The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction not only recorded players such as Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer sold for the costliest bids of INR 27 crore and INR 26.75 crore but also witnessed some notable buys for a reasonable price.
The 2-day bidding event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia allowed the franchises to acquire top-quality players for a bargained price. It includes the names of Quinton de Kock, Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Washington Sundar, Faf du Plessis, Mitchell Starc, Gerald Coetzee, and several others.
Rather than splashing out huge sums of money, certain franchises such as Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Titans (GT), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI) approached with a smart way to acquire high-profile players by considering the value for money.
Let’s find out the top five noteworthy steals from the IPL 2025 mega auction that can prove to be the game-changers of the forthcoming 18th season.
1. Faf du Plessis (INR 2 Crore) — Delhi Capitals (DC)
South African cricketer Faf du Plessis has reached the twilight of his cricket career, but he is still one of the consistent batters even at the age of 40. After his three-year stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as a captain, it was a valuable chance for Delhi Capitals (DC) to acquire one of the best power hitters of the IPL at his base fee of INR 2 crore during the auction.
2. Washington Sundar (INR 3.20 Crore) — Gujarat Titans (GT)
Washington Sundar has cemented his spot as a reliable all-rounder in Team India’s test squad and Gujarat Titans (GT) securing his services for INR 3.2 crore can provide a balance to the batting and bowling line-up.
The 25-year-old’s sensational 7-wicket haul against New Zealand in the previous month’s home test series makes him attract lucrative bids at the auction.
Having been released by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ahead of the auction, Washington’s price tag was expected to exceed INR 10 crore.
However, Gujarat Titans with a proper strategy brought him for the lowest possible price. Sundar’s variations as an off-spinner in the powerplay and middle overs could deceive top batters, who might end up losing their wicket.
As a left-handed batter, he can build solid partnerships with GT’s young talented batters such as Sai Sudharshan and Shahrukh Khan batting in the middle order. His records have been impressive in shorter formats bagging 47 wickets in 50 T20I innings and 37 wickets in 58 IPL innings.
3. Quinton de Kock (INR 3.6 Crore) — Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
The defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have strengthened their squad with the inclusion of South African wicketkeeper and opening batsman Quinton de Kock acquiring him for the moderate price of INR 3.6 crore. The 31-year-old entered the mega auction with his base price of INR 2 crore and KKR strategically bid to invite one of the most destructive opening batters in the game for the lowest fee.
This bargained deal would be a celebrating moment for KKR to secure a talented batter like de Kock who piled up 3,157 runs in 107 IPL innings that include 2 centuries and 23 half-centuries since his IPL debut in 2013.
4. Glenn Maxwell (INR 4.2 Crore) — Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell’s form has dipped in the IPL 2024 season, and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) investing money in him would be a risky factor to consider. After a flop show with his previous team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), it is a homecoming for the 36-year-old Aussie cricketer to join PBKS for INR 4.2 crore, which seems to be a reasonable deal.
Ten days ahead of the mega auction, Maxwell’s fiery knock of 19-ball-43 runs (including 5 fours and 3 sixes) for Australia in the first T20I match against Pakistan, grabbed the franchise’s attention by proving his worth as an explosive middle-order batter.
5. Will Jacks (INR 5.25 Crore) — Mumbai Indians (MI)
England’s all-rounder Will Jacks has experienced one of the most memorable T20 franchise leagues by marking a stunning debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024.
Moreover, Mumbai Indians (MI) has bid on one of the most dynamic T20 batters at a modest price of INR 5.25 crore, who amassed 230 runs in 8 IPL innings at an average of 32.86 and strike rate of 175.57. Ahead of the auction, it was expected that the English cricketer would easily grab a hefty paycheck of more than INR 10 crore.
Despite RCB having the RTM option, they didn’t prefer to retain Jacks which is an added advantage for MI to boost the batting line-up.
Possibly, Will Jacks could collaborate with his opening pair Rohit Sharma to add fuel to the top order and accumulate runs instantly in the powerplay overs. In addition, he can make effective contributions as a handy off-spinner by taking crucial wickets in the middle overs.
