IPL 2025 : The IPL 2025 mega auction was an exhilarating event, with franchises shelling out massive sums to secure marquee players. While big names like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer created headlines with record breaking deals, the auction also threw some surprises , several seasoned veterans and rising talents found no takers.
IPL 2025 :From David Warner to Umesh Yadav: Best Unsold Playing XI of IPL 2025 Auction
Best Unsold Playing XI of IPL 2025
1.David Warner (C)
The former Australian batter and IPL veteran headlines the unsold list. With 6,565 IPL runs and a title winning captaincy with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, Warner’s name going unsold was shocking. At 37, he still boasts the ability to anchor and accelerate innings. Set at a ₹2 crore base price, Warner found no bidders but is a natural leader for this team.
2.Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion raised eyebrows across the cricketing world. The explosive opener has 1,892 IPL runs at a strike rate of 147.47. Fitness and off field issues likely led to his ₹75 lakh base price being overlooked, but Shaw’s potential to dominate the powerplay is undeniable.
3.Mayank Agarwal
A consistent top order batter, Mayank Agarwal failed to attract bids after a lukewarm 2024 season. With over 2,400 IPL runs, Agarwal brings composure and experience to this lineup. Despite being priced at ₹1 crore, teams chose younger prospects over him.
4.Jonny Bairstow (WK)
Known for his explosive batting and sharp wicket-keeping, Jonny Bairstow surprisingly went unsold. With 1,589 runs at a strike rate of 144.45 in 50 IPL matches, the English batter can play multiple roles, making him a valuable inclusion in the Unsold XI.
5.Sarfaraz Khan
Despite a stellar domestic cricket season, Sarfaraz Khan went unsold at a ₹50 lakh base price. Known for his innovative stroke play and finishing ability, Sarfaraz’s absence from the IPL is a missed opportunity for teams looking to bolster their middle order.
6.Sikandar Raza
The Zimbabwean skipper has carved out a reputation as a reliable all-rounder in T20 leagues worldwide. With his ability to hit long sixes, anchor an innings, and provide breakthroughs with his off-spin, Raza’s unsold status is surprising.
7.Shardul Thakur
A pace-bowling all-rounder who brings energy and unpredictability, Shardul Thakur found no takers at ₹2 crore. While his recent performances dipped, his knack for delivering in crunch moments makes him a solid pick for this team.
8.Piyush Chawla
The IPL veteran with 192 wickets in as many matches, Chawla was a key spinner for Mumbai Indians in 2024. Despite his stellar track record, franchises bypassed him, possibly due to age. At ₹50 lakh, his exclusion was a surprise.
9.Umesh Yadav
With 144 IPL wickets, Umesh Yadav’s ability to bowl fiery opening spells makes him a potent force. Despite a decent 2024 season with Gujarat Titans, his ₹2 crore base price proved too steep for franchises prioritizing younger talent.
10.Navdeep Saini
Known for his raw pace, Navdeep Saini has often been India’s go-to speedster in T20s. Injuries and inconsistent form may have impacted his IPL prospects, but his pace and aggression make him a valuable bowler for this XI.
11.Mustafizur Rahman
The “Fizz” was once a prized possession in IPL auctions due to his deceptive slower balls and accuracy at the death. However, recent performances didn’t help him secure a deal, despite a ₹1 crore base price. His experience and skills still make him a strong addition to this lineup.
Impact Player: Mayank Dagar
The promising all rounder Mayank Dagar could serve as the team’s Impact Player. With his left arm orthodox spin and hard hitting lower order batting, Dagar brings versatility to the squad.
The IPL 2025 auction may have been a disappointment for these players, but the Unsold XI proves that talent often transcends franchise decisions. While these stars may have missed the IPL bus this year, their performances in other leagues could reignite interest in the future.
