Published By: Sanchari Das

IPL 2025: Six Seasons Without a Bid? Here are IPL’s Most Repeated Unsold Players

IPL auctions are full of surprises, but these players’ unsold streaks are the most shocking of all

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its glitz, glamour, and surprises. With the 2025 mega auction set for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, fans eagerly await the fate of 574 players shortlisted from over 1,500 registrations. Yet, IPL auctions have a history of leaving even renowned stars unsold. Here are five players who faced repeated disappointments at the IPL auctions, going unsold the most times in the tournament’s history.

Martin Guptill: 6 times unsold

New Zealand’s Martin Guptill tops the list with six unsold seasons, which is a record in IPL history. Known for his explosive batting, Guptill struggled to convince franchises of his consistency in Indian conditions. Despite entering the auction in 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2016, no team bid for him. Even his reputation couldn’t save him in 2020 when he went unsold yet again. While Guptill played briefly for Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad, he spent most auctions overlooked, casting a shadow on his otherwise illustrious career.

Cheteshwar Pujara: 5 times unsold

India’s Test specialist, Cheteshwar Pujara, found no takers in five IPL auctions. Between 2015 and 2020, the franchise steered clear of the Saurashtra batter, possibly due to his traditional batting style. Pujara’s IPL stint from 2010 to 2014, including his time with Kings XI Punjab, was marked by his inability to adapt to the format’s demands. Despite trying to rebrand himself during subsequent auctions, his reputation as a red-ball expert worked against him, leaving him unsold repeatedly.

Nathan Lyon: 5 times unsold

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, known for troubling Indian batters in Tests, failed to find a franchise in five IPL seasons. Beginning in 2014, Lyon’s auction journey was riddled with disappointment. His base price of INR 1 crore in 2014, 2015, and 2016 deterred teams. Even when he raised his price to INR 1.5 crore for 2017 and 2018, he still went unsold. Lyon eventually stopped registering for auctions, cementing his reputation as one of IPL’s most ignored international stars.

Darren Bravo: 5 times unsold

West Indies’ Darren Bravo, a talented left-handed batsman, went unsold five times across his IPL journey. Bravo’s stints with Deccan Chargers in 2012 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017 were brief. Between these, he remained unsold from 2013 to 2016 despite consistently entering auctions. His performances in the Caribbean Premier League didn’t sway IPL franchises, who remained sceptical of his T20 credentials. Bravo’s contrasting IPL career to his brother, Dwayne Bravo, remains a talking point.

Vernon Philander: 5 times unsold

South Africa’s Vernon Philander is another big name that IPL teams have repeatedly ignored. The fast-bowling all-rounder went unsold five times, starting with the 2010 auction. Despite setting modest base prices—USD 50,000 in 2010 and INR 50 lakh in 2016—Philander couldn’t attract bids. His stellar Test performances didn’t translate to T20 cricket, leading to his exclusion from auctions after 2016. Philander’s auction misfortunes highlight how IPL teams prioritise format-specific skills over broader cricket pedigree.

A story of surprises and snubs

The IPL auction isn’t just about numbers but perception, potential, and team dynamics. Despite their impressive resumes, these five players became regulars on the unsold list. With the upcoming mega auction in Jeddah, one can only wonder if history will repeat itself or if new surprises await.