IPL auction 2024: From Steve Smith to Umesh Yadav top 5 players who might go unsold in mini auction

As the IPL 2024 auction looms in Dubai on December 19, cricket enthusiasts are eager to explore the uncertainties surrounding potential unsold players. Despite their cricketing prowess, a select few may find themselves without a bid, navigating the uncharted waters of the IPL's auction dynamics.

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This journey into the unknown transcends past glories, unveiling a stage where hope, unpredictability, and surprise converge. Stay tuned as we dissect the stories of these cricketers, highlighting the intriguing narratives that unfold when the IPL auction becomes a platform of both anticipation and the harsh reality that not all players, regardless of pedigree, are assured a spot in the upcoming season. Here are the top 5 players who might get unsold in the upcoming season.

#5. Hanuma Vihari

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Hanuma Vihari's limited IPL appearances, with a standout performance in 2013, may contribute to his potential unsold status in the upcoming IPL 2024 auction. Known for Test cricket, his recent Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy stint showcased sporadic brilliance, including a notable unbeaten 84 and 24 against Manipur and Gujarat.

However, Vihari's inconsistency, marked by four single-figure scores in 10 outings and just two fifties in the recent period, raises concerns. The shift towards Test specialisation and the demanding T20 format might deter franchises, making Vihari a candidate to go unsold as teams prioritise players with more consistent T20 track records in the IPL auction.

#4. Varun Aron

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Varun Aaron's diminishing role in recent IPL seasons raises concerns about his prospects in the upcoming 2024 auction. Once in high demand, Aaron's IPL career peaked between 2011 and 2014, but his impact has waned since. The last time he achieved a notable feat was in 2017, failing to cross a five-wicket mark since.

Despite being part of the Gujarat Titans' 2022 title-winning squad, his struggle for playing time and minimal impact, with just two matches and as many wickets, signal a decline. Franchises may hesitate to invest in a player whose past glories are overshadowed by recent struggles, making Varun Aaron a potential candidate to go unsold in the upcoming auction.

#3. Harry Brook

After a disappointing stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2023, where he failed to live up to his hefty 13.25 crore price tag, Harry Brook faces the risk of going unsold in the upcoming IPL 2024 auction. Despite a promising debut century, his overall performance of 190 runs in 11 matches led to his release by the franchise.

Now listed in the 2 crore salary cap category, Brook may struggle to garner interest from other franchises, as concerns about his consistency and value for money may overshadow his potential, making his IPL future uncertain.

#2. Steve Smith

Despite being one of Australia's premier batters, Steve Smith's potential unsold status in the IPL 2024 auction can be attributed to his focus on longer formats and his absence in the IPL 2022. Having played for the Delhi Capitals in 2021 with a modest performance, only two franchises expressed interest in him during the 2021 auction.

With a recent trend of limited interest, IPL 2024 may see Smith struggling to garner attention, as franchises may prioritise younger, T20-specialised talents. Smith's prowess in longer formats may contribute to his diminished appeal in a format-driven auction, leaving the seasoned Aussie facing the prospect of going unsold in the upcoming IPL auction.

#1. Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav faces the looming possibility of going unsold in the IPL 2024 auction due to his lacklustre performance in the previous season for Kolkata Knight Riders. With a base price set at Rs 2 crore, the seasoned pacer's underwhelming contributions may deter potential bidders.

Furthermore, the release of Harshal Patel from RCB, who shares a similar base price and has struggled with expensive spells, could amplify the competition for pacers, further diminishing Umesh Yadav's chances. The combination of recent performance woes, a relatively high base price, and increased competition in the fast bowling department might contribute to Yadav facing an uncertain fate in the upcoming IPL auction.