The IPL Auction 2025 lived up to the hype, with an action-packed two-day event that saw top-tier players, both international and domestic, securing impressive contracts. Uncapped players also made their mark, with several young talents bagging substantial deals. From record-breaking buys to unexpected unsold names, this year’s auction delivered plenty of excitement. Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about moments.
DAY 1 saw some MEGA buys that broke all records! 🤑✨#IPLAuctionOnJioStar DAY 2 👉 MON 25 NOV, 2:30 PM on Star Sports Network & JioCinema!
Which player’s bid & the team surprised you the most? ✍️👇 pic.twitter.com/Tu3YDgIfEa— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 24, 2024
Rasikh Salam Dar, Nehal Wadhera, and Abdul Samad Steal the Show Among Uncapped Players
One of the standout moments from the auction came on Day 1 when Rasikh Salam Dar, a promising fast bowler, became the highest-paid uncapped player, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) securing him for Rs 6 crore. This was a massive jump from his base price of Rs 30 lakh. Nehal Wadhera, another uncapped player, also made waves when Punjab Kings picked him up for Rs 4.20 crore, a significant increase from his base price of Rs 30 lakh. Abdul Samad, known for his explosive batting, wasn’t far behind, as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) acquired him for Rs 4.20 crore, highlighting the growing preference for young, uncapped talent in the IPL.
#VenkateshIyer on #KKR: It’s more than trophies, they back their players! 💜#IPLAuctionOnJioStar DAY 2 👉 MON 25 NOV, 2:30 PM on Star Sports Network & JioCinema! pic.twitter.com/PfDURvmBEY— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 24, 2024
The Overseas Fast Bowlers Make a Mark
The overseas fast bowlers were in high demand during the auction. Trent Boult, who entered the auction a little later, caught the attention of Mumbai Indians, who secured him for Rs 12.50 crore. Not far behind were Jofra Archer and Josh Hazlewood, both of whom fetched Rs 12.50 crore, further underscoring the value placed on pace in the IPL.
Record-Breaking Purchases: Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer Lead the Charge
Rishabh Pant’s move to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) stole the spotlight, as the franchise splurged Rs 27 crore to secure the wicketkeeper-batter, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Not long after, Punjab Kings made another big splash, purchasing Shreyas Iyer for Rs 26.75 crore, breaking the previous auction record held by Mitchell Starc.
Surprising Absences: Big Names Left Unsold
Despite the intense bidding, a few high-profile players failed to find a buyer. The most surprising exclusions were Australian star David Warner and young Indian talent Devdutt Padikkal, who went unsold. This raised eyebrows, as both players have been consistent performers in the past. It seemed that teams were opting for more cost-effective, strategic picks rather than splashing out on big names.
Base price = INR 30 L. Final price = Sold for INR 6 Cr. to RCB! 😮🙌
📺 #IPLAuctionOnJioStar 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioCinema!#RCB Fans, are you excited to see #RasikhDar in the squad? ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/c9yFHUpg9F— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 24, 2024
Other Key Picks and Unsold Stars
Kagiso Rabada caught the attention of Gujarat Titans, who secured him for Rs 10.75 crore, while Jos Buttler also made a move to Gujarat for Rs 15.75 crore. In the Indian pacer category, Yuzvendra Chahal was picked up by PBKS for Rs 18 crore, while Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj were picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans for Rs 10 crore and Rs 12.25 crore, respectively.
KL Rahul, one of India’s top openers, was snapped up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore, while Mitchell Starc, who had created headlines last year, was again picked by the Capitals for Rs 11.75 crore.
The Auction Process: Day 1 and Day 2 Highlights
Day 1 saw 84 top players go under the hammer, with several major deals being sealed early on. On Day 2, the auction resumed, with players like Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, and Faf du Plessis among the notable names still in the running. By the end of the two days, a total of 204 slots remained to be filled across the 10 franchises.
IPL Auction 2025 was a perfect blend of high-profile acquisitions and shrewd, tactical picks. Teams made calculated decisions to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season, and the auction showcased the growing influence of uncapped players as well as the continuing dominance of fast bowlers. With plenty of big names both sold and unsold, the 2025 IPL season is set to be another thrilling chapter in the tournament’s history.
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