Image credits: JIO cinema/IPL
The IPL 2025 Auction concluded in Jeddah with its usual mix of surprises, drama, and history-making moments. Among the standout narratives of Day Two was 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi becoming the youngest IPL player ever, securing a ₹1.10 crore deal with Rajasthan Royals. In stark contrast, seasoned players Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur went unsold, highlighting the unforgiving nature of the league’s dynamics. Here’s an in-depth look at these contrasting stories:
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: A Prodigy Breaks Records
At just 13 years old, Bihar’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi shattered records to become the youngest player in IPL history. Known for his fearless batting and explosive six-hitting ability, the Rajasthan Royals secured him after a bidding war with Delhi Capitals. Starting at a base price of ₹30 lakhs, he eventually fetched ₹1.10 crore.
What Makes Suryavanshi Special?
- Early Stardom: Suryavanshi has already played five Ranji matches for Bihar, showcasing a maturity beyond his years.
- Talent and Determination: During trials at Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Center in Nagpur, he left talent scouts Zubin Bharucha and Vikram Rathour awestruck with his six-hitting prowess.
- Franchise Excitement: “He is an incredible talent. A lot of work will go into developing him for the IPL level, but we are thrilled to have him,” said Jake Lush McCrum, CEO of Rajasthan Royals.
Suryavanshi’s rise is not just a feel-good story but a testament to the IPL’s ability to nurture future stars.
Prithvi Shaw: The Tragedy of Unfulfilled Potential
Once heralded as a prodigy and compared to Sachin Tendulkar, Prithvi Shaw’s cricketing journey has veered off course. Despite his immense talent, Shaw found no takers during the auction, even in the accelerated rounds.
Why Did Shaw Go Unsold?
- Indiscipline and Fitness Issues: Shaw has often been in the news for the wrong reasons, including fitness concerns and off-field controversies. His exclusion from the Mumbai Ranji team further highlighted these struggles.
- Lack of Form: Inconsistent performances have made him a liability rather than an asset for teams.
- Changing IPL Dynamics: Franchises are increasingly prioritizing six-hitters and dynamic players who can impact the game from ball one. Shaw’s traditional stroke play has struggled to keep pace with these demands.
Former Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting, who worked closely with Shaw, expressed his disappointment: “He’s as talented as anyone I’ve ever worked with, but the game catches up with you.”
Shardul Thakur: From ₹10.75 Crore to Unsold
Shardul Thakur, known for his all-round capabilities, found himself without a franchise after being one of the costliest players in the 2022 auction.
What Went Wrong for Thakur?
- Impact Player Rule: The new rule has reduced the reliance on all-rounders like Thakur, as teams can now use specialists for specific roles.
- High Base Price: With a base price of ₹2 crore, franchises viewed Thakur as an overpriced option given his recent form.
- Timing of Auction Order: Thakur’s position in the auction order worked against him, as many teams had already allocated their budgets by then.
Ponting recalled that Thakur had once fetched ₹10.75 crore but noted the harsh reality of IPL’s evolving priorities: “The game catches up with you.”
Changing Franchise Dynamics
The unsold status of players like Shaw and Thakur underscores the IPL’s ever-evolving priorities:
- Six-Hitting is Key: A senior coach summed it up: “The ability to hit sixes is paramount now. If you don’t possess this skill, it’s difficult to fit into the modern T20 template.”
- Focus on Specific Roles: Teams now prefer either attacking bowlers who take wickets or ultra-defensive bowlers with consistent lengths. Generalists like Thakur are often overlooked.
- Youth Over Experience: Players like Suryavanshi symbolize the franchises’ willingness to invest in young talent with long-term potential.
The Bigger Picture: Other Notable Players Who Went Unsold
Alongside Shaw and Thakur, big names like Kane Williamson, David Warner, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mayank Agarwal also found no takers. This trend highlights how IPL auctions are increasingly unforgiving, demanding players to adapt or risk fading into irrelevance.
Conclusion: Contrasts That Define IPL Auctions
The IPL 2025 Auction painted a vivid picture of contrasts. While Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s signing was a celebration of youth and potential, the unsold statuses of Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur were stark reminders of how unforgiving the league can be. As the IPL evolves, it continues to celebrate innovation and adaptability, ensuring that only the best and the brightest shine on its grand stage.
