Ricky Ponting ends relationship with Steve Smith as David Warner's fall from grace in IPL complete

David Warner and Steve Smith have both officially gone unsold in the IPL auction, after being overlooked for the second-straight day. Warner and Smith were snubbed on the opening day of the mega-auction in Saudi Arabia, before both went unsold once again during the accelerated round on Monday evening.

It means Warner's illustrious career in the lucrative T20 competition is likely over, while Ricky Ponting opted to end his successful partnership with Smith. Despite pairing with Ponting as the captain of the Washington Freedom to win the USA's Major League Cricket competition, Smith didn't draw any takers at the base price of two crore ($365,000).

Ponting instead packed his new Punjab Kings team with other Aussies, signing Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie and Xavier Bartlett to join Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis who were taken by the franchise on the first day. Ponting and Smith combined well when they won the MLC in America, but the Aussie cricket great wasn't willing to take another punt on the 35-year-old.

As for Warner, the explosive opener has been one of the best players in the long history of the IPL, but at this stage won't be taking part in 2025. The 38-year-old has scored 6565 runs at a strike rate of 140 and an average above 40 in his IPL career, but none of the 10 franchises were willing to invest in the veteran opener.

Rajasthan Royals sign 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi

English veteran James Anderson was also overlooked despite seeking to make his IPL debut at the age of 42. Instead it was unknown 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi who stole the show after he was sold for $200,000 to Rajasthan Royals. Vaibhav, who made his debut in India's domestic Ranji Trophy at age 12, hit a 58-ball century in the youth Test against Australia's Under-19s team in October, but made one and three in his other innings in the two-match series.

The Australian to earn the most money on day two was Tim David, with the big-hitting all-rounder joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $550,000. Spencer Johnson was another Aussie targeted by Ponting, but the Kings were outbid by Kolkata Knight Riders who snared the bowler for $510,000.

Ricky Ponting loads up on Aussies but no room for Steve Smith

But Ponting did then land Hardie for $225,000, and after missing out on Nathan Ellis (who went to Chennai Super Kings for $365,000), the Aussie legend signed top BBL wicket-taker Bartlett for $145,000. Ponting began the second day of the auction by signing Aussie keeper Josh Inglis for $475,000.

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Fellow Aussie wicket-keepers Alex Carey and Josh Philippe went unsold, as did Jason Behrendorff, Matt Short and Lance Morris. There's still a chance the likes of Warner and Smith will find themselves with IPL franchises before the start of next year's edition, with injuries and withdrawals for personal reasons likely.

Warner going unsold marks the end of an era for the Australian great. Despite retiring from international cricket earlier this year he remains a T20 gun for hire, and is still a huge fan favourite in India.

Australian players in the IPL for 2025:

• Chennai Super Kings: Nathan Ellis

• Delhi Capitals: Mitch Starc, Jake Fraser-McGurk.

• Kolkata Knight Riders: Spencer Johnson

• Lucknow Super Giants: Justin Langer (coach), Mitch Marsh

• Punjab Kings: Ricky Ponting (coach), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Josh Hazlewood, Tim David

• Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Adam Zampa

with AAP