Top Surprising Unsold Players in IPL 2025

The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah took cricket fans by surprise, leaving many big names unsold and sparking widespread discussion. While rising stars like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer bagged massive deals, experienced and once-reliable players such as David Warner and Jonny Bairstow failed to attract any bids. Here we will look at the most shocking unsold players in IPL 2025 and understand why they couldn’t find buyers.

Top 10 Unsold Players List IPL 2025

David Warner (Base Price: ₹2 crore)
One of the most decorated players in IPL history, David Warner’s unsold status shocked cricket fans. The former Australian opener has been a prolific scorer, amassing over 6,000 IPL runs. However, his declining form and advancing age seem to have worked against him. Warner’s absence from the accelerated round also hinted at the end of his IPL career. Many are now wondering if this IPL legend will switch to commentary.

Jonny Bairstow (Base Price: ₹2 crore)
Jonny Bairstow, known for his explosive batting, has had a patchy IPL career. Despite being one of the most dangerous openers, his performance for Punjab Kings in the last two seasons was underwhelming. This dip in form, coupled with his high base price, discouraged franchises from placing bids.

Prithvi Shaw (Base Price: ₹75 lakh)
Controversies and fitness issues have marred Prithvi Shaw’s career, and his unsold status in IPL 2025 reflects the growing concerns among teams. Released by Delhi Capitals, Shaw’s form has been inconsistent, scoring only 198 runs last season. Despite his potential as an opener, franchises appear reluctant to invest in the troubled young talent.

Shardul Thakur (Base Price: ₹2 crore)
Known as “Lord Shardul” by fans, Shardul Thakur’s omission was perhaps the most surprising. After a mixed 2024 season with Chennai Super Kings, where he picked up only five wickets in nine matches, injury concerns and his high base price seem to have deterred teams. His late entry on Day 2 of the auction also worked against him, as most franchises had already exhausted their budgets.

Kane Williamson (Base Price: ₹2 crore)
The former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain’s IPL journey also seems to have reached its end. Williamson played only three matches in the last two years due to injury and lack of opportunities. Despite being fit, his limited appearances for Gujarat Titans in 2024 and a hefty base price made him a less appealing option for franchises.

Piyush Chawla (Base Price: ₹50 lakh)
Piyush Chawla, one of the most successful spinners in IPL history with 192 wickets, failed to find a team. The 35-year-old was Mumbai Indians’ lead spinner in 2023 and 2024 but seemed to have lost his edge. His unsold status likely signals the end of an illustrious IPL career.

Mayank Agarwal (Base Price: ₹1 crore)
Mayank Agarwal’s inability to secure a spot in IPL 2025 is another disappointment. Once a dependable opener, Mayank’s performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last two seasons were subpar. He managed to play only four matches in 2024, which likely influenced the lack of interest in him.

James Anderson (Base Price: ₹1.25 crore)
Making his IPL auction debut at the age of 43, James Anderson hoped to cap his career with a T20 stint. However, the legendary pacer, with over 700 Test wickets, did not even come up for bidding. Despite his stellar achievements in international cricket, Anderson’s lack of T20 experience and advanced age played a crucial role in teams ignoring him.

Navdeep Saini (Base Price: ₹75 lakh)
Navdeep Saini, known for his express pace, has been unlucky with injuries and lack of opportunities. While he showed promise in domestic cricket, Saini missed the entire IPL 2024 season. Franchises seemed hesitant to bet on his comeback, leaving him without a team.

Sarfaraz Khan (Base Price: ₹50 lakh)
Despite an exceptional domestic season in Test cricket, Sarfaraz Khan failed to attract bidders. His last IPL appearance was in 2023 for Delhi Capitals, where he struggled to make an impact. Meanwhile, his younger brother Musheer Khan secured a contract with Punjab Kings, adding to Sarfaraz’s disappointment.

Reasons Behind These Surprises Unsold Players in IPL 2025

1. High Base Prices
Several unsold players, including David Warner and Jonny Bairstow, set high base prices, which deterred cash-strapped teams.

Form and Fitness Issues
Players like Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur struggled with form and fitness, making them risky investments.

Age and Declining Performances
Veterans like James Anderson and Piyush Chawla failed to convince teams due to their age and waning abilities.

Auction Dynamics
Late entries and limited budgets on Day 2 of the auction impacted several players, including Shardul Thakur and Navdeep Saini.

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 mega auction showcased not just rising stars but also the harsh realities of professional cricket. While some players earned hefty contracts, others faced the disappointment of going unsold. The likes of David Warner, Shardul Thakur, and Prithvi Shaw serve as reminders that form, fitness, and timing are crucial in the IPL.

FAQs

Why did David Warner go unsold in IPL 2025?

Warner’s declining form and high base price were major factors behind his unsold status.

What happened to Prithvi Shaw in the IPL 2025 auction?

Shaw went unsold due to fitness issues, inconsistent performances, and off-field controversies.

How many ICC trophies won by India?

India has won three ICC trophies: the ICC Cricket World Cup (1983, 2011), ICC T20 World Cup (2007), and ICC Champions Trophy (2013).
Read More: How many ICC trophies won by India

Will unsold players participate in IPL 2025?

They could return as replacements if teams face injuries or other issues during the season.

Who was the youngest player bought in IPL 2025?

Thirteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi was signed by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore.