Indiscipline on part of Prithvi Shaw and Shardul thakur's failure to meet the modern demands of the game contributed to them going unsold.
The IPL 2025 Auction concluded on Monday in Jeddah with several surprises, including the young prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi making history. However, it was the shocking exclusions of Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur that sparked intense discussions among cricketing circles. Despite their past contributions, neither managed to attract any bids, raising questions about their current form, utility, and reputation in the league.
Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as a prodigy and a potential successor to Sachin Tendulkar, went unsold in the auction. His absence from the IPL setup reflects a tragic downturn in a career that began with a century on Test debut at just 18 years old. Ricky Ponting, who worked closely with Shaw at the Delhi Capitals (DC), expressed his disappointment:
“You know, Prithvi, I still say now he is as talented a player as I probably ever worked with. He goes unsold in the auction and then doesn’t even come back in the accelerator. It’s actually quite sad,” Ponting told Cricbuzz.
Ponting suggested that Shaw’s indiscipline may have contributed to his exclusion. Last season, Shaw was dropped from DC’s playing XI for six matches, reportedly due to disciplinary reasons. Moreover, his recent omission from the Mumbai Ranji team amid fitness concerns has only fueled doubts about his commitment and form.
Shaw’s inability to adapt to the modern T20 batting demands may also have played a role. Teams now prioritize batters who can consistently clear the ropes, particularly in the Powerplay. A senior franchise coach explained, “The ability to hit sixes is now paramount. If you aren’t brought up with this instinct, it’s super difficult at this stage to develop it.”
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Shaw’s narrative increasingly mirrors that of Vinod Kambli, another Mumbai batter whose talent was overshadowed by a lack of discipline and unfulfilled potential. While Shaw’s natural ability remains undeniable, his inability to meet the demands of the league has cost him dearly in this auction.
Shardul Thakur also found no takers this time. Just two years ago, he was one of the most sought-after players, fetching INR 10.75 crore in the 2022 mega auction. However, the all-rounder went unsold this year, a stark reminder of how quickly the dynamics of T20 cricket can change.
Ricky Ponting, reflecting on his time working with Thakur, highlighted the rapid evolution of the league:
“The game catches up with you. Only a couple of years ago, I think we paid about INR 10 crores for him in an auction. And now he’s not. Now he’s unsold.”
Several factors seem to have contributed to Thakur’s fall from favour. Firstly, his base price of INR 2 crore might have been perceived as too high, particularly for a player whose recent performances have been inconsistent.
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Secondly, the introduction of the Impact Player rule appears to have reduced the demand for all-rounders like Thakur. Teams are now more focused on specialists who can either dominate with the bat or deliver consistent results with the ball.
Another critical factor could be Thakur’s inability to meet the evolving demands of the league. Franchises are now looking for bowlers who can either take wickets consistently or execute a high level of defensive deliveries. Thakur’s tendency to be expensive in crucial overs may have worked against him.
The auction dynamics this year reflected a shift in team strategies. Franchises are now laser-focused on finding players who fit specific roles, particularly those who can score quickly or bowl with precision.
This shift in priorities left not just Shaw and Thakur, but also experienced players like Kane Williamson, David Warner, and Jonny Bairstow without contracts.
For Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur, the path back to the IPL will require significant changes. Shaw must address his fitness and discipline issues, while Thakur may need to refine his skillset to meet the league’s evolving demands. Their exclusion serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of T20 cricket, where only the fittest and most adaptable can thrive.
