David Warner and other star players went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction, raising questions about their future and the shifting dynamics of team selections.
The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, which took place recently, witnessed notable omissions among high-profile players, notably David Warner, who stood out as a significant name left unsold. Warner, aged 38 and a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), retired from international cricket in June. He entered the auction with a base price set at INR 2 crore, but despite anticipated interest, his name did not receive a bid during the initial selection process. The auction concluded with a second opportunity for Warner during the accelerated round on the following day, yet again, he found no suitors.
David Warner’s contributions to the IPL have underscored his reputation as one of the tournament’s leading performers. With a remarkable total of 6,565 runs accumulated over 184 matches, he ranks as the highest-scoring overseas batter in the tournament’s history and holds the fourth position overall. His runs trail only behind three Indian batting legends: Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and Rohit Sharma. Notably, Warner has achieved the milestone of surpassing 500 runs in a single season seven times, a record he shares with Kohli. However, his performance during the IPL 2024 season was underwhelming, where he managed only 168 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 134.40. Warner’s most recent competitive outing was at the MAX60 tournament in the Caribbean, where he excelled as the top run-scorer with 297 runs at an impressive strike rate of 181.09. Looking ahead, he is slated to play for Dubai Capitals in the upcoming ILT20 scheduled for early next year.
Among Indian cricketers, Shardul Thakur attracted attention as another high-profile player who went unsold at the auction. Thakur entered with a base price of INR 2 crore. Renowned for his abilities as a seam-bowling all-rounder, Thakur was part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the previous season. His performance last year included five wickets taken across nine matches at a high economy rate of 9.75, with limited opportunities with the bat, where he managed just 21 runs in three innings. Complications surrounding his selection stemmed from his absence from Indian cricket across all formats since December 2023, compounded by foot surgery that sidelined him until early October, when he returned to play in the Irani Cup representing Mumbai.
Another notable unsold player was Prithvi Shaw, a cricketer retained by Delhi Capitals (DC) prior to IPL 2022. Shaw’s struggles with form over the past two seasons culminated in his omission for IPL 2024, with Abishek Porel taking his place. The player has recently faced challenges off the field as well, having been excluded from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness issues and concerns related to his conduct.
The auction also marked the absence of England’s Jonny Bairstow, another player who did not attract any bids. Bairstow, who donned the Punjab Kings (PBKS) jersey from 2022 to 2024, achieved a commendable tally of 551 runs across 22 innings, boasting a striking strike rate of 148.92. However, he entered the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore but, similarly to several other players, did not secure a contract.
Daryl Mitchell, who enjoyed a victorious yet financially unique season with CSK, also found himself unsold during this mega auction. He was acquired for INR 14 crore in the prior IPL 2024 mini-auction and has proven to be one of New Zealand’s standout performers across formats in recent years. This year, he entered the auction at the same base price of INR 2 crore, yet disappointingly did not attract any offers.
The trends observed during the IPL 2025 mega auction highlight a complex landscape within the league. Lesser-known players and opportunities are emerging amidst traditional names that have previously dominated the stage. The experiences of these high-profile players will likely impact their respective teams and the league in the coming seasons, as franchises reconsider their strategies and selections moving forward. The dynamics of the auction have reshaped expectations and market values, illustrating the intricate balance between performance, marketability, and team needs in one of cricket’s most lucrative formats. The choices made during the auction will resonate beyond the bids themselves, influencing recruitment strategies, on-field dynamics, and overall team composition as franchises aim to assemble squads capable of competing at the highest levels in the upcoming tournament.
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