The excitement surrounding the IPL 2025 Mega Auction is reaching new heights as cricket fans and teams gear up for the event on November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With 1,574 players in the fray for just 204 slots, franchises will need to be strategic in their bids to build winning squads. And while every player has a story, the base prices of some marquee names are creating a buzz across the cricket world. Here’s what you need to know about the key players and their base prices that are set to dominate the auction.
Key Players with ₹2 Crore Base Price: The Big Names
The ₹2 crore base price club is where the biggest stars are lining up, and this year’s auction has no shortage of high-profile players ready to go under the hammer. These players are expected to attract bidding wars, with teams looking to strengthen their squads with seasoned performers who can make an instant impact.
1. Rishabh Pant – A Star on the Auction Table
One of the biggest names in the IPL 2025 auction is Rishabh Pant, who has set his base price at ₹2 crore. The Delhi Capitals star and former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman is a crowd favorite and has been a key player for the team. Pant’s explosive batting style and ability to turn a game around in the middle overs make him an attractive pick for any franchise. Although he’s had some injury setbacks, his presence in the team can give any franchise a major boost. Expect fierce competition for his services.
2. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer – Reliable Middle-Order Anchors
Along with Pant, two other prominent Indian cricketers—KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer—have also set their base price at ₹2 crore. Both players have consistently been in the top order for India and their IPL franchises, and their solid, dependable batting in the middle order is highly valued. Rahul’s consistency and Iyer’s leadership make them highly sought-after in the auction, especially by teams looking to fill key middle-order positions.
3. Jos Buttler – A Top-Order Dynamo
Jos Buttler, one of the most destructive openers in world cricket, has also set his base price at ₹2 crore. Despite his recent injury issues, Buttler’s explosive batting and experience as a leader with Rajasthan Royals make him a big-ticket item. Teams looking for an aggressive opener or a leader to anchor their batting will be keen on acquiring Buttler, who has been a key figure in RR’s success over the past few years.
4. Glenn Maxwell – The Game-Changing All-Rounder
While Glenn Maxwell had a relatively quiet 2024 season with RCB, his base price of ₹2 crore still makes him an attractive proposition. Known for his match-winning ability with both bat and ball, Maxwell is the type of player that can turn the game on its head with a single stroke. Teams in need of a powerful middle-order hitter or a versatile all-rounder will certainly be looking at him closely.
Spin Masters and Speedsters: Top Indian Bowlers with ₹2 Crore Base Price
The IPL is known for its fast-paced batting, but a key to success lies in having strong bowling attack. This auction features some of the best Indian bowlers who will be available for bidding at ₹2 crore.
5. Yuzvendra Chahal – The Spin Wizard
India’s premier leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal will also enter the IPL 2025 Mega Auction with a ₹2 crore base price. Known for his incredible variations and ability to strike at crucial moments, Chahal has been a regular fixture in Rajasthan Royals’ bowling lineup. His ability to outfox top-order batsmen makes him a hot property in the auction.
6. Ravichandran Ashwin – The Master of Spin
Another key Indian spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, joins Chahal in the ₹2 crore club. With over 150 wickets in the IPL, Ashwin brings with him a wealth of experience and tactical brilliance, especially in the middle overs. His variations, both in the air and on the ground, make him a valuable addition for any team looking to tighten up their bowling attack.
7. Mohammed Shami – The Pace Ace
One of the most consistent fast bowlers in world cricket, Mohammed Shami is also listed with a ₹2 crore base price. His ability to bowl consistently in the powerplay and at the death overs makes him a key asset for any franchise. Shami’s experience and pace could make him the game-changer any team needs.
Big International Stars: Expect Hefty Bids
The IPL has always been a melting pot of international talent, and the 2025 auction is no exception. There are several big international stars with ₹2 crore base prices, who are expected to get attention from teams looking to bolster their squads.
8. Mitchell Starc – The Speedster with Experience
Mitchell Starc, one of the premier fast bowlers in the world, will be available for ₹2 crore. Starc, who has previously been a part of the IPL, is a game-changing bowler with his lethal pace and ability to bowl yorkers under pressure. Even though he’s been sidelined with injuries recently, expect franchises to bid heavily for Starc, particularly for his ability to make breakthroughs in the middle overs.
9. Jofra Archer – The Pace Sensation
England’s Jofra Archer is another international pacer in the auction with a ₹2 crore base price. Known for his fiery pace and match-winning performances in the IPL, Archer is sure to attract serious bids, especially from teams in need of a quick bowler who can make an immediate impact in the powerplay and death overs.
10. Jonny Bairstow – The Aggressive Opener
Jonny Bairstow is an explosive top-order batsman who can take the game away from any team within a few overs. His base price of ₹2 crore puts him in high demand, and teams looking for a hard-hitting opener will certainly have Bairstow on their radar.
Young Talents and Surprising Picks
While the big names dominate the auction headlines, there are several young talents and veterans who will be closely watched. Among them, Umran Malik, known for his blistering pace, is expected to attract attention with his ₹75 lakh base price, and even James Anderson, the legendary English pacer, is looking to make a surprise comeback to T20 cricket with a ₹50 lakh base price.
Conclusion: The IPL 2025 Auction Is Going to Be Thrilling
With over 1,500 players available for bidding and 204 slots to be filled, the IPL 2025 Mega Auction promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory. Teams will need to be sharp, making calculated decisions as they target key players like Rishabh Pant, Jos Buttler, Glenn Maxwell, and others who have set their base prices at ₹2 crore.
Whether you’re a fan of the big stars or the rising talents, this year’s auction is set to provide plenty of drama. Get ready for a thrilling bidding war and a lot of action as franchises look to secure their squads for IPL 2025.
