The IPL 2025 auction concluded on Monday in Jeddah with several surprises, including young prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi making history. However, it was the surprising exclusions of Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur that sparked intense discussions among cricket circles. Despite their past contributions, neither have managed to attract any bids, raising questions over their current form, usefulness and reputation in the league.

Prithvi Shaw: a case of unfulfilled potential

Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as a prodigy and potential successor to Sachin Tendulkar, failed to sell at the auction. His absence from the IPL reflects a tragic downturn in a career that began with a debut Test century aged just 18. Ricky Ponting, who worked closely with Shaw at Delhi Capitals (DC), expressed his disappointment:

“You know, Prithvi, I still say he is the most talented player I have probably ever worked with. It remains unsold at auction and then does not even step on the accelerator again. It’s actually quite sad,” Ponting told Cricbuzz.

Ponting suggested that Shaw’s indiscipline may have contributed to his exclusion. Last season, Shaw was dropped from DC’s XI for six games, reportedly for disciplinary reasons. Furthermore, his recent omission from the Mumbai Ranji team amid concerns over his fitness has only fueled doubts over his commitment and form.

Shaw’s inability to adapt to the modern batting demands of T20 may also have played a role. Teams now prioritize batsmen who can clear the ropes consistently, particularly in the Powerplay. A senior coach of the franchise explained: “The ability to hit sixes is now paramount. If you are not educated with this instinct, at this stage it is very difficult to develop it.”

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Shaw’s narrative increasingly mirrors that of Vinod Kambli, another Mumbai batsman whose talent was overshadowed by a lack of discipline and unfulfilled potential. While Shaw’s natural ability remains undeniable, his inability to meet the demands of the league has cost him dearly in this auction.

Shardul Thakur: victim of impact player rule?

Shardul Thakur also found no takers this time. Just two years ago, it was one of the most sought-after players, fetching INR 10.75 crore in the mega auction of 2022. However, the all-rounder went unsold this year, a stark reminder of how quickly dynamics can change. of T20 cricket.

Ricky Ponting, reflecting on his time working with Thakur, highlighted the rapid evolution of the league: “The game catches up with you. Just a couple of years ago, I think we paid around 10 million rupees for it at auction. And now it’s not. Now it is not sold.”

Several factors appear to have contributed to Thakur’s fall from favour. Firstly, his base price of Rs 2 crore could have been perceived as too high, especially for a player whose recent performances have been inconsistent.

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Secondly, the introduction of the Impact Player rule appears to have reduced the demand for all-rounders like Thakur. Teams are now focusing more on specialists who can dominate with the bat or deliver consistent results with the ball.

Another critical factor could be Thakur’s inability to meet the changing demands of the league. Franchises are now looking for bowlers who can consistently take wickets or execute a high level of defensive deliveries. Thakur’s tendency to be expensive in crucial overs may have worked against him.

The dynamics of this year’s auction reflected a change in the team’s strategies. Franchises are now focused on finding players who fit specific roles, particularly those who can score quickly or bowl accurately.

This change in priorities left not only Shaw and Thakur, but also experienced players such as Kane Williamson, David Warner and Jonny Bairstow, out of contract.

For Prithvi Shaw and Shardul Thakur, the road back to the IPL will require significant changes. Shaw must address his fitness and discipline issues, while Thakur may need to hone his skills to meet the changing demands of the league. His exclusion serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of T20 cricket, where only the fittest and most adaptable can thrive.