The IPL 2026 auction surprised everyone with several big names going unsold, leaving fans and experts shocked. From experienced international stars to promising domestic talents, many expected players didn’t find a franchise.
Factors like recent form, high base prices, team strategies, and the limited overseas slots played a major role in these unexpected exits.
While some of these players missed out this time, they could still get a chance later as replacements during the season.
This list highlights the top unsold players who created the biggest buzz at the IPL 2026 auction.
IPL 2026 Auction Highlights and Key Stats
The IPL 2026 auction was full of surprises, excitement, and intense bidding. A total of 156 players went under the hammer, but only 77 were sold, leaving 79 players unsold.
Among the unsold, 48 were Indian and 31 were overseas talents, including some big names that fans expected to be snapped up quickly.
Teams focused on a mix of youth, all-rounders, and specific role players, while budget limits and overseas player quotas influenced many decisions.
This auction set the tone for an unpredictable IPL season.
| Player Name | Base Price (₹) |
| Atharva Taide | ₹30 lakh |
| Anmolpreet Singh | ₹30 lakh |
| Abhinav Tejrana | ₹30 lakh |
| Abhinav Manohar | ₹30 lakh |
| Yash Dhull | ₹30 lakh |
| Arya Desai | ₹30 lakh |
| Salman Nizar | ₹30 lakh |
| Dheeraj Kumar | ₹30 lakh |
| Chintal Gandhi | ₹30 lakh |
| Manan Vohra | ₹30 lakh |
| Swastik Chikara | ₹30 lakh |
| Raj Limbani | ₹30 lakh |
| Simarjeet Singh | ₹30 lakh |
| Akash Madhwal | ₹30 lakh |
| Shivam Shukla | ₹30 lakh |
| Karn Sharma | ₹50 lakh |
| Vijay Shankar | ₹30 lakh |
| Rajvardhan Hangargekar | ₹40 lakh |
| Mahipal Lomror | ₹50 lakh |
| Eden Apple Tom | ₹30 lakh |
| Tanush Kotian | ₹30 lakh |
| Kamlesh Nagarkoti | ₹30 lakh |
| Sanvir Singh | ₹30 lakh |
| Ruchit Ahir | ₹30 lakh |
| Vansh Bedi | ₹30 lakh |
| Tushar Raheja | ₹30 lakh |
| Raj Limbani | ₹30 lakh |
| (and others among the uncapped Indian pool) | (various) |
Biggest Overseas Shockers: Unsold Players in IPL 2026
The IPL 2026 auction saw several high-profile overseas players go unsold, creating major surprises for fans and analysts alike.
Stars like Devon Conway, Jake Fraser‑McGurk, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Jonny Bairstow failed to attract bids despite their international experience and proven records.
Factors such as team composition, strict overseas player limits, base prices, and recent form influenced these unexpected exits.
While these players missed out in the initial auction, many still have a chance to join franchises later as replacement players, keeping the excitement alive for the season.
| Player Name | Country | Base Price (₹) |
| Devon Conway | New Zealand | ₹2 Cr |
| Jake Fraser‑McGurk | Australia | ₹2 Cr |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Afghanistan | ₹2 Cr |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Afghanistan | ₹1 Cr |
| Gerald Coetzee | South Africa | ₹2 Cr |
| Spencer Johnson | Australia | ₹1.5 Cr |
| Gus Atkinson | England | ₹2 Cr |
| Jamie Smith | England | ₹2 Cr |
| Jonny Bairstow | England | ₹2 Cr |
| Cameron Green | Australia | ₹2.5 Cr |
| Akeal Hosein | West Indies | ₹2 Cr |
| Shamarh Brooks | West Indies | ₹1 Cr |
| George Garton | England | ₹1 Cr |
| Luke Wood | England | ₹1.5 Cr |
| Ben Stokes | England | ₹3 Cr |
| Dwaine Pretorius | South Africa | ₹1.5 Cr |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | South Africa | ₹2 Cr |
| Lungi Ngidi | South Africa | ₹2 Cr |
| Carlos Brathwaite | West Indies | ₹1.5 Cr |
| Romario Shepherd | West Indies | ₹1.5 Cr |
| Tabrez Shamsi | South Africa | ₹1.5 Cr |
| Josh Little | Ireland | ₹1 Cr |
| David Willey | England | ₹1.5 Cr |
| Adil Rashid | England | ₹2 Cr |
| Michael Bracewell | New Zealand | ₹2 Cr |
| Rachin Ravindra | New Zealand | ₹2 Cr |
| Kyle Jamieson | New Zealand | ₹2.5 Cr |
| Lahiru Kumara | Sri Lanka | ₹1 Cr |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | ₹2 Cr |
| Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | ₹2 Cr |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | South Africa | ₹1.5 Cr |
Read More: biggest franchise cricket team in the ipl
Final Words
The IPL 2026 auction proved to be full of surprises, with both seasoned stars and promising talents left unsold. From notable Indian players like Yash Dhull and Chetan Sakariya to international names such as Devon Conway and Jake Fraser‑McGurk, the list reflects how team strategies, budget limits, and player roles shaped the auction.
While these players missed out this time, many could still join franchises as replacements during the season. The unsold list reminds us that the IPL remains unpredictable, exciting, and fiercely competitive every year.
FAQs:
Q1: How many players went unsold in IPL 2026?
A1: A total of 79 players went unsold, including 48 Indian and 31 overseas players.
Q2: Why did big players go unsold in IPL 2026?
A2: Factors included recent form, high base prices, team composition, budget limits, and overseas player quotas.
Q3: Can unsold players join IPL teams later?
A3: Yes, many unsold players can be signed as replacement players during the season if injuries or team changes occur.
Q4: Who were the biggest unsold Indian players?
A4: Some notable unsold Indian players included Yash Dhull, Chetan Sakariya, Akash Madhwal, Salman Nizar, and Karn Sharma.
Q5: Who were the biggest unsold overseas players?
A5: Top overseas players who went unsold included Devon Conway, Jake Fraser‑McGurk, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jonny Bairstow, and Jamie Smith.
Q6: Does going unsold affect a player’s IPL career?
A6: Not necessarily. Many players return in future auctions or join mid-season as replacements, giving them another opportunity to showcase their talent.
