5 shock absentees from IPL 2026 Auction list ft. Rassie van der Dussen 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released the list of players that will be available for franchises during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction. The event is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi, on December 16, with 350 players shortlisted by the teams according to their needs.

Originally, 1390 players had registered their names for the auction, but the list has been pruned to 350 names after consultation with franchises. The teams already named their retentions last month, ahead of the mini auction.

The 350-player list includes the usual suspects and the high-profile names, as well as a few surprising candidates. However, at the same time, it also misses a few select players that ideally should have been part of the list, given their reputation and ability.

On that note, let us take a look at five shock absentees from the IPL 2026 Auction list.

#1 Rassie van der Dussen

The South African batter is in a sublime run of form at the moment, having exclusively played only the shortest format in recent times. He had a decent campaign for the Barbados Royals in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and finished as the second-highest run scorer in the recently concluded CSA T20 Challenge.

His purple patch, coupled with his years of experience, was a solid combination for franchises to look into him as a bargain purchase at the auction. However, his name was not a part of the curated shortlist that was released on December 9.

Rassie van der Dussen's last IPL appearance came during the 2022 season, where he represented across various middle order roles for the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

#2 Shaik Rasheed

The emerging batter had made his IPL debut in the 2025 season after spending a considerable time on the sidelines. Despite a promising start, he fizzled away, eventually having to make room for Ayush Mhatre.

Rasheed found himself back in the player pool as CSK pressed the switch for a radical overhaul across all departments. The former U-19 World Cup winner was in prolific form for Andhra in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, before a slight dip in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Considering how much franchises value uncapped Indian players as prospects and bench players that they can develop and hone in their system, it was a massive surprise to see Rasheed's name off the list.

#3 Narayan Jagadeesan

The wicket-keeper batter, who even got a call-up to the Test side recently, could not find a place on the IPL 2026 Auction player list. Leading Tamil Nadu in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he had a mixed campaign, but his reputation as a seasoned player across formats was more than enough for him to be atleast an option for the teams.

Jagadeesan has not availed the opportunities in the IPL to cement a spot during his stints with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite several franchises requiring depth in their wicket-keeping department, he was not considered despite his credentials and potential.

#4 Jayden Seales

The West Indies pacer impressed one and all while leading the West Indies attack single-handedly during the Test series against India in the absence of Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. Boasting a burst of pace and the ability to move the ball and hit the deck as well, the youngster showed a lot of promise in the subcontinent, despite his lack of T20 experience.

Seales is arguably one of the rising seamers in world cricket, evidenced by his skillset and start to his career. But either his commitment to longer formats or a lack of interest by the franchises has seemingly gotten in the way. The upcoming IPL would have been an excellent avenue for the exciting talent to showcase his skills to a broader audience after his recent audience, but he may have to wait for his turn.

#5 Mark Chapman

The New Zealand international is a regular feature for the Blackcaps and other major franchises in the world, but he is yet to record a single appearance in the IPL, even after playing over 200 matches in the shortest format so far.

Chapman could have been a decent option as a pinch-hitter or as a backup player for the franchises. However, despite having a solid strike rate of 160 in T20Is in 2025, he does not find a place in the auction list.