IPL Auction 2025: Devdutt Padikkal Becomes First Player To Go Unsold Amidst Unpredictable Drama

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction kicked off with its usual excitement, but an early surprise caught everyone's attention. Devdutt Padikkal, a promising left-handed batsman from Bengaluru, was unexpectedly the first player to remain unsold. Known for his potential in Indian cricket, Padikkal's base price was set at ₹2 crore, yet no team showed interest.

Padikkal's recent performances may have influenced this outcome. His struggles in the Perth Test and past IPL seasons possibly affected franchise decisions. Despite his impressive record of over 1,500 IPL runs and a strike rate of 123, his recent form has been inconsistent.

Padikkal's journey in the IPL has seen both highs and lows. He shone brightly with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2020 and 2021 as a top-order batsman. However, his performance dipped significantly during the IPL 2024 season with Lucknow Super Giants, where he scored only 38 runs in seven matches at an average of 5.43.

His international career has also been turbulent this year. Despite a strong domestic season for Karnataka, inconsistency at critical times seems to have overshadowed his abilities. The auction's unpredictability is evident in Padikkal's career path.

The IPL Auction is known for unexpected turns. Padikkal's career reflects this unpredictability. Starting with a modest ₹20 lakh contract with RCB in 2019, he secured a significant ₹7.75 crore deal with Rajasthan Royals in 2022 and 2023. Yet, the IPL 2025 auction began on a low note for him.

Fans quickly expressed support for their "Bengaluru Huduga" on social media. The question remains whether Padikkal will make a comeback later in the auction. Franchises often reconsider unsold players, and his talent might still attract interest.

Currently, all eyes are on Padikkal's journey—a reminder of how crucial form and timing are in cricket's biggest league. The auction drama is just starting, promising more twists ahead.