Top Unsold Players in IPL 2025

The IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, saw some big names and emerging stars surprisingly go unsold despite their significant contributions in international and domestic cricket. Here's a detailed look at the notable unsold players from the auction, divided by their roles.

While teams focused on uncapped players and young talent, some seasoned veterans and established international stars were left without bids. This year's unsold list includes iconic players like David Warner, Kane Williamson, and Shardul Thakur, sparking discussions about the changing dynamics of team strategies and player valuations.

Notable Unsold Players in IPL 2025

1. Batters

• David Warner (Base price: ₹2 crore)

• Kane Williamson (₹2 crore)

• Prithvi Shaw (₹75 lakh)

• Mayank Agarwal (₹1 crore)

• Dewald Brevis (₹75 lakh)

• Finn Allen (₹2 crore)

• Sarfaraz Khan (₹75 lakh)

2. Bowlers

• Piyush Chawla (₹50 lakh)

• Mustafizur Rahman (₹2 crore)

• Mujeeb Ur Rahman (₹2 crore)

• Umesh Yadav (₹2 crore)

• Naveen-ul-Haq (₹2 crore)

• Chetan Sakariya (₹75 lakh)

3. All-Rounders

• Shardul Thakur (₹2 crore)

• Daryl Mitchell (₹2 crore)

• Kyle Mayers (₹1.5 crore)

• Sikandar Raza (₹1.25 crore)

• Michael Bracewell (₹1.5 crore)

4. Wicketkeepers

• Jonny Bairstow (₹2 crore)

• Shai Hope (₹1.25 crore)

• Josh Philippe (₹75 lakh)

• KS Bharat (₹75 lakh)

Analysis of Reasons

1. Team Strategies: Teams leaned towards younger and more versatile players, leaving less room for specialists.

2. Form and Fitness: Many experienced players, including Shardul Thakur and David Warner, faced form and injury concerns, affecting their appeal.

3. Budget Constraints: With limited purses, franchises prioritized all-rounders and impactful uncapped players over high-cost veterans.

Conclusion

The unsold list of IPL 2025 highlights the unpredictable nature of the auction, reflecting teams’ evolving needs and the competitive T20 landscape. While these players missed out initially, they could still feature in the tournament as replacement signings if injuries or withdrawals occur during the season. Their experience ensures they remain valuable assets for franchises.

FAQs

Q1: Who were the most surprising unsold players in IPL 2025?

Some of the most surprising unsold players in IPL 2025 include David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Shardul Thakur, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Despite their proven track records, they failed to attract bids due to team strategies and player preferences.

Q2: Why did big names like David Warner and Shardul Thakur go unsold?

Players like Warner and Thakur likely went unsold due to:

• High base prices (e.g., ₹2 crore for Warner and Thakur).

• Recent dips in form or fitness concerns.

• Teams opting for younger or more versatile players to build long-term squads.

Q3: Are unsold players completely out of IPL 2025?

No, unsold players are still eligible to join IPL 2025 as replacement signings if a franchise faces injuries or withdrawals during the season.

Q4: How many players went unsold in IPL 2025?

The IPL 2025 auction saw a significant number of players go unsold across categories, including high-profile international stars and uncapped talents.

Q5: Were there any unexpected names among the unsold bowlers?

Yes, notable bowlers like Mustafizur Rahman, Umesh Yadav, Piyush Chawla, and Naveen-ul-Haq were among the unsold players, which surprised many fans and analysts.

Q6: Were any wicketkeepers left unsold in IPL 2025?

Yes, experienced wicketkeepers like Jonny Bairstow, Shai Hope, and Josh Philippe remained unsold, indicating teams’ preference for local and younger options in this category.

Q7: Can unsold players participate in future IPL seasons?

Yes, unsold players can register for future IPL auctions or be drafted directly if a franchise expresses interest in them before the next auction.

Q8: How does the replacement process work for unsold players?

Teams can approach unsold players to fill spots left vacant due to injuries or other issues. The player's contract will be based on their auction base price or mutually agreed terms.