Several shocking inclusions were made in the IPL mini-auction, while on the other hand, a handful of cricketers also remained unsold and are expected to spark major interest in the IPL.
The IPL mini-auction began with many well-known players going unsold in the initial rounds of the mini-auction. IPL teams have disrespected many veterans of the game in recent years as even David Warner, the best foreign run-getter in the IPL, was shown the exit door.
This season, when teams were in need of wicketkeepers, several England players were considered suitable candidates; however, when they turned to the bidding table, they faced only rejection.
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List of Unimaginably Unsold Players in IPL Auction:
Jamie Smith
One of England’s recent all-format cricketers, Jamie Smith, has been the mainstay of England’s aggression. The lanky hitter has a huge step forward and brings out his massive reach with his long levers.
With Kolkata Knight Riders needing a wicket-keeper batter to open their innings and even Gujarat Titans looking for a solid player in the middle order, Jamie Smith, who is very versatile, can be considered as the best candidate but he remained unsold beyond expectations.
Devon Conway
The CSK veteran, who has done wonders for CSK at the top, has not featured in any other franchise over the years. However, regarding his poor track record in international cricket and his increasing age, Devon Conway has been overlooked by the franchises.
Despite his immense experience and teams generally preferring a left-handed batter at the top, the much-awaited Kiwi batter could not find a place in the final squad for IPL 2026.
Johnny Bairstow
Another Englishman and another experienced wicket-keeper batsman. Jonny Bairstow had everything in his favor except his age, which was a hindrance to the franchises’ long-term plans. Franchises in need of wicketkeepers, like Kolkata Knight Riders, opted for Finn Allen, who seemed to be in their long-term plans, which doesn’t fit Bairstow’s profile.
However, given Jonny Bairstow’s immense experience, no one would have thought he would go unnoticed despite multiple rounds throughout the auction.
Akash Madhwal
The young Indian pacer started his IPL career with Mumbai Indians and then continued with Rajasthan Royals. Having done wonders for MI, Madhwal was one of the most promising names among Indian speedsters, but he too went under the radar. He was among the many Indian players who went unsold beyond expectations.
Mahesh Theekshana
Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has delivered for his national team on several occasions but failed to make it to the IPL franchises. This is due to his poor form for the Rajasthan Royals in 2025 and also his poor international form for the Lankans. Theekshana’s form could have been a concern, but no team was willing to bid for him despite the dire need for spinners, which surely came as a shock.
Gerald Coetzee
Coetzee, the South African pacer, made a name for himself quickly after his debut in senior-level international cricket. Despite his early fame, his career was cut short by a series of injury-related setbacks and his unprofitable spells bowling in the IPL for Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. Coetzee would have made a good point guard at any point, but unfortunately couldn’t land an offer.
Spencer Johnson
Australian pacer Spencer Johnson played for Kolkata Knight Riders replacing Mitchell Starc in IPL 2025. Inconsistent form, but a left-arm pacer of immense value, Spencer was expected to join one team or the other, especially with teams looking for backup pacers. However, teams didn’t seem to trust his skill.
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