Bairstow reacts after going unsold in IPL auction

• Bairstow, once a key IPL player, went unsold in 2026 auction.
• MI picked De Kock over Bairstow; Bairstow thanks Rohit Sharma.
• Out of favor for England, Bairstow plays for MI Emirates in ILT20.

Jonny Bairstow has been a very good player across different formats over the last so many years. His IPL journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad was probably his peak as he formed a great partnership with David

Warner and kept scoring runs for fun. But he has been out of favour in the last few years both internationally and in IPL. Last year he went unsold in the mega auction.

Jonny Bairstow was called in as a replacement pick for Ryan Rickelton who went for WTC preparations. Bairstow played two matches for Mumbai Indians and opened the batting along side Rohit Sharma. He played a great cameo against Gujarat Titans and fell cheaply in the next game against Punjab Kings.

Fast forward to IPL Mini Auction 2026, Jonny Bairstow registered himself for 1 Crore along with Quinton De Kock. Mumbai Indians according to reports had asked both wicket-keeper batters to register and they were keen on picking one of them. Quinton De Kock was eventually picked up by Mumbai Indians and Jonny Bairstow went unsold.

After Mumbai Indians passed on him at the IPL 2026 mini auction, England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow shared an Instagram post with Rohit Sharma, writing, “Short but sweet. Thanks for the opportunity.” Bairstow had earlier joined MI in IPL 2025 as a replacement player.

Jonny Bairstow is currently out of favour for England in the international circuit and it is very unlikely for him to make a comeback. He was one of the leading run getter in County Championship for Yorkshire last season but still got overlooked for the Ashes. He is now set to play franchise leagues around the world. Currently Jonny Bairstow is representing MI Emirates in the ILT20. Mumbai Indians have given him a good opportunity to represent them at ILT20 and he has been doing well. With Mumbai having franchise all over the world we might see more loyalty by them towards Bairstow and he is grateful for it.