3 big names who may go unsold in IPL Auction

The IPL auction promises to be an exciting one as several big names will go under the hammer. Set to be conducted on November 24 and 25, the IPL Auction will have as many as 1574 players. Apart from that, 329 will be capped stars, including 48 Indians. South Africa, with 91 players, is the most represented country in the auction, while 30 players belong to associate countries, including Canada, Scotland, UAE, the USA, the Netherlands, and Italy.

While most of the names will not find any takers in the IPL 2025 Auction, there might be some surprising big names. On that note, let us check out 3 big players who may go unsold in the IPL 2025 auction.

3 players who might go unsold in IPL Auction

Ajinkya Rahane

A part of the Chennai Super Kings camp in the previous IPL edition, Ajinkya Rahane may not find any bidder in the IPL 2025 auction. His previous franchise, CSK, is looking towards the future, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the side. Rahane’s strike rate which is very crucial in T20 cricket, has not been up to the mark, and with teams now focusing on players who can score quickly. In IPL, Ajinkya Rahane has a strike rate of 123.42 in 185 matches which might be the main reason for him not finding any team in the IPL 2025 Auction.

James Anderson

After announcing his international retirement, James Anderson decided to register his name in the IPL 2024 auction. James Anderson has never been a part of the IPL but has played T20 cricket for the Three Lions and domestic games. With a price tag of Rs 2 crore, Anderson may not find any bidders due to his limited ability with the white ball. Overall, in his 44 T20 matches, Anderson has an economy of 8.47 with 41 wickets to his name. Considering the age factor as well, the 42-year-old is expected to go unsold in the IPL 2025 Auction.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith played his last IPL match for the Delhi Capitals in 2021. Since then, Steve Smith has not found any bidders under his name in the IPL Auction. He also went unsold in the IPL 2024 auction. Steve Smith last played in the IPL for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2021 season and made negligible impact with the bat. Smith scored only 152 runs at an average of 25.33 and a strike rate of 112.59 in eight outings. Speaking about his overall numbers in the IPL, Smith still has a decent record, averaging 34.51 with a strike rate of 128.09. He has played 103 IPL matches and scored 2485 runs, with 11 fifties and one century to his name.