Several players who have had innumerable successes in the shortest format of the game might be appearing for the last time in the IPL mini-auction. Either these players have aged or have been cut short of form and are no longer in the priority list of the franchises.
Over the years, several players have played in the IPL and have contributed significantly to their franchises. However, after a stint, they have all parted ways with the premier competition, and some big names in this mini-auction might also be marking the end of their IPL careers this time around.
Recently, the likes of Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell, two veterans of the IPL, made a move from the IPL, though they have not officially called it quits, but have withdrawn from the IPL auction.
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These players might be entering their last IPL auction:
3. Steve Smith
Australian batter Steve Smith is often considered one of the greatest batters in modern-day cricket; however, despite his legendary status, he has not been a T20 masterclass, and with increasing age and the lack of T20 form, he has been snubbed from an IPL contract on several occasions.
Smith last played in the IPL back in 2021 and has gone unsold on several occasions since then. Steve Smith also joined the IPL as an expert commentator, but he continued to play the format with hopes to represent his national side in the Olympics.
However, for the 36-year-old veteran, this can be confirmed that he might be drafting his name in the auction list for the last time, and without any bid, he might make a move on from the tournament.
2. Jonny Bairstow
The England wicket-keeper batsman, unlike Steve Smith, was known to be a masterclass cricketer in this format of the game. Bairstow played for England across all three formats and was known as an explosive option.
Bairstow also represented the Mumbai Indians in the last season and thumped up with some dominating performances. He was in the finest of forms during his SRH days alongside David Warner and then made a move to Punjab Kings, where he scored a century in their record chase of the highest ever IPL target.
Jonny Bairstow might be making his last auction appearance and might also not continue to star in the IPL from the next edition. However, he might be on the books for teams like KKR, who are in the quest for an opening wicket-keeper batsman.
1. David Miller
The true veteran of the IPL, a match-winning finisher who contributed to the success of so many franchises. David Miller, the South African left-handed middle-order batter, is increasing the numbers on his age column and has suffered from questionable fitness in recent tournaments.
Miller last appeared for LSG in IPL 2025 but could not unleash the impact he usually does in the game. With limited runs and a poor show in international cricket since then, Miller might be nearing the end of his IPL career, following his former PBKS teammate Glenn Maxwell.
However, unlike Steve Smith, David Miller is unlikely to go unsold in the auction, considering his former performances in the format. But at the same time, he might be entering the auction for the last time.
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