The IPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling and unpredictable events on the cricket calendar. Franchises are eager to assemble strong squads while keeping an eye on their budgets, which always leads to some surprises in player retention and bidding. While we can expect some star players to draw hefty bids, there’s a chance that others, despite their fame and past achievements, might end up unsold. Several factors can play a role in a player not being picked up during the auction. A player’s current form is crucial; if they’ve had a rough patch in recent seasons, teams might think twice before shelling out big bucks. Other considerations include availability, fitness issues, team dynamics, and past IPL performances. Even those who have shone on the international stage might find themselves without a contract if their recent outings haven’t impressed or if their style doesn’t mesh well with the T20 format. Let’s take a look at a few notable players who might not find a buyer in the IPL 2026 auction. Mujeeb Ur Rahman Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been a bright spot for Afghanistan, showcasing flashes of brilliance in T20 cricket over the years. However, he could face some hurdles in the IPL 2026 auction. His steep base price of 2 crore INR might put off some franchises that are on the lookout for value picks. Moreover, Mujeeb hasn’t been a regular feature in Afghanistan’s T20 lineup lately, which raises concerns about his form and consistency. His performances in recent years haven’t quite hit the mark, and franchises typically lean towards foreign spinners who have been consistently strong in T20 leagues. This mix of a high price tag, inconsistent form, and limited appearances for his national team could lead to him going unsold. Jake Fraser-McGurk Jake Fraser-McGurk is a promising young player, but the past year and a half have been quite challenging for him. His performance has taken a noticeable dip, and he’s found it tough to make a mark both domestically and internationally. To make matters worse, he was dropped from the Australian squad, which could hurt his chances of catching the eye of IPL teams. His last season in the IPL didn’t go as hoped, and he didn’t manage to showcase enough talent to be seen as a dependable T20 player. With teams in the IPL on the lookout for players who can deliver immediate results, he might find himself overlooked in the 2026 auction, despite the potential he clearly has. Also Read | Rohit Sharma Overtakes Shahid Afridi for Most ODI Sixes Josh Inglis Josh Inglis has had his share of standout moments in T20 cricket, but his availability could be a sticking point in the IPL auction. Franchises are keen on players who can fully commit to the tournament without the risk of missing games due to international commitments or injuries. Additionally, Inglis has faced a bit of a form slump in 2025 and was let go by Punjab Kings. While he undoubtedly has talent, teams might think twice about investing in him if they’re uncertain about his availability and consistency. Devon Conway Devon Conway has made a name for himself as a top-order batsman known for his solid technique and T20 experience. However, the last few seasons haven’t been too kind to him. He’s been in a bit of a slump across all formats, and his performance during the last IPL season with CSK left much to be desired. In T20Is, his strike rate hasn’t been as eye-catching, which is crucial for IPL teams on the lookout for aggressive, fast-scoring batsmen. Given his recent challenges, teams might hesitate to place high bids for Conway, and there’s a genuine chance he could end up unsold in the auction. Jason Holder Jason Holder has been a seasoned all-rounder for the West Indies, but his role in T20 cricket comes with its own set of hurdles. While he can contribute with both bat and ball, he’s often viewed as a bits-and-pieces player rather than a specialist in either area. Additionally, he’s not a regular fixture in the West Indies T20 lineup and hasn’t been consistently impressive in the IPL. Teams searching for a game-changing all-rounder might lean towards other options over Holder, which could affect his prospects in the 2026 auction. Conclusion The IPL 2026 auction is shaping up to be a fierce battleground, with teams eager to make savvy picks for their rosters. Players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Devon Conway, and Jason Holder bring a wealth of experience and impressive track records, but factors like recent performance, availability, steep base prices, and inconsistencies in IPL play could hinder their chances. Franchises are on the lookout for players who are not just talented but also in form and reliable, especially in the fast-paced environment of the IPL. While these names might catch the eye of a few teams, there’s a real possibility that some, or even all, could end up going unsold at the auction, despite their star status in international cricket. The IPL is notorious for its surprises, and the 2026 auction might just remind us that past accolades don’t always secure a contract. Teams will be focusing on performance, dependability, and how well players fit into their plans, making this auction one of the most exciting events to keep an eye on.