The IPL 2025 Auction was nothing short of thrilling, with ten franchises battling it out to secure the best talent, resulting in a total spend of Rs 639.15 crore across 182 players. While the auction saw a flurry of high-profile signings and fierce bidding wars, there were a few unexpected omissions. Several big names and proven match-winners failed to attract bids, leaving fans and analysts surprised at the turn of events. Despite their past achievements or immense potential, these players found themselves unsold in the mega event. Let’s take a closer look at seven of the most surprising unsold players from the IPL 2025 Auction.
1. Mustafizur Rahman
Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladeshi left-arm pacer known as "The Fizz," has been a reliable performer in T20 leagues around the world. With his deceptive cutters and expertise at the death, Mustafizur has consistently delivered under pressure. His solid performance in the IPL 2024 with Chennai Super Kings, where he picked up 14 wickets in 9 matches, further solidified his reputation. Given his experience and ability to perform in clutch moments, many were stunned when the Bangladesh pacer went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. Despite his success, teams opted not to bid for him, leaving fans questioning the reason behind his exclusion.
2. Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow, one of England’s most destructive T20 batters, is another big name that went unsold in the auction. Bairstow has proven his mettle in the IPL, maintaining a strike rate of over 140 and showcasing his ability to dominate the powerplay. His record as a reliable wicketkeeper also adds value to his profile. Despite having a relatively modest season with Punjab Kings in 2024, where he scored 298 runs, Bairstow’s explosive batting and experience in the IPL made his absence from the auction all the more surprising. For a player of his caliber to be overlooked left many scratching their heads.
3. Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan, the Mumbai-born batter, has been in sensational form in domestic cricket, amassing runs at an incredible pace in recent seasons. His explosive performances in the domestic circuit had many expecting him to attract interest from IPL franchises. However, despite his recent success, Sarfaraz’s lack of consistent opportunities in the IPL and underwhelming performances in previous seasons may have counted against him. Additionally, his recent India debut and strong showing at the international level should have made him an attractive proposition. Yet, franchises chose to pass on him, leaving the young talent unsold.
4. Pathum Nissanka
Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka is another surprising name to remain unsold. Nissanka is known for his classical stroke play, consistency, and ability to anchor innings, traits that are often valued in T20 cricket. His adaptability across formats and proven ability to see off early pressure in the top order could have made him an ideal candidate for any team looking for stability in case of injuries. While Nissanka may not have the explosive flair of some of the other T20 specialists, his solid technique and calm approach at the crease would have been an asset for many teams. It was a surprise, then, that no franchise bid for the Sri Lankan opener.
5. Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as one of the most exciting young openers in Indian cricket, has seen his stock fall dramatically in recent years. Known for his aggressive starts and ability to take on the bowlers in the powerplay, Shaw has struggled with inconsistency and fitness issues, which have impacted his IPL career. His recent performances have not lived up to the potential he once promised, and this seemed to play a role in his unsold status at the IPL 2025 auction. Despite his talent and ability to change games with his explosive batting, Shaw’s omission from the auction is a reflection of his recent struggles. However, he could still serve as an injury replacement for a franchise in need of a dynamic opener.
6. Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal, the experienced Karnataka batter, has been a consistent presence in the IPL for several years. His reliability at the top order and solid technique make him an ideal player for any team looking to shore up their batting lineup. However, Mayank’s unsold status at the IPL 2025 auction came as a surprise, especially after a modest but steady season with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024. While his performances have not always been flashy, his wealth of experience and ability to stabilize an innings would have made him a valuable asset as a backup or in a rotational role. Despite this, no team opted to bid for the seasoned batter.
7. Shardul Thakur
The exclusion of Shardul Thakur from the IPL 2025 auction was another shocker. Known for his ability to take crucial wickets and his lower-order batting, Shardul has been a seasoned performer in the IPL, amassing 68 wickets in 95 matches. His all-round ability made him a handy option for many teams looking to strengthen their bowling and lower-order batting. Shardul’s contributions in the Indian team, particularly in limited-overs cricket, have been invaluable, yet franchises chose not to pick him in the auction. His unsold status raises questions about what factors led to his exclusion, despite his proven track record in the IPL.
