams overlooking him this auction.
Mustafizur Rahman went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, joining several other Bangladesh players who failed to attract bids. Renowned for his death-over skills, including precise yorkers and deceptive slower deliveries, Mustafizur has been a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
While his recent IPL seasons were underwhelming, he delivered a strong performance for Chennai Super Kings in 2024, claiming 14 wickets in 9 matches. His campaign, however, was cut short due to national commitments. Overall, Mustafizur has played 57 IPL matches, taking 61 wickets.
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