The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction came to a close after two intense days in Jeddah, with franchises stacking up their teams after yet another three-year cycle came to a close. Much like the previous editions of the auctions, it was the steep price tags and acquisitions that stole the limelight.
Although teams had a lot of slots to fill, they were bolstered by an even bigger purse, which they flaunted to fight for the players they desired. Several candidates, particularly on Day 1 breached the INR 7 crore mark following bidding wars involving multiple franchises.
Unfortunately, a higher price tag does not always guarantee success, it is not proportionate to those terms. The competitive league has seen a plethora of players who have fizzled out after being roped in for astronomical sums. The pressure of the price tag, poor timing, and several other factors contribute to this.
Several such players popped up during the IPL 2025 Auction, but could not avail another chance as they attracted no bids.
On that note, let us take a look at five players who once got over ₹7 crore but went unsold in the IPL 2025 Auction.
#1 Krishnappa Gowtham
The off-spinning all-rounder was considered a handy addition to the lower middle-order in his prime. Being an Indian player, and effective in his role, made him a solid option for franchises, and also a credible backup player.
He has played for five franchises to date, beginning with the Mumbai Indians (MI) and having a brilliant couple of seasons for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). He was meant for bigger things when he was roped in by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 9.25 crore ahead of IPL 2021 and also made his international debut that same year.
However, the stint with CSK did not pan out as expected. He failed to earn a single appearance, and eventually moved to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to be a backup player. With only one appearance in the 2024 season, he went unsold in the IPL 2025 Auction as much more lucrative options were available for franchises compared to the 36-year-old.
#2 Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell became a major attraction for franchises during the IPL 2024 auction after he showcased his spin-hitting prowess through a dominant individual campaign for New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
The all-rounder had a forgettable IPL stint with the Rajasthan Royals after being sold for his base price during the 2022 auction. However, his stocks took a meteoric rise as he fetched a sum of INR 14.25 crore by CSK. Handed a crucial role in the middle order, Mitchell had a hit-and-miss season and was subsequently released.
Coming into the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 2 crore, he found no bids and was unsold.
#3 Tymal Mills
The England left-arm seamer became a sensation because of his white-ball specialty. Capable of bowling 150 kmph consistently, and also a clever operator in the death overs, Mills was an attractive proposition in the 2017 Auction and fetched INR 12 crore after a winning bid by RCB.
His maiden season saw him take five wickets from five matches with an economy rate of 8.57. He disappeared as quickly as he came after RCB released him after just one season.
The pacer made an unexpected comeback in the 2022 season, when the Mumbai Indians bought him for INR 1.5 crore. He played five matches for the team, claiming six wickets at an economy of 11.18 as MI finished at the bottom of the table.
The 32-year-old, now out of contention for England and sporadic presence in the T20 Blast and T10 Tournaments, went unsold at the IPL 2025 Auction.
#4 Rilee Rossouw
The explosive South African batter is known for his hitting prowess, but also his inconsistency. Several teams, including his national side, have profited from Rossouw's presence in the team at times, but it has also backfired.
After a forgettable stint with RCB a decade ago, his inspiring return to the international stage along with a promising 2022 T20 World Cup campaign landed him a deal with the Delhi Capitals (DC)
He then became one of the surprise picks in the IPL 2024 Auction as PBKS went all the way to acquire his services for INR 8 crore. He scored 211 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 181.90 but was not retained, and did not attract any bids at the auction.
#5 Alzarri Joseph
The West Indies all-rounder burst into the IPL scene with a sensational spell of 6-12 on debut for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2019, but was then absent for three years. Spearheading the international team's white-ball pace attack, Joseph was picked up by the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the previous mega auction and played a credible role in the franchise's title win.
Upon being released after the 2023 season, Joseph was picked up by RCB for INR 11.50 crore. He had a dismal 2024 campaign, picking up one wicket in three matches at an economy rate of 11.90.
Despite his recent promising exploits in the shortest format, coupled with his sheer pace and tall frame, he remained unsold in the IPL 2025 Auction.
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