Three Star Cricketers Who Could Go Unsold Again at the IPL Mini Auction

Several overseas cricketers are expected to enter the IPL 2027 mini-auction, hoping to secure a place in the upcoming season. However, some established names who went unsold in previous auctions could face a similar outcome this time. New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell, England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow and New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell are among the players who may struggle to attract franchise interest. Bracewell, who offers both off-spin and aggressive batting, last featured in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2023. With franchises increasingly relying on specialist batters and bowlers under the Impact Player rule, teams may not consider him a priority signing.

Bairstow, who previously represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, went unsold in the previous auction despite having a base price of Rs. 1 crore. The availability of established wicketkeeper-batters in several teams and limited openings at the top of the order could work against him. Meanwhile, Mitchell last played in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings in 2024 and went unsold in the auctions that followed. Despite his strong performances in international cricket, his playing style may not fit the aggressive approach preferred by some IPL franchises. As a result, all three players could face another challenging auction, although the final outcome will depend on the teams' requirements and bidding strategies.