IPL 2026: Top five most shocking unsold names in auction

IPL 2026 auction took place in Abu Dhabi on December 16.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction took place in Abu Dhabi on December 16 (Tuesday). A total of 359 players were shortlisted to go under the hammer for 77 available slots. A whopping amount of INR 215.45 crore was spent by all 10 franchises in the auction to acquire their favourite players.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had the maximum salary cap available in the auction. KKR had the maximum slots available with 13, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with 10 spots.

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green became the highest buy of the auction, snatching a 25.20 crore bid by KKR. Matheesha Pathirana, who got INR 18 crore by KKR, was the second-highest buy in the auction.

A total of five players earned more than INR 10 crore bids in the auction, and many captured handsome bids by different franchises. However, a few well-known names failed to find any buyers. On that note, below are the top five shocking unsold players of the IPL 2026 auction.

IPL 2026: Top five most shocking unsold

5. Devon Conway

Devon Conway is the first player on this list. The New Zealand wicket-keeper had a base price of INR 2 crore in IPL 2026 auction, however, he could not get a buyer. From IPL 2022 to 2025, he played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

However, he was released by the franchise ahead of this year’s auction. When CSK won their last title in the 2023 season, Conway played a crucial role in the team’s victory, smacking 672 runs in 16 games at an average of 51.69 with six half-centuries.

4. Mahesh Theekshana

Maheesh Theekshana is another well-known name that went unsold in the auction. The Sri Lankan spinner had a base price of INR 2 crore, however, no team showed interest in picking him. The Sri Lankan spinner represented Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the previous edition, where he had an average show with 11 scalps in 11 games at an economy of 9.76. He made his debut in the 2022 edition and has played 38 games so far in the tournament.

3. Jake Fraser McGurk

Australian opener Jake Fraser McGurk, who is known for his aggressive batting style, going unsold in the IPL 2026 auction was one of the surprising things. He had a base price of INR 2 crore in the auction, however, could not attract any buyers. He made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 and set the stage on fire, which made DC buy him again in 2025. However, the franchise parted ways with him ahead of the 2026 season.

2. Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell, who is the mainstay of the New Zealand batting lineup, also went unsold in IPL 2025 auction. He made his debut in the 2022 edition for Rajasthan. Royals (RR) and then played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). So far, he has featured in 15 games in the tournament, hitting 351 runs. He had a base price of INR 2 crore in the auction, but failed to attract any buyers.

1. Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow is among the most powerful openers in international cricket. The England wicket-keeper batsman had a base price of INR 1 crore in the auction. No team showed interest in picking him as he went unsold. Last season, he joined Mumbai Indians (MI) team in the playoffs, playing two matches. Since his debut in 2019, he has played 52 matches, scoring 1674 runs at an average of 34.88.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.