The IPL 2025 Mega Auction began with its usual drama, but the first twist came early. Bengaluru's very own Devdutt Padikkal, the elegant southpaw once touted as the future of Indian cricket became the first player to go unsold.

Failure in Perth Test and unsuccessful campaigns in IPL in the past may have played a role. With a base price of ₹2 crore, the room fell into an awkward silence as no franchise raised the paddle for the 24-year-old opener.

IPL Auction 2025 Devdutt Padikkal Becomes First Player to Go Unsold at the Mega Auction — Image Source: BCCI

Yuzvendra Chahal IPL Auction Price History

Year	Price (INR)	Team
2011	₹10 lakh	Mumbai Indians
2014	₹10 lakh	Royal Challengers Bangalore
2018	₹6 crore	Royal Challengers Bangalore
2022	₹6.50 crore	Rajasthan Royals
2023	₹6.50 crore	Rajasthan Royals
2024	₹6.50 crore	Rajasthan Royals

This unexpected moment sparked intrigue. Padikkal, who has over 1,500 IPL runs to his name at a strike rate of 123, is no stranger to IPL highs and lows. His best seasons with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2020 and 2021 saw him emerge as a key top-order batter. However, his recent struggles, including a dismal IPL 2024 season with Lucknow Super Giants where he managed just 38 runs in 7 matches at an average of 5.43, may have influenced the franchises' hesitation.

Adding to the narrative is Padikkal’s international career, which has been a rollercoaster this year. A critical failure in the Perth Test and his association with unsuccessful IPL campaigns in recent years may have further played a role in this surprising outcome. Despite a solid domestic season for Karnataka, the inconsistency at crucial moments has seemingly overshadowed his potential.

The IPL Auction is no stranger to surprises. Padikkal’s career trajectory highlights the unpredictability of the league. From a modest ₹20 lakh contract with RCB in 2019 to a whopping ₹7.75 crore deal with Rajasthan Royals in 2022 and 2023, he’s experienced the highs. Yet, IPL 2025 marks a low point as he starts the auction unsold.

While fans were quick to rally behind their "Bengaluru Huduga" on social media, the question remains: will Padikkal stage a comeback later in the auction? Franchises often revisit unsold players, and his undeniable talent might still find a home.

For now, the spotlight is on Padikkal’s journey—a poignant reminder of how form, timing, and past performances play pivotal roles in cricket’s grandest league. The auction drama has just begun, and the twists are far from over.