The IPL 2025 auction delivered some unexpected surprises, leaving several big names without a team. Here’s a breakdown of the top unsold players across categories:

Big-Name Batters Left Unsold

Fans were shocked to see star players like David Warner and Kane Williamson go unsold. Even rising talents like Prithvi Shaw and seasoned names like Steve Smith couldn’t attract bids. Franchises seem to have prioritized younger, untested players this season.

• David Warner – ₹2 crore
• Kane Williamson – ₹2 crore
• Prithvi Shaw – ₹75 lakh
• Steve Smith – ₹2 crore
• Finn Allen – ₹2 crore
• Dewald Brevis – ₹75 lakh

Bowlers Who Missed Out

Day 2 of the auction focused on bowlers, but even proven performers like Piyush Chawla, Mustafizur Rahman, and Adil Rashid went unsold. It seems teams are exploring fresh bowling talent this year.

• Mustafizur Rahman – ₹2 crore
• Adil Rashid – ₹2 crore
• Piyush Chawla – ₹50 lakh
• Kyle Jamieson – ₹1.50 crore
• Adam Milne – ₹2 crore
• Umesh Yadav – ₹2 crore

All-Rounders Snubbed

All-rounders are usually hot picks in IPL auctions. However, the new Impact Player rule seems to have reduced their demand. Even stars like Shardul Thakur and Daryl Mitchell were left out.

• Shardul Thakur – ₹2 crore
• Daryl Mitchell – ₹2 crore
• Sikandar Raza – ₹1.25 crore
• Michael Bracewell – ₹1.50 crore
• Kyle Mayers – ₹1.50 crore

Unsold Wicketkeepers

Surprisingly, even top wicketkeepers like Jonny Bairstow and Alex Carey couldn’t secure a bid. Franchises opted for budget-friendly or younger options.

• Jonny Bairstow – ₹2 crore
• Alex Carey – ₹1 crore
• Josh Philippe – ₹75 lakh

What’s Next for These Players?

Though unsold, these players might still get a chance. Injuries or player pullouts during the season could open doors for these stars. The 2025 auction highlights a major shift in IPL dynamics, with teams betting big on fresh talent over seasoned players.

Which of these unsold names surprised you the most?