Fate has dealt former India forward Yuvraj Walmiki a severe blow — almost like his trademark rasping reverse hit off which he has scored numerous goals on the hockey turf — by leaving him unsold at the recent Hockey India League player auction in Delhi.

As many as 192 players were picked, from a total of 550-plus, as eight men’s franchise outfits bid for 24 players each. Walmiki, 35, however, went unsold, despite his brilliant form on the domestic circuit. The hardworking striker, who leads the Railways Sports Promotion Board team (Indian Railways), has scored a whopping 137 goals in the last three years in domestic hockey and in international club tournaments (see box).