IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: 3 Popular Players Who May Go Unsold This Season

As excitement grows ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, teams are sharpening their strategies and fans are eager to see which big names will find new homes. However, not every experienced player is guaranteed a spot this year. With franchise needs shifting and performance standards rising, some familiar faces could miss out.

Here are three players who may remain unsold in the upcoming auction — potentially marking the end of their IPL stint.

1. Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda, who is the middle-order batsman and has been part of the IPL team since the year 2015, is now going through a difficult and uncertain season. He may be very skilled, but his recent performances are not up to the mark and hence, a spot in the team has so far eluded him.

During his time with the Chennai Super Kings, he just managed to score 31 runs across seven matches with a batting rate of 75.61 and therefore, he was let go of. His move to Lucknow in 2024 saw only a tiny amelioration, as he could not even score one century during the whole year.

Analysts believe Hooda still follows an outdated ODI-style approach, which struggles to fit into the fast-paced T20 format — especially in a modern IPL environment where aggression and adaptability are key.

2. Moeen Ali

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali is another player likely to go unsold. After being released by Kolkata Knight Riders, his position in the league has become uncertain — largely due to the Impact Player rule, which has reduced the value of all-rounders who don’t consistently excel in both departments.

In IPL 2025, Moeen scored only 5 runs and took 6 wickets in six matches, a far cry from his earlier impactful days with Chennai Super Kings. With diminishing returns and limited tactical relevance, franchises may avoid investing in him this season.

3. Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi, who was once considered the most aggressive battier in IPL, is facing a significant decline in performance. He has not set a ground in the last seasons, although at times he has displayed some brilliance for a short period.

During IPL 2025, Tripathi joined Chennai Super Kings and participated in five games, accumulating only 55 runs with a below-100 strike rate. Not even during the entire 2024 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he could break the barrier of 50 runs.

The minimal involvement of Tripathi in domestic cricket the last year has more than ever before raised the doubts about his form and match-readiness that ultimately turned him into a risky option for the franchises. Final Word

While form slumps and tactical shifts are part of every sport, the IPL’s competitive nature makes the margin for error incredibly slim. For Deepak Hooda, Moeen Ali, and Rahul Tripathi, the IPL 2026 auction could be a turning point — either a final call or a surprising comeback story.