There were some shockers in the IPL mini-auction and on the other hand, a handful of cricketers who were expected to attract IPL interest also failed to sell.

When the IPL mini-auction started, many well-known players went unsold in the first round of the mini-auction. In recent years, IPL teams have disrespected many veterans of the game, with even the likes of David Warner, the highest overseas scorer in IPL history, being ousted.

When the team needed a goalkeeper this season, several British players were considered suitable applicants; however, when they went to the auction block, they faced rejection.

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List of players who were incredibly unsold in the IPL auction:

Jamie Smith

Jamie Smith is one of England’s recent all-round cricketers and he has been the backbone of England’s attack. The lanky batsman took a big step forward and made a huge impact with his long lever.

Kolkata Knight Riders are in need of a wicketkeeper-batsman to open their innings and even Gujarat Titans are looking for a steady middle-order player and the all-rounder Jamie Smith is arguably the best fit but his unsold exceeds expectations.

Devin Conway

The CSK veteran did wonders in CSK’s prime but hasn’t featured for any other franchise in years. However, Devon Conway was overlooked by the team due to his poor performance in international cricket and his increasing age.

Despite his vast experience and the fact that teams usually prefer left-handed batsmen, the much-anticipated New Zealand batsman failed to find a place in the final squad for IPL 2026.

Jonny Bairstow

Another Englishman and another experienced wicketkeeper-batsman. Jonny Bairstow has everything going in his favour, except his age, which is a hindrance to the team’s long-term plans. A team like Kolkata Knight Riders in need of a wicketkeeper opted for Finn Allen, who seemed to be in their long-term plans, but it didn’t fit Bairstow’s profile.

However, considering Jonny Bairstow’s wealth of experience, no one would have thought that he would be overlooked for several runs during the auction.

Akash Madhwal

The young Indian pacer started his IPL career with Mumbai Indians and then went on to play for Rajasthan Royals. Madhwal has done wonders for MI and is one of the most promising names among Indian speedsters, but he too has gone unnoticed. He is one of several Indian players who have gone unsold beyond expectations.

Mahesh Tikshana

Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana has made several appearances for the national team but failed to make it to the IPL franchise. This is due to his poor form for Rajasthan Royals in 2025 and his poor form in international matches for Lankans. Tikshana’s form may be a concern, but it’s certainly shocking that no team is willing to make an offer for him despite the dire need for spinners.

Gerald Coetzee

South African pacer Coetzee has quickly made a name for himself after making his debut in senior international cricket. Despite his early fame, his career was cut short by a series of injury setbacks and his uneconomical performances while bowling for Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Coetzee would have been a quality pacer at any time but unfortunately he was unable to bid.

Spencer Johnson

Australian pacer Spencer Johnson represents the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, replacing Mitchell Starc. Despite his inconsistent form, Spencer is a left-arm pacer of immense value and is expected to join some team, especially one looking for a replacement pacer. However, the team doesn’t seem to believe in his ability.

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