The IPL Auction 2026 was where a few players were looking to get big bids but they went unsold. The teams did not want these players and some of these names are absolutely shocking. Most of these names are overseas players and the teams were looking to buy young Indian players who would be with them for a long period of time.
Let’s look at the Top 5 Most Shocking Unsold Players at IPL Auction
Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow has been an IPL legend. No fan will forget the season he had with David Warner at the top of the order for SRH. He is one of the most explosive batters in the world. He has won the T20I World Cup with England. He had a base price of 1 Crore which should have been enough to get picked. He was a big part of Mumbai Indians last year. He can still be an injury replacement for a mid-season player.
Jake Fraser McGurk
The Delhi Capitals opener who was one of the breakout stars of the IPL. He was picked for 9 crores but in 2024 he was not able to perform at all. Delhi Capitals gave him enough opportunities and he was not able to provide impactful starts. Jake Fraser McGurk had a base price of 2 crores which was fair. A team like KKR could have bid for him but they went with Finn Allen and Tim Seifert. He will work hard and come back stronger in the next auction.
Devon Conway
This was easily one of the most shocking unsold players in the IPL Auction. He has been a very important part of the CSK team for a number of years. He was a huge part of the title winning team in 2023. Devon Conway had a base price of 2 Crores and CSK could have bid for him again but they have shifted their ideology to the younger generation. Devon Conway should look to get his strike rate over 150. He also has a few years left in him.
Jamie Smith
The young English batter was a sure shot big player in the Auction. However the IPL Auction surprises everytime and him not being sold was a shock. He is one of the most attacking batters in world cricket. He could have been a target for a team like RCB but they opted not to bid. Jamie Smith is young and like Jake Fraser McGurk he will come back next year and get a big bid. His base price was 2 Crores and with no prior IPL experience maybe it was a bit High.
Deepak Hooda
The only Indian player in this list is Deepak Hooda. He is one of the best spin bowling all rounders that was available at the auction. He was in CSK last year but he was not able to perform to the abilities that he possesses. An Indian All Rounder is a rare type of player and teams like Lucknow Supergiants could have bid for him. His base price was 75 Lakhs and that was smart from his side. He should work hard on his strike rate.
