Top Indian players speculated to enter the IPL 2025 mega auction

As the Indian Premier League 2025 approaches, excitement about the upcoming auctions is already building. With the IPL preparing for another mega auction, similar to the one held for IPL 2022, franchises face the challenging task of assembling their squads for future seasons. Discussions are rife about player retentions, Right to Match cards, and other auction dynamics. Some teams have even voiced their discontent with the mega auction format. Nevertheless, when the auctions do take place, they promise to be a whirlwind of activity, with questions about the highest-priced players and team strategies on everyone's minds.

An exciting lineup shaping up for the IPL 2025 mega auction

What makes the IPL 2025 mega auction even more exciting is the speculation about some major names entering the bidding war. Mumbai Indians along with Gujarat Titans made headlines in IPL 2024 following the shocking trade of Hardik Pandya. The IPL 2022 winning captain of Gujarat left the franchise to join Mumbai Indians, replacing Rohit Sharma as the team captain in the process. The season following the trade was a drama filled for MI with reports about fraction within the squad. While the IPL 2024 passed turbulent for MI as they finished last in the points table, talks are rife about Rohit Sharma leaving the franchise ahead of IPL 2025 as a reaction to the treatment he was subject to by the management in the last season.

Another aspect adding to the thrill factor of the upcoming IPL mega auction is the possibility to break Starc’s record as the most expensive player in IPL history. If the reports are to be believed and names like Rohit Sharma enter the bidding war, the auction could surpass the 24-crore mark in the bids. In past auctions, Australia's Mitchell Starc set the record for being the most expensive player, fetching an impressive INR 24.75 Cr from the Kolkata Knight Riders, who eventually clinched the title. As speculation mounts about the next auction, several Indian players could potentially surpass Starc's record. Here are three players to watch out for in the IPL 2025 Mega Auctions:

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, the former captain of the Mumbai Indians, is no longer leading the team, having been succeeded by Hardik Pandya. Despite the Mumbai Indians' struggles since this change, rumors about Sharma potentially leaving the franchise have circulated. If Sharma enters the auction, he could very well break Starc's record. Known for his aggressive batting, leadership skills, and vast experience, Sharma is a formidable presence in T20 cricket and could command a substantial price.

Rishabh Pant

Another player to keep an eye on is Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. Although there has been no official word about his departure from the Delhi Capitals, media speculation suggests he might be released. The reports come as an aftereffect of Ricky Ponting leaving the franchise recently. After a standout 2024 season and a remarkable return to form following an accident, Pant has demonstrated his prowess in T20 cricket, including a notable performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. His versatility—batting across various positions, keeping wickets, and his leadership qualities—could make him a high-value asset in the auction.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul joined LSG as the skipper when the franchise was added to the IPL pool back in 2022. The team has since entered the IPL playoffs for two consecutive seasons. However, the last edition of the league didn’t fare well for the Rahul-led side. KL Rahul was part of another substantial drama that occurred during IPL 2024. The skipper was seen in an animated chat with LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka. Happening after LSG’s beating by SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, the post-match discussion, to the onlookers, looked like KL Rahul was being verbally thrashed by Goenka. Perceived as a rather rash treatment of the national player at the hands of the LSG owners, rumors are rife that Rahul will exit Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2025. The former Punjab Kings skipper can kick off a bidding war if he indeed enters the IPL auction this time around.

With these potential stars and many more intriguing possibilities, the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction is set to be a major event, with plenty of excitement and anticipation surrounding the discussion about who will emerge as the highest-priced player in the upcoming IPL season.