Top 3 IPL auction blunders teams regret most

The IPL auction sees multiple combinations being tried as teams look to fill the void that they could not previously fill. But due to the dynamics of the auction, not every call turns out to be correct. Over the years, from releasing future superstars to overspending on players who failed to deliver, franchises have made decisions that hurt them.

These auction blunders often grab attention when the same players shines elsewhere or when a team struggles in a role they thought they had covered. Notably, even the most experienced think-tanks can slip up and in a league as competitive as the IPL, even a single misjudgement can affect a franchise’s plans.

Here are 3 IPL auction blunders teams regret most

Kolkata Knight Riders letting go of IPL-winning skipper

Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to release title-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction was shocking, especially after he had guided the franchise to its first trophy in a decade. Despite initial discussions about retention, Iyer revealed that a lack of communication from KKR eventually pushed him towards the exit. 

The decision backfired almost instantly for Kolkata, as the star batter was snapped up by Punjab Kings for a record INR 26.75 crore. Following this, Iyer led Punjab to the IPL final the very same year. While KKR backed their long-standing core, the franchise is still believed to be hurt by letting go of a captain who delivered them a title.