Credit: ESPNcricinfo
An unpredictable mix of youth, experience, and raw talent could shake things up in Jeddah
The Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions have long been a spectacle of high-stakes drama, shocks, and fierce bidding battles. However, this year's showdown in Jeddah promises to be even more fascinating. While big names like Jos Buttler, KL Rahul, and Sam Curran are anticipated to spark conventional bidding battles, a few outliers are quietly preparing to make headlines.
These five players, ranging from cricket classics to adolescent prodigies, may not have the star power of headline names, but they might provide surprising value to the team. Let's look at the fascinating mix of individuals that might shake up the IPL 2025 scenario.
Unmukt Chand, formerly considered the golden kid of Indian cricket, guided India to the Under-19 World Cup triumph in 2012. However, irregular IPL stints caused him to fade away. After recreating himself in the United States, Chand returns with a new outlook and a desire to recapture his place in the IPL. Chand, who has played in six IPL seasons, might be a dark horse because of his experience and fresh confidence. Could a franchise gamble on his comeback story?
If resilience had a face, it would be like Brandon McMullen's. He anchored Scotland's spirited T20 World Cup campaign, excelling with both bat and ball, especially against Australia. McMullen is a secret asset for franchises because of his three T20I fifties against Australia and his brilliant medium-fast bowling style. His selection as one of just three associate players in the auction is significant for world cricket.
Ali Khan's journey from PAK to become a vital member of the USA cricket team is nothing short of incredible. His aggressive performance against India in the T20 World Cup 2024, when he rattled Rishabh Pant, demonstrated his ability to rise to the moment. Though injuries plagued his last spell with the Kolkata Knight Riders, Khan's expertise in global T20 tournaments and ability to generate blistering pace makes him an appealing option. Will he make his long-awaited IPL debut in 2025?
🚨 13 Year Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar is the Youngest to be shortlisted for IPL 2025 Mega Auction 🚨 pic.twitter.com/mPtkW4Xac5
— Sports Culture (@SportsCulture24) November 15, 2024
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 13, is a young cricket talent from Bihar. He is the youngest ever to take part in an IPL auction. He has broken records in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and impressed with a century against Australia in a youth Test. He is known for his aggressive left-handed batting approach, and while it may take him some time to succeed in the IPL, his potential is apparent. Teams such as the Rajasthan Royals, symbolising India's growing cricketing prowess, may seek this prodigy at the auction.
At 42, James Anderson stands out at the IPL auction as a legend with 704 Test wickets—the only fast bowler to reach 700. His sudden departure from international cricket raises some concerns, but his versatility and swing-bowling abilities, particularly in Indian conditions, make him enticing to clubs. With full-season availability, clubs like the Chennai Super Kings may regard him as the ideal mentor-bowler for emerging talent. Could this be Anderson's chance to make his T20 league debut and show that he's not done yet?
The anticipation mounts as teams weigh their options: who will shine when the gavel falls in Jeddah? Only time will tell if these outliers will enchant the IPL stage.
