5 RCB, CSK and MI reject unsold players who might never play IPL again after 2026 mini auction

Devon Conway and Karn Sharma [Source: AFP]

The Indian Premier League 2026 auction held on Tuesday, December 16, at the Etihad Centre in Abu Dhabi. The event saw all ten franchises actively searching for players who could strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. 

A total of 369 players went under the hammer, and by the end of the day, 77 slots were filled. Notably, the event was saw record-breaking deals, including Cameron Green becoming the most expensive overseas player ever after being picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹25.20 crore. 

At the same time, uncapped Indian talents Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer grabbed headlines as Chennai Super Kings signed both for ₹14.2 crore each.

However, while new stars celebrated their big moments, the auction also delivered heartbreak. Several well-known names, who once played key roles for franchises like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, surprisingly went unsold. These players were released ahead of the auction and failed to attract even a single bid. So, here are the players who may never play the richest cricket league again.

Devon Conway

One of the most shocking omissions was Devon Conway. The New Zealand opener had once been a vital part of Chennai Super Kings and played a major role in their title-winning 2023 season, where he scored an impressive 672 runs.

At that time, he was considered one of the most reliable overseas batters in the league. However, things changed quickly. His performance dipped in the 2025 season, where he managed only 156 runs at a modest strike rate. 

[Devon Conway's T20I stats in 2025]

Following his release by CSK, Conway entered the auction with hopes of finding a new home, yet no franchise showed interest. His recent international form has also been ordinary, with just 132 runs in four innings against West Indies and average numbers in the 2025 season. With teams now focusing on explosive and in-form overseas players, Conway’s chances of returning to the IPL look uncertain.

Deepak Hooda

Another name that raised eyebrows was Deepak Hooda. The Indian all-rounder has been a familiar face in the IPL for many years and has represented multiple franchises. Over 125 matches, Hooda scored 1,496 runs and delivered several important performances in the middle order. 

Even so, the IPL 2026 auction did not bring him any luck. He went unsold after being released by Chennai Super Kings. His recent form has not inspired confidence, with only 31 runs in five innings last season and an underwhelming 2024 campaign as well. 

Meanwhile, franchises appear to be leaning more towards younger, uncapped players who offer long-term value. This shift has left experienced players like Hooda struggling to find opportunities.

Karn Sharma

Veteran leg-spinner Karn Sharma was another unexpected name on the unsold list. Released by Mumbai Indians, Karn actually had a decent outing last season, picking up seven wickets in five matches. 

Over his IPL career, he has played 90 matches and taken 83 wickets, showing his experience and skill across different teams. 

Still, age seems to be working against him, as he is set to turn 39 next year. With franchises prioritising younger spinners who can serve them for several seasons, Karn’s IPL journey may have reached its end.

Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow also found himself without a buyer. The England wicketkeeper-batter was released by Mumbai Indians after making a brief impact in the IPL 2025 season as a replacement player. 

Notably, he played two innings and scored 85 valuable runs, showing his class once again. Despite this, Bairstow went unsold at the auction. Teams chose uncapped Indian openers and were careful with their overseas slots. 

While there is still a possibility that Bairstow could return as an injury replacement, his future in the IPL now looks uncertain.

Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal’s situation tells a similar story. The former India opener was released by RCB and went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction. In the previous season, he had joined RCB as a replacement player and scored 95 runs in four innings at a healthy strike rate. 

[Mayank Agarwal's IPL numbers from 2023 to 2025]

Even so, his overall form since 2023 has been disappointing. His performances in domestic cricket have been average, and at 34 years of age, franchises seem reluctant to invest in him again. With teams focusing on younger top-order options, Mayank’s IPL career also appears to be nearing its conclusion.

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