IPL 2017 Auction: Top 5 unsold players

The IPL 2017 Auction was something that was there for one and all to see as the strengthening of the Indian Premier League sides was certainly something of a spectacle. However, the fact is that there were indeed a few of those players who were certainly not a part of the grand scheme of things as far as the auction went. In fact, it was only the 66 players who were signed by their respective IPL franchises and the others waiting in the wings perhaps hoping for the odd injury to occur so that they get called to arms.

There were some big names on the list of players who were released by their respective IPL franchises and not resigned or signed by anyone, but the fact is that there is really no one to blame given the fact that the IPL sides all have their eyes on the coveted trophy.

1. Irfan Pathan

At 32, it is clear that Irfan Pathan surely has some cricket left in him. However, this is certainly not the case as he has been left out of the IPL Auction and also went unsold on the day. Starting at 50 Lakh, Pathan was auctioned twice before none of the auctioneers wanted any more of the former Indian all-rounder.

It would seem as though he would certainly have to work a lot harder if he wanted to make an impact on the grand stage for sure. Having played under the Rising Pune Supergiants the previous season, the younger of the Pathan brothers finds himself surplus to the requirements at the moment.

Also read- IPL 2017 Auction: List of players sold in the auction

2. Michael Klinger

At 36, Michael Klinger became one of Australia’s most sought-after batsman and also found himself in the T20 international side for the Aussies as well. However, when it came to the IPL auction, Klinger does not have much on his CV barring the one stint he had with the now disbanded Kochi Tuskers.

However, this came as a shock to many as a lot of franchises were indeed looking for an opening batsman to fill in their ranks, and it is indeed a shame that despite winning the Big Bash league, Michael Klinger seemingly cannot get himself to put pen to paper in the IPL side.

3. Ishant Sharma

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises when it comes to the Indian Premier League is the fact that Ishant Sharma has been left out of the grand scheme of things. This axing of such a senior bowler in the Indian ranks is certainly something that gives most the impression of the IPL sides opting to take a diverse thinking when it comes to employing the young guns and aggressive youngsters.

While there are a few who certainly do not care much for the 28-year old given the fact that he has predominantly featured in red-ball cricket, the fact is whether or not he is cut out for the shorter formats of the game in the near future remains to be seen. Is this perhaps the James Anderson for India of sorts.

Also read- IPL 2017 Auction: List of players unsold in the auction

4. Alex Hales

Alex Hales did not have the same luck his England mates had with millions of dollars coming towards the likes of Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, and Tymal Mills. However, this was a loss for someone like Hales given the fact that he is indeed a hard-hitting batsman and better yet, he is an opener as well.

He also had a decent tour of India with the bat and was not picked while his opening partner Jason Roy was also picked as one of the England contingent players. Hales was also given an after thought by one of the franchises at the re-auction before he was eventually sidelined, one of the few Britons to have this issue in the Indian Premier League.

5. Imran Tahir

Perhaps the shocker of the lot. There are not many such as Imran Tahir in T20 cricket, especially given the fact that he was perhaps one of the higher-ranked players as well. While the 37-year old is missing from action, it would be difficult indeed playing an IPL without someone of his fire and spin bowling abilities.

Having been one of those released by the Delhi Daredevils and his base price at Rs. 50 Lakh, it was clear that there needed to be takers. However, this was not meant to be as he was eventually not picked by any of the franchises on the day.