While several cricketers are expected to spark bidding wars, the mini auction could also see some high-profile names struggle to find buyers. Factors such as age, form, injury concerns and availability could play a major role, potentially leaving a few big stars unsold.
Here are five notable players who might fail to attract bids at the IPL 2026 mini auction.
1) Devon Conway
Devon Conway was a key figure in Chennai Super Kings’ title-winning campaign in IPL 2023, but his form has dipped sharply since then. He missed the 2024 season and endured a disappointing run in IPL 2025, where he managed just 156 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 131.09, including two half-centuries.
At 34, Conway appears to be past his peak, and his struggles last season — including being retired out in a game against Punjab Kings — may make franchises hesitant. Teams could prefer investing in younger, more explosive openers rather than a player in the latter stages of his career.
2) Steve Smith
Steve Smith went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction and has once again entered the auction pool with a base price of INR 2 crore. Despite his vast experience, franchises remain uncertain about his suitability for the modern, high-tempo T20 game.
Across 103 IPL matches, Smith has scored 2,485 runs with 11 fifties, but his strike rate of 128.09 is considered modest by current T20 standards. With teams prioritising aggressive batting from ball one, the Australian great may once again find it hard to attract bidders.
3) Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje’s raw pace and wicket-taking ability are unquestioned, but persistent injury concerns have clouded his IPL future. Kolkata Knight Riders took a gamble on him in IPL 2025, signing him for INR 6.50 crore, but the investment did not pay off.
The South African speedster featured in just two matches last season and conceded runs at an economy of 11.86. With fitness issues limiting his availability, franchises may be reluctant to invest heavily in a bowler who may not be able to play a full league campaign.
4) Josh Inglis
Josh Inglis impressed for Punjab Kings last season with crucial contributions in the latter stages, including the final league match and Qualifier 2. However, availability could work against him in the mini auction.
The Australian wicketkeeper-batter has already confirmed that he will be available for only a maximum of four IPL matches due to his wedding clashing with the tournament schedule. Given the limited availability, teams may be unwilling to spend on a player who could feature in just a quarter of the league matches.
5) Umesh Yadav
Veteran pacer Umesh Yadav went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, and a similar outcome cannot be ruled out this time. At 38, the fast bowler is nearing the end of his career, and his recent IPL numbers have been underwhelming.
In IPL 2024, Umesh picked up eight wickets in seven matches but conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.00. With franchises increasingly focused on younger, faster bowlers who offer long-term value, Umesh may struggle to find a buyer for IPL 2026.
