The entire cricket fraternity is on its feet with high levels of adrenaline rushing as the mega-auction for the IPL 2025 is creeping near. The reports from several renowned sports papers and sites have confirmed that the highly anticipated mega-auction will be held in Riyadh by the 24th or 25th of November.
The teams went on to announce their retentions on the 31st of October, and while some retentions took them by surprise, there were also some players released, which seemed totally unreasonable. Franchises are all busy making their last-minute plans as every team looks to make key additions ahead of the upcoming IPL.
In the upcoming mega-auction, there might be chances of some of the greatest players being left unsold due to the teams limiting their purse on key retentions.
Top 5 released players who might go unsold
Matthew Wade
Wade recently retired from international cricket as well. Though he has been a domestic legend and a very crucial player for years in the BBL, Wade has never had a very impressive run in the IPL.
In his career, he played in only 15 matches, where he scored 183 runs, averaging 13.07. Matthew Wade was part of the Gujarat Titans, and despite his weak performances, the Titans lifted the cup back in 2022. Titans released him, and he might go unsold this time in the auction.
Keshav Maharaj
Maharaj was featured for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024, where the experienced spinner played his first two games in the IPL. His record, though, has been impressive in the shortest format, and Maharaj also has some quality batting ability.
Despite all, the IPL would not look to have the services of as big a left-arm spinner, as India has many such players in the role.
Shai Hope
The Windies limited-overs skipper, Hope, has played several crucial innings for his national side. While the Delhi Capitals had included him with INR 75 crore, he was not much used in the services, and even he didn’t seem likely in form.
Hope has been released by the Capitals, and despite many teams in need of wicketkeepers, it is not very likely to feature him any further for any franchise in the upcoming IPL.
Kane Williamson
One of the biggest names on the list and one of the greatest players of the generation. The Kiwi star has had successful seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad and also led them to a final in 2018. In 79 IPL games, he has scored 2128 runs with an average of 35.47.
Williamson since 2022 has not featured in the IPL, despite being in the Gujarat Titans camp owing to his often injured status. Williamson will not look to fancy much chances of him into the upcoming mega-auction.
Ajinkya Rahane
Another big name on the list, but probably age and form are what don’t make him an ideal choice for IPL anymore. Though Rahane had some great seasons with CSK, his form didn’t click last season. His high strike rate fancied his chances in the yellow jersey over the first season.
Rahane, the great IPL veteran, might for the second time not be picked by any team in the mega-auction, which might also draw curtains to his career in the IPL.
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