Mumbai: The IPL 2026 mega auction delivered a rollercoaster of surprises, leaving fans stunned as marquee names like Jonny Bairstow, Devon Conway, and Umesh Yadav found no takers.
Held in Dubai’s glitzy arena, the auction saw 577 players vying for spots, but several big-hitters and seasoned stars were left on the sidelines, sparking heated debates among cricket enthusiasts.
England’s explosive batter Bairstow, known for his aggressive strokeplay, and New Zealand’s dependable opener Conway failed to attract bids despite their stellar international records. Indian pace veteran Umesh Yadav, a proven wicket-taker, also faced an unexpected snub, raising questions about franchise strategies. Other notable names like England’s Jamie Smith, West Indies’ Jason Holder, and Australia’s Nathan Ellis joined the unsold list, highlighting the IPL’s ruthless unpredictability.
The auction wasn’t devoid of action, with franchises splurging on young talents and versatile all-rounders. Punjab Kings set a record, snapping up Arshdeep Singh for a jaw-dropping Rs 18 crore, while Chennai Super Kings secured Shashank Singh for Rs 11 crore. Emerging stars like Aryan Patel (Rs 7 crore for the Gujarat Titans) and Anshul Kamboj (Rs 10.25 crore for the Kolkata Knight Riders) stole the spotlight, reflecting a shift towards fresh talent.
As the dust settles, the unsold players, including Bairstow and Conway, await a potential lifeline in the second auction round. For now, the IPL 2026 auction has underscored one truth: in this high-stakes game, reputation alone doesn’t guarantee a spot.