The IPL mini-auction saw several surprise inclusions, while on the other hand, a handful of cricketers who were expected to garner huge interest in the IPL also remained unsold.
The IPL mini-auction started with many well-known players going unsold in the initial rounds of the mini-auction. IPL teams have been disrespectful to many of the game’s stalwarts in recent years, with even players like David Warner, the highest overseas run-scorer in the IPL, being shown the door.
This season, when teams were in need of wicketkeepers, several English players were seen as suitable applicants; However, when they came to the auction table, they received nothing but rejection.
List of players who unimaginably went unsold in the IPL auction:
jamie smith
Jamie Smith, one of England’s recent all-format cricketers, has been a pillar of aggression in England. The lanky batsman has a big step forward and brings out his huge reach with his long lever.
Kolkata Knight Riders need a wicketkeeper batsman to open their innings and even Gujarat Titans are looking for a solid player in the middle order, Jamie Smith, who is very versatile, can be said to be the best fit, yet he remained unsold beyond the expectations.
devon conway
The veteran CSK player, who has done wonders for CSK at the top, has not performed for any other franchise in the last few years. However, due to his poor performance in international cricket and his advancing age, Devon Conway was overlooked by the franchises.
Despite his immense experience and teams generally preferring a left-handed batsman at the top, the much-hyped Kiwi batsman could not find a place in the final squad for IPL 2026.
Jonny Bairstow
Another Englishman and another experienced wicketkeeper batsman. Everything was in their favor except Jonny Bairstow’s age, which was a hindrance in the franchise’s long-term plans. With franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders in need of wicketkeepers, they chose Finn Allen, who figures in their long-term plans, who does not fit Bairstow’s profile.
However, given Jonny Bairstow’s immense experience, no one would have thought that he would go unnoticed despite making several rounds during the auction.
Akash Madhwal
The young Indian fast bowler started his IPL career with Mumbai Indians and then continued with Rajasthan Royals. After doing wonders for MI, Madhwal was one of the most promising names among Indian fast bowlers, yet he went unnoticed. He was one of the many Indian players who went unsold beyond expectations.
Mahesh Theekshana
Sri Lankan spinner Mahesh Theekshana has consistently performed well for his national team, but has not been able to make a mark for the IPL franchises. The reason for this is his poor form for Rajasthan Royals in 2025 and also his poor international form for the Lankans. Theekshana’s form may have been a matter of concern, yet despite the immense need for spinners no team bid on him, which was certainly a shock.
Gerald Coetzee
South African fast bowler Coetzee made a name for himself soon after making his debut in senior level international cricket. Despite his early fame, his career was hampered by a series of injuries and his unprofitable bowling in the IPL for Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. Coetzee could have become a good fast bowler at any time, but unfortunately the bid did not materialise.
spencer johnson
Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson played for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 as a replacement for Mitchell Starc. Inconsistent form, yet a highly valuable left-arm fast bowler, Spencer was expected to be in the rough, especially with teams looking for backup fast bowlers. However, teams were not confident in his ability.
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