IPL 2026 Auction: These Famous Cricketers Are At Risk of Going Unsold
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The Indian Premier League is stepping into its 19th season since its inauguration in 2008 and has had thousands of cricketers starring in the history of the tournament. However, there is an end to the careers of even the finest of cricketers.
The IPL has been coined as a mega platform for players from across the nation as well as for overseas players, since many players reclaimed their spot within the national sides, taking their IPL performances into account.
However, the IPL, being a very high-stakes competition, demands more than only legacy. Even the finest of players like David Warner, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Suresh Raina have gone unsold in IPL auctions due to certain factors, with form being the primary one.
Here is a List of renowned cricketers who might go unsold in the IPL mini-auction:
5. Steve Smith
The former Australian captain Steve Smith has now gone unsold twice in the IPL auctions over the last two auctions. Smith debuted in the IPL back in 2012 and has played in 9 seasons in the IPL. Having played mostly for the Rajasthan Royals, he has also represented Pune Warriors India and Rising Pune Supergiants over the years.
Steve Smith's last IPL appearance came back in 2021 when he was bought for INR 2.20 crores by the Delhi Capitals, but did not have a productive season. In 103 matches in his career, Smith has amassed 2485 runs with a century to his name.
Despite all his heroics and the stats in his favour, Smith is not likely to be on the cards for the franchises, as his age is a concern for teams, and he has also lacked form in the format. Though he led Washington Freedom to a commanding win in the MLC back in 2024 and had also scored some hundreds for Sydney Sixers, such things do not define sheer form at present.
4. Josh Inglis
Another Australian cricketer on this list. However, unlike Steven Smith, Inglis is one of the most in-form and dangerous T20I cricketers from Australia in recent years. He played for the Punjab Kings last season and amassed 278 runs in the season. He earned a reputation for his fearless brand of strokeplay and his calibre to change the course of the match.
However, before the mini-auction, Inglis was sorted under the INR 2 crore belt, and he then informed that he would only be available for 25% of the IPL season; that is, he would not be playing more than 4 games in the season. This unavailability for most of the season led to his release from PBKS and might also be a core reason for him going unsold.
3. Devon Conway
The former Chennai Super Kings opener has been a stalwart for the Super Kings over the seasons, but has been immensely affected by injuries and has been unavailable at crucial junctures. With CSK moving ahead of their former players with youngsters, he has been released ahead of the mini-auction.
However, in recent times, Conway has had a sheer downfall. He has a marked lack of form in the shortest format of the game, and especially in the IPL. Hence, Conway might also be unsold in the auction.
2. Jake Fraser-McGurk
The Australian lad earned a quick reputation on his breakout into the IPL in 2024 and was handed the status of a demolishing opener. McGurk struck fearlessly at a strike rate of over 250 in his first season for the Delhi Capitals and was hence picked for the next season as well.
However, he could not keep up with the high standards set for the batter. McGurk failed to be promising with the bat and turned out to be a major disappointment for the whopping sum he was paid. Considering his sheer inconsistency, he is likely to go unsold this season.
1. Wanindu Hasaranga
After Steve Smith and Devon Conway, he is the most promising performer in this list in the Indian Premier League. Wanindu Hasaranga did not have the finest of seasons for the Rajasthan Royals.
Though Hasaranga put on a promising show in international cricket, he failed to connect the dots in the IPL. Hasaranga's form might not have been a major concern had injury woes not surrounded him.
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