IPL Mega Auction 2025: Here Are The Top Players Who Went Unsold In Jeddah Auction; What This Means?

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction concluded with plenty of excitement as franchises finalized their squads and gave several players new homes. Big names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Kagiso Rabada, and Yuzvendra Chahal found their spots in various teams. However, the auction had its share of surprises, with some marquee players remaining unsold, leaving fans and cricket pundits puzzled.

Here's a closer look at the top five players who went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction.

1. Kane Williamson

A once-dominant figure in the IPL, Kane Williamson failed to attract any bids this year. The former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain entered the auction with a hefty base price of Rs 2 crore. However, his limited appearances in the past two IPL seasons, playing just three matches and scoring a mere 27 runs at an average of 9, likely deterred franchises.

2. Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as the future of Indian cricket, faced a harsh reality at the auction as no team showed interest in acquiring him, despite a base price of Rs 75 lakh. Shaw's form in the previous season may have contributed to this outcome. Although his strike rate of 163.64 was commendable, his overall performance - 198 runs in eight matches at an average of 24.75 - was not enough to justify a spot in the franchises' plans.

3. David Warner

A former IPL titan, David Warner, was another big name that went unsold at a base price of Rs 2 crore. Once considered one of the most feared players in the league, Warner's waning form and absence from T20 leagues in recent years may have influenced the franchises' lack of interest. Currently serving as a commentator for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Warner may transition into a commentator's role for the IPL as well.

4. Shardul Thakur

Perhaps one of the most surprising outcomes of the auction was the lack of bids for Shardul Thakur, a player known for his all-round capabilities. With a base price of Rs 2 crore, Thakur was listed on Day 2 of the auction, a stage when most franchises had already spent their budgets. Thakur's performance in the previous IPL season, where he took just five wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 9.76, may have also contributed to his unsold status.

5. Jonny Bairstow

The veteran English batter Jonny Bairstow, known for his explosive starts at the top of the order, failed to find a buyer despite a base price of Rs 2 crore. Bairstow's recent lacklustre performances on the international stage appear to have impacted his IPL stocks. At 35 years old, he now faces questions about his relevance in T20 cricket.

The unsold status of these high-profile players reflects the cutthroat nature of IPL auctions, where recent performance, fitness, and team strategies play crucial roles. Franchises are increasingly prioritizing younger, dynamic talents who can contribute across formats or bring long-term value to the team. While players like Williamson, Warner, and Thakur are seasoned campaigners, their recent form or high base prices made them less appealing to franchises.