The IPL auction is probably the most happening event, seeing a big bid from several players. Discussions have been going on, how to do expensive buying so far, but now the bigger question is whether all the most important buying has features?
These cricketers are all purchased or retained for Rs 2 crore or more and have not yet participated in a single match. While many have proven their high bids with great performance, some players still don’t have a single look on the bench – not due to tables, but due to fitness issues or team strategies.
From uncovered Indian Pacers to experienced international players, here is a closer look at the big guys still waiting for a chance to prove their worth this season:
Mayank Yadav-Lucknow Super Giant (Rs 11 crore)
Mayank Yadav is one of IPL’s most exciting prospects for 2024. His fast pace and match championship match won his two consecutive match awards players and made his debut in India quickly. LSG kept him for Rs 11 crore, but the injury delayed his return in 2025.
The franchise confirmed that he has now rejoined the squad after BCCI license. Mayank may be the key to the last game in five wins in eight games and the playoffs.
T Natarajan – Capital of Delhi (Rs 1075 crore)
Delhi invested Rs 1,075 crore on T Natarajan after successfully taking office with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024. But despite being one of the top ticket inspectors last season, he hasn’t made it to DC this year. This year, the team relied on Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar and Mohit Sharma and Mohit Sharma and rely on Pace Sharma, sources told TOI that Natarajan still hasn’t reached the full game. DC is currently ranked second in the standings, with five wins in seven games.
Jacob Bethell – Royal Challenger Bengaluru (Rs 260 crore)
Jacob Bethell of England was one of the surprise choices for Rs 26 million. The 21-year-old all-around player has performed well in British cricket and has caught the attention of the RCB.
So far, Bethel has been on the court. Liam Livingstone and Romario Shepherd occupied the all-around field overseas, and Bethell may have to wait for a rotation or injury to shoot.
Gerald Coetzee – Gujarat Titan (Rs 24 crore)
South African pacemaker Gerald Coetzee was impressed by the Mumbai Indians in 2024, with Gujarat Titans acquired for Rs 24 crore. Although Coetzee has not proven his pace and voting ability, he has not broken the XI game.
GT’s bowling lineup, including Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore, has been ongoing. Having won five of seven games, the team had little reason to change the combination.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Kolkata Knight Rider (Rs 2 crore)
Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been at KKR since 2023, retaining Rs 2 crore before the 2025 season. Although his name has 14 IPL appearances, he has not competed in a single competition this year.
Quinton de Kock had served as the opening role of the ticket inspector in a solid performance. Since KKR is currently in the lower half of the table, management has been cautious about changing the highest order.
(Input with TOI)
