David Warner

When Legends Face the Music: David Warner & Devdutt Padikkal Go Unsold at IPL 2025!

Shockwaves rippled through the cricketing world as IPL legends David Warner and Devdutt Padikkal found themselves unsold at the 2025 Mega Auction. Why did bidding wars go silent for these stars?

The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah left fans and pundits scratching their heads as Indian cricketer Devdutt Padikkal and Australian icon David Warner went unsold. The auction, known for its competitive spirit and hefty price tags, saw rock-solid performances from emerging players, but it was a disappointing day for these two cricketing stalwarts. Warner, who led the Sunrisers Hyderabad to victory back in 2016, entered the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore but, surprisingly, found no takers. What on earth could have prompted such a shocker?

Padikkal, a key player in India's recent line-up, had also hoped to attract interest but fell short of bids on this pivotal day. It's a tough pill to swallow for fans who have long admired their skills and dedication to the game. Warner’s name is synonymous with IPL greatness; he holds the record for the highest runs (6565) by an overseas player in IPL history, making this unsold status all the more astonishing. Even for a 38-year-old cricketer with numerous accolades, this auction was evidently a twist in the tale.

In stark contrast to Warner and Padikkal’s situation, the auction saw exciting moves as the Delhi Capitals secured Fraser McGurk for ₹9 crore, thanks to a strategic use of the Right to Match card. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the IPL and how franchises are keen to bet on the next big thing, while established names might not always find favor. And let's face it; nobody saw this coming! How often can we say that legends like Warner and Padikkal are left out of the game?

As fans digest this shocking turn of events, one thing remains clear — cricket is an ever-evolving sport. No player is above the market dynamics that come into play during such high-stakes auctions. It begs the question: is it time for veterans to rethink their strategies? Or will the upcoming T20 leagues offer Warner and Padikkal a chance to showcase their talents once more? One fact to remember: even in the shadows of disappointment, both players have inspired countless young cricketers dreaming of stardom. David Warner’s journey from Down Under to the IPL stage is an epic tale of grit, determination, and passion for cricket. As for Padikkal, his foundation with the national team and Karnataka ensures we haven’t heard the last of his cricketing exploits!