By Zainab Shafiq 
The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah surprised fans as several experienced players went unsold. While these players didn’t secure contracts, their IPL journey might not be over yet. Injuries or unavailability of players in any of the 10 teams could open the door for them. In this blog, we discuss three notable unsold players in IPL 2025 who might still make an impact this season.
1. Shardul Thakur: A Reliable Replacement Option
Shardul Thakur entered the IPL 2025 mega auction with a hefty base price of ₹2 crore. Despite his experience, he found no takers during the bidding. However, his story might not end here.
The Mumbai Indians, one of IPL’s most decorated franchises, could consider Shardul as a replacement if injuries plague their squad. Their key bowler, Deepak Chahar, has struggled with fitness issues in recent seasons. Should Deepak face another setback, Shardul’s inclusion could be a natural choice.
With 94 wickets in 95 matches and an economy rate of 9.23, Shardul has proven himself as a dependable bowler. Additionally, his batting exploits, including 307 runs at a strike rate of 138.91, make him a valuable all-rounder. The possibility of seeing Shardul return to the IPL field remains high, given his versatility and track record.
2. Mayank Agarwal: A Potential Savior for Punjab Kings
Mayank Agarwal, one of the most consistent openers in recent IPL seasons, also went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction despite setting a modest base price of ₹1 crore. However, this may not be the end of the road for him.
The Punjab Kings could bring Mayank back into the fold if they face challenges with their batting lineup. Currently, the team lacks experienced Indian openers, relying heavily on Prabhsimran Singh. If injuries strike or form dips, Mayank might step in as a reliable opener.
Over his IPL career, Mayank has scored 2,661 runs in 127 matches, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and deliver under pressure. His experience could prove invaluable in crucial moments for Punjab.
3. Prithvi Shaw: A Comeback Story in Waiting?
Once hailed as one of India’s brightest cricketing talents, Prithvi Shaw entered the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of ₹75 lakh. Surprisingly, no team picked him. However, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) might be his chance to make a comeback.
LSG currently lacks an experienced Indian opener, and Prithvi’s aggressive batting style could fill that void. Over 79 IPL innings, Shaw has accumulated 1,892 runs at a striking rate of 147.46, including 14 half-centuries. His fearless approach at the top of the order could provide the spark LSG needs in powerplay overs.
If given the opportunity, Shaw could seize the moment to revive his IPL career and regain the form that once made him a fan favorite.
Why These Unsold Players in IPL 2025 Still Matter
The IPL is a dynamic tournament where injuries and unexpected changes often alter team compositions. Players like Shardul Thakur, Mayank Agarwal, and Prithvi Shaw, though unsold, remain on the radar as potential replacements. Their proven abilities and adaptability make them strong contenders to fill any gaps that arise during the season.
While the mega auction might not have gone their way, the story of these unsold players in IPL 2025 isn’t over. The unpredictable nature of cricket often gives players a second chance, and fans may still see these talents in action.
Conclusion
The IPL is known for its surprises, and the fate of unsold players in IPL 2025 could change at any moment. Injuries, tactical adjustments, or sudden unavailability of players might pave the way for these talented cricketers to shine. Whether it’s Shardul’s all-around skills, Mayank’s steady batting, or Shaw’s explosive starts, each player has something unique.
As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, keep an eye out for these unsold stars—they might just steal the show after all
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