The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 may seem far away, but the excitement is already starting to build around the upcoming auction. After the last mega auction in 2022, IPL is set to have another significant auction, which means franchises have a lot of strategizing to do to build their future squads.
Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Starc.
There are plenty of conversations happening about the upcoming auction, with discussions centering on player retentions, Right to Match cards, and more. Some teams are even expressing their concerns about the mega auction format. Despite the debates, the franchises will undoubtedly be busy figuring out their game plans. The big questions everyone is pondering: Who will be the most expensive player? Where will top players end up?
Australia’s Mitchell Starc holds the record as the most expensive player in the history of IPL auctions, with a staggering amount of INR 24.75 Cr paid by the Kolkata Knight Riders. Will this record be broken in the next auction? Here are three Indian players who could potentially break Starc’s record.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, the Indian ODI and Test captain, is a name to watch. Rohit is no longer the captain of the Mumbai Indians; that role has been taken over by Hardik Pandya. The team has notably been struggling since the leadership change.
While nothing is confirmed, rumors have been circulating that Rohit might part ways with Mumbai Indians. If he does enter the auction, he could very well break Starc’s record. Rohit is a T20 World Cup-winning captain, known for his aggressive batting style and extensive experience. He’s an opener, an Indian player, and a proven leader—qualities that every franchise desires.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper, is another player to keep an eye on if he enters the auction pool. Although there’s no official word on his departure from the Delhi Capitals, media reports have suggested that he might be released from his franchise. Pant had a stellar season in 2024 after returning from an accident.
Pant showcased his brilliance in the shorter format during the T20 World Cup 2024, performing exceptionally well. He can bat anywhere from number three to six, can keep wickets, and is an able leader. If he comes into the auction pool, Pant has a strong chance of becoming the most expensive player.
Mayank Yadav
Mayank Yadav, known for his blistering pace, became a sensation in IPL 2024. Playing for the Lucknow Super Giants, he registered the fastest ball of IPL 2024 with a speed of 156.7 kph against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, earning him a remarkable reputation.
However, Mayank’s frequent injuries could be a concern for LSG if they need to retain only a limited number of players. He played only four matches in the last season before being ruled out due to a side strain. If LSG releases him, Mayank could command a high price, potentially breaking the record for the most expensive player.
In Summary
With the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, it’s anyone’s guess who will grab the headlines and become the most expensive player. Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Mayank Yadav are all strong contenders who could potentially break Mitchell Starc’s existing record. The franchises will have to carefully consider their choices and strategies as they prepare for another thrilling season of IPL. Stay tuned to see how it all unfolds!
