The IPL 2025 mega auction was a successful event, which saw Rishabh Pant creating history as the most expensive acquisition in the tournament’s history. A whopping amount of ₹639.15 cr was spent on securing the services of 182 players, including 62 overseas players.
However, 395 players went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. The list included prominent names proving their worth in the IPL and also some who were unlucky to miss out on getting a contract from the franchises. On that note, let’s take a look at what the best XI of unsold players looks like.
Top-order: David Warner, Mayank Agarawal, Kane Williamson (c)
David Warner is the most successful overseas player in the cash-rich league. He slammed 6,565 runs in 184 innings at an average of 40.52, with four centuries. However, the inconsistency in the last few seasons and the age factor resulted in him getting unsold.
Meanwhile, Mayank Agarwal would partner Warner in this XI. The right-hander has scored 2,661 runs in 127 appearances, and was known to provide a stable start to his sides.
Kane Williamson will serve as the leader of this side due to his experience in leading Sunrisers Hyderabad and New Zealand. The Kiwi batter scored 2,128 runs at an average of 35.47 in the IPL.
Middle-order: Jonny Bairstow, Sarfaraz Khan, K.S Bharat (wk), Shakib Al Hasan
The Englishman, Jonny Bairstow went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, due to his mediocre performances last year. Although he slammed a sensational hundred in a record chase for Punjab Kings, his performances in rest of the games were disappointing.
Although, Sarfaraz Khan hasn’t lit up the IPL, him getting unsold despite his rising international stature was surprising. The right-hander recently scored 150 against New Zealand. The talented keeper-batter, KS Bharat will don the gloves for the unsold XI.
The legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been an impressive performer in IPL over the years. He has scalped 63 wickets and scored around 800 runs, while winning two titles with KKR.
Bowlers: Piyush Chawla, Umesh Yadav, Kartik Tyagi, Navdeep Saini
Piyush Chawla ranks as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 192 scalps in as many games. Despite picking up 13 wickets last season for Mumbai Indians, he went unsold.
The team’s lead pacer will be Umesh Yadav, who has picked up 144 wickets in the cash-rich league. He has gone off-radar due to his indifferent performances in IPL and international circuit.
The young duo of Kartik Tyagi and Navdeep Saini form potent pacers for the death overs. Interestingly, Saini is one of the reserve players for India in the ongoing tour to Australia.
FAQs
When is the IPL 2025 scheduled to take place?
14 March – 25 May
How many games will take place in IPL 2025?
74
Who are the defending champions in IPL?
KKR lifted the IPL 2024 title under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy
