Published By: Sayan Guha

IPL Auction: 5 Indian Stars Who Might Go Unsold in the IPL 2025 Auction

The IPL auction always has its surprises, with emerging talent pushing veterans to the sidelines

The cricket world is focused on the TATA IPL 2025 Player Auction, which will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. With 1,574 players registered—1,165 Indians and 409 from abroad—the stage is set for one of the most anticipated IPL auctions in history. There will undoubtedly be fierce rivalry amongst the 320 capped players, 1,224 uncapped players, and 30 players from associate nations. However, as always, some recognised faces may slip through the cracks.

In this article, we highlight five well-known Indian players who, despite solid resumes, may find themselves without a buyer. Will any team take a risk on them, or should a couple of these players seek other options?

Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw was once seen as the future of Indian cricket, but his career has been a rollercoaster. Shaw, who formerly played for Delhi Capitals with a hefty ₹8 crore deal, will now join the 2025 auction with a base price of ₹75 lakh. Though his aggressive batting approach won him fans, his lack of consistency and fitness issues have thrown doubt on his ability.

Despite his outstanding performance record—1,892 runs in 79 IPL matches at a strike rate of 147.47—Shaw's inconsistent form has caused teams concern. Shaw's future might be determined by whether his previous coach, Ricky Ponting, who once supported him, is prepared to do so again.

Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra is a real IPL icon, with 174 wickets in 162 games. He's been a thorn in the side of numerous batters, known for his finesse and control. However, with age creeping up, Mishra's future in the league is doubtful.

As the years pass, many teams want younger, more athletic players in such a high-stakes sport. While Mishra's expertise is crucial, the speed and intensity of T20 cricket may make some clubs reconsider investing in a player nearing 42.

Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey has consistently participated in the IPL since its inception, having played in 171 matches and scoring an impressive 3,850 runs. Although he has generally been reliable, his declining strike rate has raised concerns recently; he only played one match for the Kolkata Knight Riders last season. While Pandey's conservative batting technique has been advantageous at times, it has not aligned well with the fast-paced demands of contemporary T20 cricket.

With a base price of 75 lakh that may be considered a risk, Pandey's chances are small. Despite his expertise and consistent performances, teams may look for more explosive options.

Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur's career has been uneven in recent years. Although he is a good all-rounder, his recent IPL performance has been disappointing. Thakur's auction entry, priced at ₹2 crore, presents a risk for clubs seeking consistent results.

Despite his innate talent, Thakur has a high economy rate, averaging 9.23 per over. This may be too expensive for teams looking for inexpensive and reliable bowlers.

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav, a seasoned pacer with a base price of ₹2 crore, has been a respected bowler for many years. However, at 37, his age and prior ailments may make teams leery of banking on him. Despite his 144 wickets in 148 IPL games, the pace of T20 cricket requires agility and energy, which are difficult to sustain as players age.

Can Umesh demonstrate that he still has the firepower to deliver, or will the younger, more cost-effective choices eclipse him in this auction?