Published on: Nov 25, 2025 4:56 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 25, 2025 5:02 pm IST
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the biggest franchise cricket extravaganza in the world. It’s a marketplace where careers are made, revived, or sometimes abruptly ended. Every year, auctions bring surprises, heartbreaks, and opportunities. As the IPL 2026 auctions close down on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, several seasoned campaigners may find themselves without a buyer. Age, form, fitness, and team strategies often dictate auction fortunes, and this year could mark the end of the road for some familiar names. Let’s look at five players who might remain unsold in IPL 2026.
Faf du Plessis has been one of the most respected overseas professionals in IPL history. Since his debut in 2012, he has represented Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals. Known for his elegant stroke play, consistency at the top, and leadership qualities, Faf has been a pillar of reliability.
However, at 41 years old, time is no longer on his side. His last stint with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 produced just 202 runs in 9 matches, with no match-winning knocks. While his technique remains intact, the IPL’s demand for explosive batting and athletic fielding makes him less appealing.
Franchises are now investing in younger openers who can maximize the powerplay. With age and declining returns, Faf du Plessis is likely to go unsold in IPL 2026.
Glenn Maxwell’s IPL career has been a book comprising a lot of torn pages. Since debuting in 2012, he has played for Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings. His only standout season came in 2014 with Kings XI Punjab, where he scored over 550 runs at a strike rate above 170, dazzling fans with audacious stroke play.
But beyond that one season, Maxwell has struggled to justify his hefty price tags. His last outing in IPL 2025 with Punjab Kings was disastrous, just 48 runs in 7 matches, with frequent failures. At 37, his reflexes has dipped, and franchises may no longer gamble on his reputation. With younger overseas all-rounders like Will Jacks, Cameron Green, and Liam Livingstone offering more value, Maxwell’s IPL journey could end in 2026.
Vijay Shankar’s IPL career has been steady but unspectacular. Having represented CSK, SRH, DC, and GT, he has played 78 matches, scoring 1,233 runs and picking up 9 wickets. His reputation as a batting all-rounder never quite translated into consistent performances.
In IPL 2025, Shankar played 6 matches for CSK, scoring 118 runs without bowling a single over. At 34 years old, his lack of impact with either bat or ball makes him a risky pick. Teams now prefer multi-dimensional players who can contribute in both departments, and Shankar’s one-dimensional role reduces his auction appeal. Unless a franchise sees him as a backup Indian middle-order option, Vijay Shankar may remain unsold in IPL 2026.
England’s Moeen Ali was once a prized overseas all-rounder, offering off-spin and aggressive batting. He played crucial roles for CSK in earlier seasons, but his recent form has been disappointing. In IPL 2025 with KKR, Moeen managed just 5 runs in 6 matches, though he picked up 6 wickets.
At 38 years old, Moeen has already retired from international cricket, and his IPL performances reflect a decline. His batting has lost its explosiveness, and his bowling is no longer penetrative enough to justify a spot. With franchises preferring younger overseas all-rounders, Moeen’s chances of finding a buyer in IPL 2026 appear slim.
Deepak Hooda once promised to be India’s next big middle-order hitter. With an international T20 century under his belt, Hooda had the potential to be a long-term IPL star. However, his recent form has been alarming.
In IPL 2025 with CSK, Hooda endured his worst season, failing to make any significant contributions. His batting lacked intent, and his bowling was rarely used. With his domestic form also dipping, Hooda is far from the selectors’ radar for India.
At 30, Hooda still has time to revive his career, but franchises may hesitate to invest in him for IPL 2026, especially with younger Indian all-rounders like Tilak Varma and Riyan Parag emerging strongly.
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Tags: IPL 2026