The IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah was a spectacle of high-profile signings and record-breaking bids. While many players found lucrative contracts, three notable Indian U19 World Cup-winning captains—Prithvi Shaw, Yash Dhull, and Unmukt Chand—went unsold.
This article delves into their backgrounds, the reasons behind their unsold status, and the implications for their careers.
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1. Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw, who led India to victory in the U19 World Cup in 2018 under Rahul Dravid’s guidance, was once hailed as a future star of Indian cricket. However, his recent struggles with fitness have significantly impacted his career trajectory.
Despite entering the IPL 2025 auction with a base price of ₹75 lakh, Shaw failed to attract any bids. His exclusion from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team due to fitness issues raised concerns among franchises about his current form and reliability.
Reasons for Unsold Status:
- Fitness Issues: Shaw’s ongoing fitness problems have led to inconsistent performances.
- Limited Recent Play: His absence from competitive matches has diminished his visibility to potential buyers.
2. Yash Dhull
Yash Dhull captained India to victory in the U19 World Cup in 2022 and was associated with the Delhi Capitals from 2022 to 2024.
Despite this impressive achievement, he struggled to secure a place in the playing XI during the last season, participating in only four matches. Dhull also failed to sell when he entered the auction with a starting price of ₹30 lakh.
Reasons for Unsold Status:
- Limited Exposure: His lack of significant playing time in recent seasons made franchises hesitant.
- High Competition: The presence of established players overshadowed emerging talents like Dhull.
3. Unmukt Chand
When Unmukt Chand led India to victory in the 2012 U19 World Cup, it garnered media attention. He had previously played in the IPL with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) but retired from Indian cricket in 2021 to pursue opportunities abroad.
Chand registered for the IPL 2025 auction as an overseas player with a base price of ₹30 lakh but did not receive any bids.
Reasons for Unsold Status:
- Retirement from Indian Cricket: His decision to retire may have affected his marketability.
- Lack of Recent Performance: Limited recent play at a competitive level raised doubts about his current abilities.
| Player Name | U19 World Cup Year | Base Price (INR) | Auction Result |
| Prithvi Shaw | 2018 | ₹75 lakh | Unsold |
| Yash Dhull | 2022 | ₹30 lakh | Unsold |
| Unmukt Chand | 2012 | ₹30 lakh | Unsold |
The IPL continues to evolve, and while these players have faced setbacks, their journey is far from over. With determination and hard work, they may yet find their place back in the spotlight.
Conclusion
The unsold status of these three U19 captains highlights the intense competition within the IPL and the challenges young talents face. While their past achievements are commendable, current form and fitness are critical factors that franchises consider during auctions.
As they move forward, these players may seek opportunities to regain form or explore other avenues within cricket.
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