The IPL 2026 The auction in Abu Dhabi was a historic event that rewrote the record books. Cameron Green‘s staggering ₹ 25.20 crore move to KKR. However, the real shockwaves were felt during the “Unsold” calls.
As franchises aggressively target Gen-Z Indian talent – they pay ₹ 14.20 crore for uncapped stars like. Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma— several well-known international icons and seasoned Indian veterans were stranded.
Star power was not considered in the IPL 2026 auction
The 2026 auction marked the transfer of generational wealth in cricket. Teams prioritized youth and specific tactical roles over pure star power. Although some players like it Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan was lucky to be selected in the third “Accelerated” round, others were not so lucky. On that note, let’s take a look at the stars who weren’t picked in the bidding event and build a perfect XI for unsold players.
IPL 2026: Top 11 unsold players in mini-auction
1) Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia)
Role: Explosive switch
Fraser-McGurk was the biggest surprise of the auction. After setting the tournament alight in 2024 with his fearless batting and terrific strike rates, expectations were high. However, his lean 2025 season, in which he managed just 55 runs in six matches, caused concern among franchises. Despite his ability to win games within the powerplay, teams were reluctant to invest even at his base price of ₹2 crore, fearing inconsistency and volatility at the top.
2) Devon Conway (New Zealand)
Role: Opener
A proven IPL performer and former CSK stalwart, Conway’s unsold status left many stunned. With a league average of over 43 and known for his composure under pressure, Conway brings a consistency that few can match. However, at 34, franchises have opted for younger, more explosive wicket-keeper batsmen who can double as long-term investments. Conway’s credibility, once his greatest asset, seems to be working against him in a youth-driven market.
3) Jamie Smith (England)
Role: Aggressive top order batter / Wicketkeeper
Smith entered the auction as one of England’s most exciting new generation of dead bodies across formats. His aggressive approach, ability to hold pace and the same spin and goalkeeping skills made him a formidable opponent on paper. Surprisingly, even teams with few wicketkeeping options passed on him, perhaps seeing him as a player more suited to international conditions than the subcontinental IPL business.
4) Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
Role: Medium batter / Seam-bowling all-rounder
Mitchell’s release reflected market dynamics rather than ability. A proven match-winner and adaptable middle-order presence for New Zealand, Mitchell has consistently performed on the big stages. However, with franchises overloaded with local mid-level options and overseas slots already locked up, Mitchell was a victim of bad timing rather than bad form.
5) Deepak Hooda (India)
Role: An all-round shot
Despite a solid domestic season and previous international exposure, Hooda was repeatedly unsold. His base price of ₹ 75 lakh failed to attract interest as teams tended to lean heavily towards players who kept their heads down. Hooda’s versatility remains valuable, but franchises prefer specialists over hybrid players in well-defined team roles.
6) Mahipal Lomror (India)
Role: Finisher
Lomror’s absence highlighted the stiff competition among the Indian middle-order batsmen. A consistent domestic performer and former RCB finisher, Lomror offers flexibility and left-handed balance. However, with franchises investing heavily in finishers and all-rounders, Lomror found himself stuck despite having a proven IPL skill set.
7) Gus Atkinson (England)
Role: Pace bowling all round
Atkinson’s raw pace and lower-order batting could strengthen any bowling unit. Fresh from his impressive international performances, he looked like a strong candidate for teams looking for fast-bowling depth. However, overseas pace options were plentiful and franchises instead chose to make room for specialists with proven IPL records.
8) Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)
Role: Fast bowler
Known for his aggression and ability to hit north of 150 kmph, Coetzee’s wicket raised eyebrows. His release was largely tactical as franchises preferred to invest heavily in Indian pacers. Auqib Nabi Dar. With teams favoring domestic fast bowlers to free up overseas slots, Coetzee narrowly missed out despite his match-winning potential.
Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete list of sold players with prices
9) Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)
Role: The mysterious spinner
Once instrumental in CSK’s bowling plans, Theekshana’s recent inconsistency has cost him dearly. While his variations and power play control remain valuable, the changing form and predictability at death diminishes his appeal. Teams have seemed wary of mystery spinners of late without sustained success.
10) Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan)
Role: Off-spinner
Mujeeb’s journey has come full circle. Once the youngest IPL debutant and the much sought after mystery spinner, this time he found no takers. While his variations are still effective, teams have turned to wrist spinners and domestic slow bowlers, leaving Mujeeb out in the booming spin market.
11) Spencer Johnson (Australia)
Role: Left arm pacer
Johnson, despite his ability to create a steep jump and serious pace, was not sold. However, the auction trend has favored domestic left-arm pacers who offer similar skill sets without consuming overseas slots. Johnson’s work highlighted how even rare attributes can be overlooked when team combinations are already established.
Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Complete list of unsold players with base price
