The stage is set for the IPL 2025 mega auction, scheduled to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With a pool of 577 players, including some of the biggest names in cricket, fans and franchises alike are gearing up for what promises to be a high-stakes bidding extravaganza.
Here’s a look at five marquee players expected to spark fierce competition among the franchises:
1.) Rishabh Pant
Dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is set to be one of the most sought-after players in the auction. With a base price of ₹2 crore, Pant’s explosive batting has earned him 3,284 runs in 111 IPL matches at a strike rate of 148.93, including one century and 18 half-centuries. His ability to perform under pressure, coupled with leadership experience as a former captain, makes him a prized asset for franchises aiming to strengthen their middle order.
2.) KL Rahul
KL Rahul, a proven performer, is another marquee player expected to draw significant attention. With 4,198 runs in 111 matches at an average of 36.67 and a strike rate of 135.55, Rahul’s versatility as an opener and middle-order batsman is a key draw. Priced at ₹2 crore, his experience as a captain further enhances his appeal to franchises seeking a balanced and dependable batter.
3.) Shreyas Iyer
Having guided Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in IPL 2024, Shreyas Iyer stands out as a player who brings both stability and leadership to the table. Iyer’s 3,127 runs in 116 matches, averaging 32.23, underscore his ability to anchor innings. Teams looking for an experienced batter with proven captaincy credentials will find Iyer an irresistible option.
Also READ: Here’s the purse remaining with each team for IPL 2025 mega auction
4.) Phil Salt
England’s Phil Salt has carved a niche for himself as an aggressive opener with match-winning potential. With a base price of ₹2 crore, Salt’s fearless approach and adaptability make him a top target for franchises seeking firepower at the top of the order. His global T20 experience ensures he can adapt seamlessly to different scenarios.
5.) Mitchell Starc
On the bowling front, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is expected to trigger intense bidding wars. Known for his lethal left-arm pace, Starc holds a record of 51 wickets in 41 matches, with best figures of 4/15. After being acquired for a record ₹24.75 crore in IPL 2024, Starc remains a top pick for franchises needing a match-winning bowler.
Enhanced budgets fuel auction dynamics
With franchises armed with an increased budget of ₹120 crore each, the auction promises aggressive bidding. Teams like Punjab Kings (PBKS), holding the highest remaining purse of ₹110.5 crore, are poised to compete fiercely for the biggest names. The inclusion of released players adds another layer of intrigue as teams aim to strike the perfect balance between experience and youth.
As the clock ticks down, excitement builds for what promises to be a blockbuster auction, setting the stage for another thrilling IPL season.