IPL 2025 auction: Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Starc - 10 players likely to become most expensive buy

IPL 2025 mega auction: Rishabh Pant not being retained by Delhi Capitals was unexpected. Kolkata Knight Riders had Shreyas Iyer on top of their retention list, but things didn’t work out and the player is now a free agent. Iyer captained KKR to the IPL glory last season. Pant was DC’s face. Both will go under the hammer, along with several other big players, at the 2025 IPL mega auction in Jeddah on November 24 and 25. Here are 10 players who might be the biggest buys at the auction...

Rishabh Pant (base price, Rs 2 crore)

The X-factor that Pant carries will make him one of the most sought-after players at the auction. Several franchises, including Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, are willing to break the bank for a wicketkeeper-batsman of his calibre. For some franchises like PBKS and RCB, he could be a serious captaincy option as well. It needs to be seen how far his old franchise DC goes to buy him back at the auction. Pant might fetch a bid north of Rs 20 crore.

Shreyas Iyer (base price, Rs 2 crore)

The grapevine has it that DC might bid up to Rs 25 crore to get Iyer at the auction. Following Pant’s departure, they need a captain and the middle-order batsman was outstanding as a leader in KKR’s title-winning campaign in 2024.

IPL 2025: KL Rahul has been released by LSG

KL Rahul (base price, Rs 2 crore)

Lucknow Super Giants have decided to part ways with Rahul. He has a question mark over his strike-rate in T20 cricket. And yet, the 32-year-old has many takers in the IPL. Rahul’s captaincy experience works in his favour, and for a franchise like RCB, for example, that needs a quality wicketkeeper-batsman, he can be an exciting option.

IPL 2025: Ishan Kishan released by MI

Ishan Kishan (base price, Rs 2 crore)

The wicketkeeper-batsman from Jharkhand became the second-most expensive Indian player at the 2022 mega auction, when Mumbai Indians bought him back for Rs 15.25 crore. MI didn’t retain the southpaw this time, but they are expected to go hard at the auction to buy him back.

Yuzvendra Chahal (base price, Rs 2 crore)

An Indian spinner with his wicket-taking ability, Chahal is expected to be one of the biggest buys at the auction. Rajasthan Royals have released him, but they would be keen to buy him back. Several other franchises would be interested as well.

Arshdeep Singh (base price, Rs 2 crore)

Eyebrows were raised after Punjab Kings decided to let go of the left-arm seamer. Arshdeep is the second-most important bowler in the Indian T20 team after Jasprit Bumrah, someone who can take wickets upfront and has the ability to bowl at the death. He should be one of the top picks at the auction.

Also Read: Glenn Maxwell calls RCB exit 'very beautiful', discloses half an hour chat with coach Andy Flower

Mohammed Shami (base price, Rs 2 crore)

Fitness remains an issue for the 34-year-old fast bowler, a reason why Gujarat Titans didn’t retain him. Shami is still doing his rehab at the NCA. But when he is fully fit, he is world-class and might spark a bidding war at the auction.

Mitchell Starc (base price, Rs 2 crore)

Starc became the most expensive player in the IPL history after KKR forked out Rs 24.50 crore for him at last year’s auction. After a slow start, the Australian quick proved his worth. He is expected to be one of the top buys at the mega auction.

IPL 2025: Jos Buttler released by Rajasthan Royals

Jos Buttler (base price, Rs 2 crore)

Although Royals decided not to retain him, the franchise is expected to leave no stone unturned to bring him back at the auction. A lot of other teams would be interested as well, for Buttler is a match-winner.

Rachin Ravindra (base price, Rs 1.5 crore)

Chennai Super Kings didn’t retain him, but Rachin is in the form of his life and his cricket is perfectly fit for the Indian conditions. His left-arm spin is a quality value addition. It would be interesting to see if CSK use the RTM option for him.