Sun Nov 24 17:20:00 UTC 2024: ## IPL Auction Day 1: Warner, Bairstow, and Padikkal Unsold
**Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:** The first day of the two-day IPL 2025 mega auction concluded in Jeddah with a major surprise: the unsold status of several high-profile players. Despite a total of ₹467.95 crore spent on 72 players by the 10 franchises, David Warner, Johnny Bairstow, and Devdutt Padikkal failed to attract any bids. A total of 12 players remained unsold on day one.
Warner, who played for Delhi Capitals last season before being released, had a base price of ₹2 crore but received no offers. This is particularly shocking given his consistent performance and IPL title win with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018. Similarly, Bairstow, who played for Punjab Kings last season for ₹6.75 crore, was also released and subsequently unsold.
The unexpected absence of Devdutt Padikkal from the bidding also raised eyebrows. Currently playing in a Test series in Australia, Padikkal, who once topped the run charts for RCB in 2020, has seen a dip in form since joining Rajasthan Royals. His performance in the ongoing Test match further contributed to his lack of interest from the franchises.
The auction wasn’t entirely devoid of excitement, however. Rishabh Pant was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Shreyas Iyer went to Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore, and Venkatesh Iyer joined Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore. The auction continues on November 25.
First Piper 