Unsold at IPL 2026 Auction: 7 Players No One Expected to Go Home Without a Bid

Several shocking inclusions were made in the IPL mini-auction, while on the other hand, a handful of cricketers also went unsold who were anticipated to draw major interest in the IPL.

The IPL mini-auction started off with many well-known players going unsold during the opening rounds of the mini-auction. The IPL teams have been disrespectful towards many of the veterans of the game in recent years, as even the likes of David Warner, the highest-ever overseas run-getter in the IPL, were shown the exit door.

This season, when teams needed wicket-keepers, several English players were seen as suitable applicants; however, when they turned on to the auction table, they faced nothing but rejection.

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List of players who went unimaginably unsold in the IPL Auction:

Jamie Smith

One of England's recent all-format cricketers, Jamie Smith, has been the pillar of aggression in England. The lanky batter has a huge stride forward and brings out his massive reach with his long levers.

With the Kolkata Knight Riders needing a wicket-keeper batter to open their innings and even the Gujarat Titans in the quest for a solid player in the middle order, Jamie Smith, who is very versatile, can be referred to as the finest fit, yet he went unsold beyond expectations.

Devon Conway

The CSK veteran, who has done wonders for CSK at the top, has not featured for any other franchise over the years. However, concerning his poor run in international cricket and his growing age, Devon Conway was overlooked by the franchises.

Despite his immense experience and teams usually preferring a left-handed batter at the top, the much-anticipated Kiwi batter could not find a place in the final squad for IPL 2026.

Jonny Bairstow

Another Englishman and another experienced wicket-keeper batter. Jonny Bairstow had everything in his favour except his age, which was a hindrance to the long-term plans of the franchises. The franchises needing wicket-keepers, like Kolkata Knight Riders, went for Finn Allen, who seemed to be in their long-term plans, which does not fit Bairstow's profile.

However, considering Jonny Bairstow's immense experience, no one would have thought that he would pass unnoticed despite making several rounds throughout the auction.

Akash Madhwal

The young Indian pacer kicked off his IPL career with the Mumbai Indians and then continued with the Rajasthan Royals. Having done wonders for MI, Madhwal was one of the most promising names among Indian speedsters, yet he too went unnoticed. He was one among the several Indian players who went unsold beyond expectations.

Maheesh Theekshana

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has delivered for his national side a relentless number of times, but has not been able to make the cut for 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 might have been a concern, yet no team would bid for him despite the utter need for spinners, which was surely a shock.

Gerald Coetzee

Coetzee, the South African pacer, earned a name quickly after his debut in senior-level international cricket. Despite his early fame, his career was interrupted by a series of injury setbacks and his uneconomical bowling spells in the IPL for the Mumbai Indians and the Gujarat Titans. Coetzee would have made a fine pacer for any time, but unfortunately could not land a bid.

Spencer Johnson

Australian pacer Spencer Johnson played for the Kolkata Knight Riders as Mitchell Starc's replacement in IPL 2025. Inconsistent form, yet a left-arm pacer of immense value, Spencer was expected to join some team or the other, especially with teams in the quest for backup pacers. However, the teams did not seem to trust his competence.

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