Why Did Will O'Rourke, The Bowler Who Dismissed Kohli, Go Unsold In IPL Auction?

William O'Rourke goes unsold in IPL 2025 mega auction [Source: @ABsay_ek/X.com]William O'Rourke goes unsold in IPL 2025 mega auction [Source: @ABsay_ek/X.com]

William O'Rourke, a six-foot-four pacer from New Zealand, quickly grabbed attention with his impressive performances in international cricket. The 23-year-old stood out during his recent Test series against India, where he made a big impact with the ball and even managed to dismiss top Indian batsmen like Virat Kohli for a duck.

However, despite his outstanding achievements, O'Rourke went unsold at the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24 and 25. Here are some reasons why he failed to secure an IPL contract, even after impressing on the international stage.

Limited T20 Experience

Although the right-arm fast bowler has been dominant in Tests and ODIs, his T20 record is not as convincing. However, in IPL they value players with strong T20 experience, especially bowlers who can handle pressure situations and execute in the death overs. 

While O'Rourke has played 27 T20 matches and picked up 28 wickets, his lack of exposure to high-profile T20 leagues, including the IPL, likely raised concerns about how he would adapt to the format. 

No Previous IPL Exposure

One of the key factors in securing a spot in the IPL is a player’s previous exposure to the competition or similar leagues. O'Rourke’s absence from IPL could have led teams to hesitate to take a chance on him. Many IPL franchises tend to look for players who have already proven themselves in T20 leagues like the Big Bash or the Caribbean Premier League, as they are more familiar with the pressures and the competition.