Published By: Sanchari Das

IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Five Batsmen We Believe Will Fetch the Mega Bucks

The IPL 2025 mega auction is set to be a spectacle, with these marquee batters leading the charge

With the IPL 2025 mega auction fast approaching, excitement is reaching a fever pitch. Set to take place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25, it promises intense bidding wars as franchises scramble to secure their top picks. The release of star players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer has added a new twist. Both were key figures for their teams, but they are now free agents, ready to go under the hammer. 

Ahead of the auction, here’s a look at five batters we believe are expected to be the most expensive buys in the upcoming auction.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer, with a base price of Rs 2 crore, is expected to be one of the hottest picks at the auction. His leadership skills shone brightly when he captained Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title in 2024. Despite being a top contender for retention, KKR couldn’t strike a deal, making Iyer a free agent. Rumours suggest that Delhi Capitals are willing to spend up to Rs 25 crore to bring him back. Iyer’s experience and consistent batting make him a valuable addition for any team looking for a strong middle-order batter and a capable leader.

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant’s release from Delhi Capitals was a shocker, given his importance to the franchise. With a base price of Rs 2 crore, Pant is expected to ignite a bidding frenzy. His explosive batting, coupled with his wicketkeeping and leadership skills, make him a top target for several franchises. Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Chennai Super Kings are reportedly ready to splurge to acquire him. Pant’s aggressive playstyle could see bids soaring past Rs 20 crore, and there’s even speculation that Delhi Capitals might try to buy him back, adding more drama to the auction.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul, released by Lucknow Super Giants, has become one of the most intriguing names in the auction pool. Despite concerns about his strike rate, Rahul’s experience as a captain and wicketkeeper makes him a sought-after player. With a base price of Rs 2 crore, Rahul could attract significant interest from franchises like Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are in need of a versatile wicketkeeper-batsman. His calm demeanour and proven ability to anchor innings make him an attractive option for teams looking to stabilise their top order while also gaining a potential captain.

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan, who was the second-most expensive Indian player in the 2022 mega auction, is back in the pool with a base price of Rs 2 crore. Mumbai Indians did not retain the wicketkeeper-batsman this time, but they are expected to go all out to buy him back. Known for his aggressive batting style and powerful hitting, Kishan is likely to be a key target for teams in search of a dynamic opener. His previous auction record suggests he could once again command a hefty price, potentially surpassing the Rs 15.25 crore mark he fetched last time.

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler’s omission from Rajasthan Royals’ retention list was a surprise to many. However, the English wicketkeeper-batsman remains one of the most dangerous T20 players in the world. With a base price of Rs 2 crore, Buttler’s ability to turn a game on its head in a matter of overs makes him a must-have for any franchise. Rajasthan Royals are expected to bid aggressively to get him back, but they will face stiff competition from other teams eager to add a proven match-winner to their lineup. Buttler’s impact as an opener could make him one of the most expensive buys in this auction.