The blockbuster auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 impacted the lives of many cricketers looking for a platform to exhibit their talent. At the grandiose event, 204 people found buyers, whether they were seasoned players or newcomers. At the same time, the two-day event proved to be a heartbreaker for many, particularly for those who are well-known and well-established but were unable to persuade any of the franchisees. Several high-profile figures who have been affiliated with the league since its inception were among the 396 unsold players. Let’s take a look at five such players for whom the lucrative event may spell the end of their careers.
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina, Mr. IPL, went unsold in the auctions, which was shocking. After playing for the Chennai Super Kings since the team’s inception, it was difficult for supporters to accept that the left-handed batter would no longer be a member of the ‘Yellow Army.’ Raina has been a vital component in the CSK arsenal with over 5000 runs to his record. He is the first batter in the competition to score this many runs.
Ishant Sharma
Sharma has been purchased for Rs 1.9 crore in 2019, but no franchises have expressed interest in acquiring him three years later. In the previous fourteen years, he has played for six different clubs, accumulating 72 years in 93 games and averaging 37.51 points per game. Despite a life-changing event, he went unsold, which might signal the end of his IPL career.
Amit Mishra
The experienced leg-spinner, who last represented India five years ago, was also on the list of players who were not sold. Mishra holds the record for most wickets taken by an Indian bowler (166), as well as three hat-tricks. Before being discharged after the IPL 2021, he was a senior player in the DC camp. However, the franchise chose to keep Kuldeep Yadav and Praveen Dubey on board for the upcoming season and did not make an offer for the 39-year-old.
Piyush Chawla
It’s true that Chawla was purchased for Rs 6.75 crore by Chennai Super Kings a few years back. However, the wheel of time spun so quickly that the experienced spinner was left stranded at the IPL 2022 auctions. He is, interestingly, the second Indian bowler with the most IPL wickets, after Mishra, with 157 scalps.