The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction turned out to be quite the spectacle, with several big names from around the globe struggling to find bidders in Jeddah. While a few players, like Dewald Brevis and Kyle Jamieson, were picked up as replacements, others were left hanging without contracts, eagerly awaiting their chance in the next auction for the 2026 season. After the first season of this new cycle, many players switched teams through trades even before the official announcements of releases and retentions. Still, some teams are gearing up for the auction, ready to address their challenges with deep pockets and a vast pool of talent to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at the players who faced disappointment in the mega auction but might just land contracts this season. Mustafizur Rahman Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh's all-time leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket, is a clever strategist in all aspects of T20 play, particularly on slower pitches where he can really showcase his variations. In 2025, he claimed 23 wickets in 19 T20Is for Bangladesh, boasting an impressive economy rate of 6.19, while maintaining an average under 20 and a strike rate of 19. Ben Duckett Ben Duckett has been a reliable run-scorer for England across all formats, especially at the top of the order, with a solid track record to back him up. In 2025, he achieved a striking rate of 169.60 in 7 T20Is, amassing 212 runs, including two fifties. He has the ability to give teams a fiery start, no matter the situation or the opponent. Plus, he doubles as a top-notch wicketkeeper, effectively solving two issues at once. Also Read | Rohit Sharma Overtakes Shahid Afridi for Most ODI Sixes Matt Henry In the last year or so, Matt Henry has really made a name for himself as one of the top new ball bowlers in all formats. He consistently delivers 2 or 3 overs of tight, economical spells during the powerplay, often snagging early wickets to give his team a solid advantage right from the start. In 2025, he took 14 wickets in 10 T20 internationals and has an impressive tally of 31 wickets in 18 T20 innings, boasting an average of 13.4 and a strike rate of 12.3. This year, his T20 economy rate stands at just 6.53 while playing for Canterbury, Welsh Fire, and Somerset. Michael Bracewell The New Zealand all-rounder has established himself as a versatile white-ball player over the past couple of years, becoming a key member of the squad. He excels at bowling tight spells in the middle overs, often providing crucial breakthroughs, and he finishes innings strongly, batting at the 6-7 position. In 2025, he amassed 536 runs in 31 innings with a strike rate of 146.4, while also taking 23 wickets in 29 matches. For the Blackcaps, he has maintained a similar batting approach, with a strike rate nearing 140. He plays as the third spinner, following captain Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, typically bowling around 2 overs per game and claiming 7 wickets.