IPL Auction 2025: Unsold Players with Reasons

The IPL 2025 auction saw several high-profile and promising players go unsold despite their past performances or reputations. Notable names among the unsold players include:

1. David Warner (Australia – Batter)
2. Jonny Bairstow (England – Wicketkeeper)
3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand – Batter)
4. Prithvi Shaw (India – Batter)
5. Shardul Thakur (India – All-Rounder)
6. Mayank Agarwal (India – Batter)
7. Steve Smith (Australia – Batter)
8. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh – Bowler)
9. Adil Rashid (England – Bowler)
10. Sarfaraz Khan (India – All-Rounder)

A mix of Indian and overseas players, including bowlers like Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Umesh Yadav, and emerging talents, also did not find teams this season. Teams seem to have prioritized current form and specific roles over past accolades in this auction

Here’s a list of notable unsold players from the IPL 2025 auction along with possible reasons why they might not have been picked up:

1. David Warner (Australia – Batter)

• Probable Reasons:
  • Age and fitness concerns: Warner is nearing the twilight of his career, which might make franchises hesitant to invest.
  • Dip in recent T20 performances, especially on slower subcontinent pitches.

2. Jonny Bairstow (England – Wicketkeeper)

• Probable Reasons:
  • Lack of availability due to international commitments.
  • Other wicketkeeper-batters, such as Ishan Kishan and Nicholas Pooran, have been more consistent in recent leagues​.

3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand – Batter)

• Probable Reasons:
  • Strike rate issues in T20s: Williamson’s game is often seen as more suited to anchor roles rather than aggressive finishes.
  • Injury concerns over the past year​.

4. Prithvi Shaw (India – Batter)

• Probable Reasons:
  • Inconsistent performances in recent IPL seasons.
  • Questions over fitness and attitude have likely contributed to teams passing him over.

5. Shardul Thakur (India – All-Rounder)

• Probable Reasons:
  • High base price compared to his recent contributions in T20 cricket.
  • A plethora of all-rounders in the auction meant stiff competition.

6. Steve Smith (Australia – Batter)

• Probable Reasons:
  • Lack of T20-specific skills: Smith’s game revolves around technique rather than power hitting, which limits his appeal in the shortest format.
  • Teams preferring younger and more aggressive batters.

7. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh – Bowler)

• Probable Reasons:
  • Dip in form and effectiveness in death overs.
  • Increased focus on Indian bowlers and other reliable overseas pacers.

8. Adil Rashid (England – Bowler)

• Probable Reasons:
  • Availability concerns during key IPL windows.
  • Teams preferring younger spinners like Rahul Chahar and Ravi Bishnoi​.

9. Sarfaraz Khan (India – All-Rounder)

• Probable Reasons:
  • Underwhelming performances in recent seasons despite a strong domestic record.
  • Teams might view him as a specialist batter, limiting his utility in the squad​.

General Trends:

• Availability: Several players were passed over due to potential scheduling conflicts with international duties.
• Form and Fitness: Teams prioritized players with recent T20 success and robust fitness.
• Value for Money: Players with high base prices but inconsistent performances were overlooked.

Teams appear to have been strategic, choosing players who align with their immediate tactical needs rather than relying on reputation alone.