Big name, missing dialect! These 5 strong players remained without buyers in IPL 2026 auction
While record bids and big deals made headlines in the IPL 2026 mini auction, there were some names whose remaining unsold did not please anyone. From international stars to experienced Indian players, many surprising decisions were seen. These players have once been the trusted faces of the franchises. But this time the story was different on the auction table.
The IPL 2026 mini auction, held at the Etihad Center in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16, had already started the drama with the hammer. Kolkata Knight Riders created history by buying Australia’s star all-rounder Cameron Green for a record Rs 25.20 crore. Teams bid for 77 out of a total of 369 players, but in this high-profile event, there were some names whose remaining unsold was no less than a big shock.
devon conway
The biggest surprise was about New Zealand’s opener Devon Conway. Conway, who has been reliable for Chennai Super Kings for a long time, has scored more than 1080 runs in the IPL and his strike rate has been around 140. No franchise came forward to bid for Conway, who came with a base price of Rs 2 crore.
Jake Fraser-McGurk
The second surprising name was that of young Australian batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk. This 23-year-old player has scored 385 runs in 15 IPL matches at an explosive strike rate of 199.48. Despite his excellent form in domestic cricket, he also did not find any buyer at the base price of Rs 2 crore.
Jonny Bairstow
England’s experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow remaining unsold also surprised everyone. Bairstow, who came with a base price of Rs 1 crore, has more than 1500 runs in his name in IPL. However, despite having experience, his age did not fit into the long-term planning of the franchises.
Mahish Teekshana
Sri Lankan spinner Mahish Teekshana was also included in this list. Tikshana, who landed at a base price of Rs 2 crore, did not have anything special in the 2025 season with Rajasthan Royals. Last season, he took 11 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 37.27, while in his IPL career he has 36 wickets in 38 matches. Poor form forced the franchises to withdraw.
Deepak Hooda
Fans were surprised to see the name of Indian all-rounder Deepak Hooda among the unsold players. Hooda, who came at a base price of Rs 75 lakh, was able to score only 15 runs in 7 matches for Chennai Super Kings last season and even in bowling, he got only one over. Despite scoring 1496 runs and 10 wickets in 125 matches in his IPL career, his recent form came in his way.
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