Indian Premier League 2023: Top 5 players who went surprisingly unsold in mini-auction

All teams of the Indian T20 League participated in the mini-auction in Kochi on 23 December 2022. Ahead of the new season, all franchises added some quality players to their available and retained squads. However, many teams broke the bank for some players while some players went unsold.

There were some names who were expected to get a bid from any team. But, surprisingly, many players failed to attract any teams for the upcoming season. The high base price and the lack of recent form have been the main reasons behind such surprising decisions from all teams.   

Here are the top five players who went unsold in the mini-auction for the Indian T20 League 2023:

Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep Sharma (Image Source: Twitter)

This fast bowler from India has played in the Indian T20 League for several years. He has represented both the Hyderabad and Punjab franchises respectively. In the last edition, he played for the Punjab franchise where Sandeep played five matches and took two wickets, at an economy of 7.65.

However, as of now, Sandeep Sharma has played 104 matches and taken 114 wickets, at an economy of 7.77. In this mini-auction, his base price was INR 50 Lakhs. But, surprisingly, despite having so much experience, no teams showed any interest in him. Even, while speaking to Cricket.com, Sharma said, "I’m shocked and disappointed. I don’t know why I went unsold.”  

Mohammad Nabi

Mohammad Nabi (Image Source: Twitter)

This veteran all-rounder from Afghanistan is known for his big six-hitting abilities in the middle order. Even, he is very handy with his off-spin bowling abilities. However, Mohammad Nabi has also represented Hyderabad and Kolkata franchises. In the last season, he was part of the Kolkata squad.

But, unfortunately, Nabi did not get a single game to play. As of now, Mohammad Nabi has played 17 matches where he has scored 180 runs, at a strike rate of 151.26. He has also managed 13 wickets, at an economy of 7.14. His base price was INR 1 Crore in the mini-auction. But, no teams began any bidding war to add this veteran star.  

Mujeeb ur Rahman

Mujeeb ur Rahman (Image Source: Twitter)

This mystery spinner from Afghanistan is very famous for his bowling abilities in different franchise leagues all around the world. Mujeeb ur Rahman has represented both the Hyderabad and Punjab franchises respectively. However, in the last edition, he was not a part of any team. As of now, Mujeeb has played 19 matches in the Indian T20 League.

In those games, he has taken 19 wickets, at an economy of 8.18. His base price was INR 1 Crore in the mini-auction. But, he also failed to gain any attraction from any teams. For Afghanistan, he has played 36 T20Is so far. In those matches, he has taken 49 wickets, at an economy of 6.22.  

Dasun Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka (Image Source: Twitter)

This all-rounder is the current T20I captain of Sri Lanka. He also led Sri Lanka to the Asia Cup 2022 glory before the 20-20 World Cup 2022. However, as per his skills, Dasun Shanaka is a very handy batter and bowler. He has the ability to hit big sixes at the death overs in crunch situations.

He was available at a base price of INR 50 Lakhs only. But, no teams showed any interest in this all-rounder. Thus, he failed to bag his maiden Indian T20 League contract. Speaking of his career, Shanaka has played 82 T20Is so far for his country. In those matches, he scored 1204  runs and took 21 wickets. 

Jimmy Neesham

Jimmy Neesham (Image Source: Twitter)

This all-rounder from New Zealand is also known for his hitting abilities in the middle order. He even can bowl with the help of his off-cutters. However, he has represented several franchises like Delhi, Punjab, Mumbai, and Rajasthan over the years in this tournament. As of now, Jimmy Neesham has played only 12 matches where he has scored 61 runs and taken eight wickets.

His base price was INR 2 Crores in this mini-auction. No teams showed any interest and he went unsold. However, his base price might have played a big role in such a decision from franchises. For the Kiwis, Neesham has played 60 matches where he has scored 688 runs and taken 25 wickets.