The IPL 2025 auction is just around the corner, bringing excitement and opportunities for franchises to secure cricket’s finest talents. With 574 players in the pool, a select group stands out as the most seasoned and skilled, having consistently proven their value on the field.
These top 10 players are expected to spark intense bidding wars and could fetch the highest prices at the auction. Their impressive performances over the years make them invaluable assets for any team.
Here’s a closer look at the stars who are set to make a massive impact in IPL 2025 and why they’re likely to be in high demand among all franchises.
Top 10 Players Set to Spark a Bidding War
1. Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant has established himself as one of the best middle-order batters in the IPL. The dynamic southpaw has amassed 1,889 runs at an impressive strike rate of 147.23 while batting at number four, demonstrating his exceptional ability to dominate the opposition.
As a left-hander, Pant is a valuable asset in the middle overs, particularly against left-arm off-spinners and right-arm leg spinners, a strategy highly sought after in modern T20 cricket. His ability to enforce momentum makes him a prime target for franchises aiming to strengthen their batting lineups.
2. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has emerged as a vital figure in India’s T20 setup, showcasing remarkable consistency and skill. In T20Is, he has an impressive record of 95 wickets at an average of 18.47 in 59 matches. Earlier this year, he was instrumental in India’s T20 World Cup triumph, claiming 17 wickets in eight games at an exceptional average of 12.47.
Since his IPL debut in 2019, Arshdeep has been a reliable performer for Punjab Kings, taking 76 wickets in 65 matches. His standout season came last year, where he grabbed 19 wickets in 14 matches. Known for his ability to excel in high-pressure situations, particularly in the death overs, Arshdeep will undoubtedly be a hot property in the IPL 2025 auction.
3. KL Rahul
KL Rahul is expected to be among the most expensive buys in the IPL 2025 auction, making him a valuable asset for many franchises. Rahul’s consistency is unmatched, having scored 500+ runs in every full IPL season since 2018, including 520 runs in IPL 2024.
However, his inability to accelerate in certain situations has occasionally hindered his team’s momentum. Despite this, his track record and ability to anchor the innings make him a top contender in this year’s auction.
4. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler has been a game-changer at the top of the order and a key player for the Rajasthan Royals in recent seasons. With over 3,000 IPL runs and seven centuries to his name, Buttler’s knack for dismantling bowling attacks is unparalleled.
Although his IPL performances have dipped slightly over the past two seasons, his outstanding form in international cricket, particularly for England in T20Is, proves his enduring class. Buttler’s experience and match-winning abilities make him a highly sought-after player in the IPL 2025 auction, with franchises eager to capitalize on his explosive potential.
5. Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan, despite a dip in form during the 2024 season, remains a powerful presence in T20 cricket. Known for his fearless batting and adaptability, the aggressive wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 1,192 runs across the last three IPL seasons.
His left-handed batting adds crucial balance to any lineup, making him a valuable asset for teams looking for firepower either at the top or in the middle order. With his ability to take on bowlers from the start, Kishan is expected to attract significant interest in the IPL 2025 auction.
6. Yuzvendra Chahal
Chahal, the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 205 dismissals, is set to be a major attraction in the IPL 2025 auction after being unexpectedly released by the Rajasthan Royals. Known for his crafty leg-spin and adaptability, Chahal is a reliable match-winner who strengthens any bowling attack.
Since his impactful debut with the Rajasthan Royals in 2022, where he took 27 wickets in 17 matches, Chahal has consistently proven his worth. Franchises will be eager to secure his experience and wicket-taking ability, making him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the IPL 2025 auction.
7. Sam Curran
Sam Curran is expected to be a popular choice in the IPL 2025 auction. Purchased by Punjab Kings for a record ₹18.5 crores in the IPL 2023 auction, Curran’s versatility makes him a valuable asset. While his performances with bat and ball have been modest, his ability to bat at any position, swing the new ball, and excel in death overs ensures he remains in demand.
8. Marco Jansen
Marco Jansen’s recent stellar performance in the T20I series against India has caught the attention of IPL franchises. The tall left-arm pacer is effective with the new ball and can be aggressive with the bat in the lower order, as demonstrated in his quick-fire fifty against India, laced with sixes. Jansen’s all-round abilities make him a strong contender to spark bidding wars at the IPL 2025 auction.
9. Mohammad Shami
Mohammad Shami is a proven performer with the ability to excel in any conditions. His contributions were pivotal to Gujarat Titans’ title-winning campaign in 2022. However, injuries have been a recurring issue, with a noted cricket expert recently suggesting that his latest injury could impact his auction price. Despite this, Shami’s vast experience and reliability as a bowler make him a valuable option for teams looking to bolster their pace attack.
10. Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel’s IPL journey is a testament to his persistence and timely breakthroughs. Although he made his debut in 2012, his standout season came in 2021 when he returned to Royal Challengers Bangalore, taking 32 wickets and winning the Purple Cap.
He continued to impress with Punjab Kings last season, claiming another Purple Cap with 24 wickets. Despite his remarkable performances, Punjab released him ahead of the mega auction, making Patel one of the most in-demand bowlers for IPL 2025.
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