NEW DELHI: The IPL 2025 Mega Auction concluded with finalized squads for all 10 franchises, setting new destinations for players such as Rishabh Pant, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
However, the auction also saw some big names failing to attract any bids, leaving several prominent cricketers without contracts.
TimesofIndia.com takes a closer look at the notable players who were expected to command substantial bids but were overlooked by franchises.
Prithvi Shaw
Despite a modest base price of Rs 75 lakh, the talented Indian opener Prithvi Shaw went unsold. Shaw’s previous IPL season yielded 198 runs in 8 matches at an average of 24.75 and a remarkable strike rate of 163.64, but it wasn’t enough to earn him a spot.
Matches: 79 | Runs: 1892 | Avg: 23.95 | SR: 147.47 | 100s/50s: 0/14
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Jonny Bairstow
The 35-year-old English veteran failed to find a team at his base price of Rs 2 crore. Bairstow’s reduced appearances in international cricket likely impacted his IPL prospects, leaving him unsold during the auction in Jeddah.
Matches: 50 | Runs: 1589 | Avg: 34.54 | SR: 144.45 | 100s/50s: 2/9
David Warner
Once an IPL batting stalwart, David Warner went unsold at his base price of Rs 2 crore. The former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, who is currently serving as a commentator for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, may now transition to a commentary role in the IPL as well.
Matches: 184 | Runs: 6565 | Avg: 40.52 | SR: 139.77 | 100s/50s: 4/62
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Shardul Thakur
The all-rounder’s unsold status at Rs 2 crore was one of the surprises of the auction. Thakur, who went under the hammer on Day 2 when franchises had limited funds, managed just 5 wickets in 9 matches last season, with an economy rate of 9.76—a possible factor behind his exclusion.
Matches: 95 | Wickets: 94 | Best: 4/36 | Econ: 9.23
Kane Williamson
The former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, listed at a base price of Rs 2 crore, also went unnoticed. Williamson’s recent form likely played a role; he has featured in only three IPL matches over two years, scoring 27 runs at an average of 9.
Matches: 79 | Runs: 2128 | Avg: 35.47 | SR: 125.62 | 100s/50s: 0/18
