By Sruti Thakur | Updated: December 23, 2025 11:57 AM IST
Devon Conway to Vijay Shankar to Karn Sharma: Strongest playing XI from unsold players in IPL 2026 auction, let's take a look at this photo collection to find out about the team, overseas players and skipper.
Many star players who could have strengthened team's playing XI went unsold during the IPL 2026 auction.
Devon Conway and Jonny Bairstow would open the innings from the unsold players list. Conway adds stability to the side as a wicketkeeper-batter, while Bairstow can apply early pressure with his aggressive batting. Together, they appear to be ideal choices to open the innings in the unsold players’ playing XI.
Jonny Bairstow would also captain the unsold playing XI team, given his experience.
In the middle order, India's all-rounders Vijay Shankar and Mahipal Lomror add balance to the team. Vijay Shankar brings experience and can contribute useful overs with his bowling.
Left-handed batter Mahipal Lomror can play a key role against spin, is capable of hitting big shots, and can also bowl spin, adding further depth to the squad.
The middle order also includes South Africa's star all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who is regarded as a future legend. He can bat in the middle order and also bowl fast. Match-winning all-rounder like Michael Bracewell will further strengthen the team's depth.
Tanush Kotian or RS Hangargekar can be included in the playing XI depending on the conditions. If the pitch favors spin, Tanush is a suitable option, while Hangargekar can play when the track assists fast bowlers. Both are all-rounders and can provide explosive batting in the lower order.
The spin department features bowlers like Karn Sharma and Kumar Kartikeya, who can be particularly effective on Indian pitches.
The pace attack will be led by Akash Madhwal, with Chetan Sakariya or Simarjeet Singh offering options with the new ball and in the death overs. Kamlesh Nagarkoti and KM Asif have been included as additional fast-bowling resources.
Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Jonny Bairstow (captain), Vijay Shankar, Wiaan Mulder, Mahipal Lomror, Tanush Kotian/RS Hangargekar, Michael Bracewell, Karn Sharma/Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Chetan Sakariya, Kamlesh Nagarkoti/KM Asif.