10 big names that went unsold in the IPL 2022 mega auction

In an eventful auction as expected, we saw a number of players being retained, the big names that went unsold, and players that were a huge bargain. With a lot that happened over two days we have plenty of moments to discuss and why not one be about the unsold players in the IPL 2022 mega auction?

With a number of players to choose from and the fact that mega auction does not happen often, the teams had to make wise decisions in order to formulate the ideal squad for the upcoming years. 

Let us take a look at the eleven players who think are good enough to form a team of their own but went unsold in the auctions.

1) Aaron Finch (Australia)

Base price: 2 crores

The world cup winning skipper and Australia’s current T20 skipper, Aaron Finch was indeed a huge surprise when he went unsold. Although his form has been declining in recent times and has only struggled more in sub-continent conditions, he is a vital player when it comes to big matches. The 35-year old is vastly experienced none of the teams being not ready to even pick him at his base price was a bit disappointing. 

Overall T20 stats

2) Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)

Base price: 50 lakhs

The Afghani youngster was almost a sure entity to be sold in the auction given his recent performances at the domestic circuit. He also has an added advantage of the age factor in his favor as just hitting the 20-year-old mark, the lad has already played 65 matches and scored over 1500 runs. His impressive strike rate of 150 is one more reason why any team would love to have him at the top.

Definitely a loss for the teams but surely few of the teams will keep a track of the 20-year old.

Overall T20 stats

3) Suresh Raina (India)

Base price: 2 cr

What is IPL without Mr. IPL? Well, the transition of the teams have been such that the former Indian finisher was not able to find a buyer. Yes, it does definitely have to do with the fact that he has played very little professional cricket in recent times and he was also seen struggling during the 2021 season. We do not see the 35-year old making a comeback and it is indeed unfortunate that 4th highest run-getter in the league has faded out.

Overall T20 stats

4) Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)

Base price: 1 cr

Another efficient middle-order batsman and a useful entity with the ball, the Australian batting maestro failed to find any buyer. The 27-year old who has amassed runs in the longest format at an exceptional average of 57 is not shy of scoring runs in the limited format as well. With 21 wickets from 24 T20 matches, he has also proved that he can be a great part-time bowler.

Did the teams miss the trick by not picking the talented Aussie? Well, nevertheless, he will be a key player of Australia in the longest format and Big Bash League.

Overall T20 stats

5) Dawid Malan (England)

Base price: 1.5 cr

Ranked number 5 in the T20I batsmen ranking, the English top-order batsman was the talk of the town last year. The 34-year old has proved his standards in and out in home conditions and similar. 

However, the fact that he could not make a mark in the sub-continent countries and also had a mediocre season in IPL last year is likely to have contributed to his downfall. It is not the end of the world for the left-hander as he has established himself in the international circuit.

Overall T20 stats

6) Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

Base price: 2 cr

The Bangladeshi all-rounder and the face of cricket in their country, Shakib Al Hasan, is a renowned name through the cricketing fraternity. The reasons are quite simple as to why the 34-year old was not picked, his unavailability was the key reason why the teams hesitated to pick the all-rounder. The added fact that he will occupy an overseas slot and may not be able to offer his services does sound a relevant reason for the teams to back out.

Overall T20 stats

7) David Wiese (Namibia)

Base price: 50 Lakhs

Former South African who recently switched his nationality to Namibia and without any delay helped Namibia make a mark in the recent T20 World cup, yes, we are talking about the hard-hitting and pin-point pacer- David Wiese. 

The 36-year old showcased his immense will and vigor to win matches at the international stage and has been doing it regularly in the domestic circuit. However, a few factors like his age and no favoring stats in the sub-continent would have been the reason why teams did not show any interest in the all-rounder.

Overall T20 stats

8) Ben Cutting (Australia)

Base price: 75 L

Another Aussie all-rounder who is a valuable no.7, Ben Cutting can hit the ball a long way and is someone who loves to absorb pressure. Very few players can make up for a failure in a department with another. It was surprising to see that no teams wanted to raise the pedal for the Aussie at a reasonable base price of 75L. Yes, the IPL auction dynamics can be very complicated to understand at times.

Overall T20 stats

9) Tabraiz Shamsi (South Africa)

Base price: 1 cr

Yes, the biggest surprise if not to call it a blunder, there is no logic as to why the best spinner in the T20 format could not find a buyer. It was shocking to see that none of the teams even showed any interest in the accelerated auction to get hold of the protea at his base price. Stats are in his favor and even age. Well, the only reason that he could have been left out is the ample availability of spinners in the country. 

What do you think could the reason be?

Overall T20 stats

10) Ishant Sharma (India)

Base price: 1.5 cr

The only Indian pacer to play over 100 Test matches, the lanky pacer could not find a buyer this time around despite being an active member in the Indian campaign. The 33-year old has definitely lost his old form but given his experience and ability to execute plans, the pacer should have been included in the global league. Does this mean the end for Sharma in the Indian Premier League? Or will make heads turn in the coming years?

Overall T20 stats

Which player do you think deserved a spot in the Indian Premier League? Is there any player that you think we missed out on in the top 10? Do let us know your thoughts and comments and stay tuned with Cricwizz as we bring you all the exciting and exclusive content revolving around the gentlemen’s game.

Cover Credits: BCCIofficial