The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah witnessed historic moments, with Shreyas Iyer commanding an astonishing ₹26.75 crore from Punjab Kings (PBKS). As the most expensive buy of the season, his acquisition sparked debates on whether the dynamic batter justifies the price tag. However, PBKS' bold move is grounded in Iyer’s proven credentials. A composed and strategic leader, Iyer led his team to IPL glory in 2024, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. As a top-order batsman, his consistency and elegant stroke play have earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable anchors in T20 cricket. 

For PBKS, who have often struggled with stability and leadership, Iyer’s inclusion could be transformational. Beyond his batting, he brings invaluable experience and tactical acumen that can unify the squad. With the added responsibility of leading a franchise that has yet to taste IPL success, Iyer’s journey in the 2025 season could redefine both his legacy and PBKS’ fortunes.

See Also: Bumrah Leads from the Front with a Fiery Five-Wicket Haul Against Australia

breakdown of Shreyas Iyer's 26.75 cr price tag

The IPL 2025 mega auction sparked heated debates, especially around Punjab Kings' record-breaking ₹26.75 crore purchase of Shreyas Iyer. While Iyer has established himself as a reliable top-order batter and a championship-winning captain, a closer look at player statistics reveals why this price tag seems disproportionate. Iyer’s 28 innings yielded 752 runs from 538 balls at a strike rate of 139.78. While respectable, this performance pales in comparison to heavyweights like Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, who not only scored more runs but also maintained superior strike rates. Iyer’s value lies in his leadership, but is that enough to justify this extravagant sum?

Players like Shubman Gill (1,799 runs off 1,218 balls, SR 147.7) and Faf du Plessis (1,636 runs off 1,113 balls, SR 146.99) showcased consistent performances with the bat across a similar number of games. Their higher strike rates and ability to pace innings make them game-changers, while their costs were far less than Iyer’s. Even Virat Kohli, with a strike rate of 139.92, scored 1,721 runs in 45 innings, proving to be a cornerstone for his team’s batting unit. These players demonstrate an ability to deliver under pressure while maintaining impactful strike rates, an area where Iyer falls slightly short.

Middle-order power-hitters like Nicholas Pooran and Dinesh Karthik further highlight the gap. Pooran amassed 1,163 runs from just 699 balls, striking at an incredible 166.38, while Karthik smashed runs at a staggering 173.8 strike rate. These players thrive in situations requiring rapid scoring, a trait critical in T20 cricket. Meanwhile, young stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube, who scored with both consistency and flair, showcased why they are key investments for the future. These players combined efficiency and aggression, justifying every penny spent on them.

Iyer’s performances are steady but lack the explosive edge needed in a format where strike rates often outweigh averages. His 752 runs from 538 balls at a strike rate of 139.78 fall behind players like Gill and Jaiswal, who combined better strike rates with more impactful contributions. Moreover, Jos Buttler’s 1,614 runs at a strike rate of 144.62 across 42 innings illustrate a higher level of consistency and adaptability. Iyer’s leadership is a definite plus, but with established captains and match-winners available at lower prices, his auction value feels inflated.

In conclusion, Shreyas Iyer is undoubtedly a valuable player, offering leadership and stability in the top order. However, his price tag of ₹26.75 crore overshadows his on-field contributions. A more realistic valuation, similar to KL Rahul’s ₹14 crore, would have made him an excellent acquisition. While Punjab Kings are banking on Iyer to transform their fortunes, the investment appears excessive when compared to the consistent performances of other top players. Time will tell if Iyer can rise to the occasion and silence his critics.

See Also: Virat Kohli's 80th century at Perth: A step toward cricketing immortality

The 2025 IPL Mega Auction in Jeddah featured a mix of shocks, significant expenditure, and intriguing roster reshuffles. With INR 639.15 crore invested in 182 players, all ten teams took decisive steps to upgrade their squads. From record-breaking acquisitions to savvy deals, here's a team-by-team breakdown of all ten team's auction results.

The recent IPL Mega Auction altered team dynamics, injecting each club with new talent and strategy. Assessing the power of these reconfigured teams requires a careful assessment of their acquisitions, retained players, and potential synergy. That being said, here is a ranking list of all ten franchises' based on their retentions, acquisitions, and overall team structure following the 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

1. Gujarat Titans

The Gujarat Titans kept their key players and made strategic acquisitions, including Jos Buttler and Mohammed Siraj. Their roster currently appears balanced, with depth in both batting and bowling. GT has a deep batting lineup, but its probable top three - Gill, Buttler, and Sai Sudharsan - are all long-inning batters. Along that, they have support in the form of Glenn Philps, Washington Sundar, and Sherfane Rutherford.

Another strong point for the Titans is their spinners department, which is led by Afghani star Rashid Khan and will feature emerging domestic players. Overall, the 2022 winners have maintained an optimal balance of young Indian and international stars across all departments. 

Gujarat Titans 2025 IPL Squad: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford, Gerald Coetzee, Glenn Phillips, Sai Kishore, Mahipal Lomror, Karim Janat, Gurnoor Brar, Arshad Khan, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Kumar Kushagra, Nishant Sindhu, Manav Suthar, Anuj Rawat, Kulwant Khejroliya.

2. Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians kept their Indian superstars, including Naman Dhir, through the Right to Match (RTM) card. Through the auction, they acquired Deepak Chahar and Karn Sharma, both of whom have league experience. Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner are previous IPL champions, while Jacks is a highly sought-after T20 power batter.

In addition, no one can forget Will Jacks' outstanding performance in the previous edition for RCB, which will help them strengthen their middle-order unit and could be a potential death-over hitter, making them one of the strongest teams in the forthcoming edition. Again, their combination of youth and experience makes them severe candidates for their sixth IPL title. 

Mumbai Indians 2025 IPL Squad: Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Allah Ghazanfar, Mitchell Santner, Ryan Rickelton, Reece Topley, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma, Bevon Jacobs, Ashwani Kumar, Krishnan Shrijith, Arjun Tendulkar, Lizaad Williams, Vignesh Puthur.

3. Punjab Kings

Punjab's rebuilt appearance appears menacing, with a new coach (Ricky Ponting) and captain (almost definitely Shreyas). They have five Indian bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Kuldeep Sen, and Vijaykumar Vyshak, and they also have a handful of all-rounders.

Alternatively, they might choose between Lockie Ferguson and Josh Inglis. Their Indian batters - Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, and Nehal Wadhera- add diversity to their intriguing batting attack. With a significant restructuring, it is no surprise for the team to be a dark horse in the forthcoming tournament. 

Punjab Kings 2025 IPL Squad: Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera, Harpreet Brar, Vishnu Vinod, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Kuldeep Sen, Priyansh Arya, Aaron Hardie, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlett, Pyla Avinash, Pravin Dubey.

4. Chennai Super Kings

As is frequently the case, Chennai Super Kings emerged from the IPL 2025 auction as one of the tournament's strongest teams. A group of spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Noor Ahmed, supported by Gopal, represent the probable circumstances in Chepauk. It remains to be seen if they will take advantage of Jamie Overton's power-hitting ability. But not to forget, they have Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi and their legendary ubiquitous campaigner, MS Dhoni.

Still, they already have all-rounders in Sam Curran, Vijay Shankar, and Deepak Hooda. Also, they have a strong pace unit in Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary, and Anshul Kamboj. 

Chennai Super Kings 2025 IPL Squad: Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Noor Ahmad, R Ashwin, Devon Conway, Khaleel Ahmed, Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Anshul Kamboj, Sam Curran, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Deepak Hooda, Jamie Overton, Vijay Shankar, Vansh Bedi, Shreyas Gopal, C Andre Siddarth, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Shaik Rasheed, Mukesh Choudhary, Kamlesh Nagarkoti.

5. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad have a powerful top five and a first-choice bowling attack with a lot of pedigree, but the link between the two is likely untested. Their backup overseas players, Kamindu Mendis, Brydon Carse, and Eshan Malinga, have never played in the IPL but have shown potential in recent cricket performances. Though they have ended up as runners-up in the previous edition, the team is determined to scalp their second-ever coveted IPL trophy.

The Cummins-led team has created a new bowling assault that includes the skipper, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Jaydev Unadkat, and Simarjeet Singh, among others, implying that the other nine franchises will face a dangerous bowling attack.  

Sunrisers Hyderabad 2025 IPL Squad: Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Abhinav Manohar, Adam Zampa, Simarjeet Singh, Eshan Malinga, Brydon Carse, Sachin Baby, Kamindu Mendis, Zeeshan Ansari, Aniket Verma, Atharva Taide.

See Also: IPL 2025: Top 5 Steal Deals from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

6. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru parted ways with their reliable batters Will Jacks, Maxwell, and du Plessis, but they filled the voids with Salt, Livingstone, and David. Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, and Yash Dayal are possibly the most lethal new-ball pairing. While Jitesh, Krunal Pandya, Jacob Bethell, and Romario Shepherd constitute an explosive middle-order quartet, each plays a secondary role.

Overall, this appears to be one of the more hazardous sides. Meanwhile, the bowling lineup seems complete, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Krunal Pandya, and Rasikh Dar. Overall, while the squad appears poised to compete for the title, RCB might have built a far better foundation, given the available funds.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru 2025 IPL Squad: Virat Kohli, Rajit Patidar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Tim David, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh, Swastik Chikara, Manoj Bhandage, Abhinandan Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee

7. Delhi Capitals

The Delhi Capitals have assembled a good team. They utilised the RTM card to repurchase Jake Fraser-McGurk in the auction and paid INR 14 crore for KL Rahul. The pair is expected to start the innings with Harry Brook at number three, Tristan Stubbs at four, and Abishek Porel at five. Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan can wreak havoc, while Kuldeep Yadav can handle spin.

Mukesh Kumar or Mohit Sharma will lead their number XI, resulting in a lethal bowling unit. They do, however, lack some mid-order experience. It's hardly unexpected if Faf du Plessis is picked over Harry Brook, who has a poor IPL record. But, overall, it is a decent arsenal to check for.

Delhi Capitals 2025 IPL Squad: Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mukesh Kumar, Harry Brook, Ashutosh Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Faf du Plessis, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Donavan Ferreira, Vipraj Nigam, Manvanth Kumar, Darshan Nalkande, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari.

8. Lucknow Supergiants

Lucknow Super Giants had a stunning auction if only the batting unit is considered. Getting Rishabh Pant, David Miller, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram in a single auction is a terrific business, especially when the franchise already had Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni in the mix.

They retained Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan, which was a great call and signed Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, M Siddharth, Shahbaz Ahmed and Shamar Joseph, among others. It looks like a good core, but they needed an overseas and experienced fast bowler to complete it and could potentially hinder them.

Lucknow Supergiants 2025 IPL Squad: Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Ayush Badoni, Mohsin Khan, Rishabh Pant, Avesh Khan, David Miller, Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Akash Deep, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Shamar Joseph, M Siddharth, Himmat Singh, Arshin Kulkarni, Digvesh Singh, Prince Yadav, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Akash Singh, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Aryan Juyal.

9. Kolkata Knight Riders

The Kolkata Knight Riders have retained Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, and Ramandeep Singh ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Half of their work was done before the auction since all of these players were proven match-winners who had done an excellent job for the franchise.

KKR busted the bank by buying Venkatesh Iyer for a staggering INR 23.75 crore. He turned out to be the third most expensive player in the mega-auction and the most expensive all-rounder ever being brought in the IPL history. To get him, the team had to let go of several of its top players from the previous season. They have signed veteran players, but their performance in the shorter format may put the franchise in jeopardy. 

Kolkata Knight Riders 2025 IPL Squad: Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Spencer Johnson, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Moeen Ali, Vaibhav Arora, Rovman Powell, Ajinkya Rahane, Umran Malik, Manish Pandey, Anukul Roy, Luvnith Sisodia, Mayank Markande.

10. Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals retained Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Despite losing Jos Buttler, the batting unit appeared rock-solid. Though Shimron Hetmyer is the sole foreign batter, RR's batting is explosive. They needed great T20 all-rounders in the last cycle, which Hasaranga will have to replace.

With Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag doing their work with the bat, they will most likely bowl more than they have before. The absence of a veteran Indian bowler may be a problem. The team appears bleak and mediocre, with no appropriate backup for key players. They overspent on retentions and missed the trick at the auction table. 

Rajasthan Royals 2025 IPL Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Nitish Rana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Akash Madhwal, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Rathore, Ashok Sharma.

The Indian Premier League 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah has been nothing short of a sensational two days of intensive hammer sessions, with teams spending massive sums on a plethora of star cricketers. Despite the flash and expenditure of significant money, some other teams conducted their business very sensibly.

A few big-name stars went for a lower price than fans may have expected. Some franchises made good timing decisions and were fortunate to obtain away match-winners at a lower cost than expected. Having said that, here are the top five steal deals from the recent 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Glenn Maxwell- INR 4.2 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Mighty Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell got a new side in the form of a homecoming with the Punjab Kings (played from 2014 to 2017 and 2020), obtaining a deal for INR 4.20 crore. The 36-year-old was released after three seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and instantly became a target for several teams.

Sunrisers Hyderabad started the bidding battle, followed by Chennai Super Kings until Punjab Kings won the sale at a lower price. PBKS took advantage of an excellent chance to boost its presence abroad for the next season. Maxwell's IPL career encompasses 134 matches and includes 2,771 runs at a strike rate of 156.73 and 37 wickets.

Sam Curran- INR 2.40 Crores (Chennai Super Kings)

Sam Curran is back in yellow; this time, he's a bargain at INR 2.4 crore. Curran's bowling at the death and ability to swing the new ball make him a valuable asset. Add to that his development as a pinch hitter capable of batting higher up the order, and you have the ideal all-rounder.

His flexibility bridges weaknesses in both the batting and bowling areas. Curran's return seems like a masterstroke, whether he's partnering Matheesha Pathirana in slog overs or adding depth to the batting lineup. In 59 IPL appearances for Chennai Super and Punjab Kings, he scored 883 runs and took 58 wickets.

Adam Zampa- INR 2.4 Crores (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Sunrisers Hyderabad made one of the finest moves of the IPL 2025 auction, signing Australian spinner Adam Zampa for only INR 2.40 crore, which helps fill their spinmeister's void. Following a brief bidding battle with the Rajasthan Royals, the seasoned leg-spinner was unexpectedly bought for nearly his introductory price of INR 2 crore.

His IPL career, which began with Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016, has seen noteworthy performances, including a spectacular 6/19 against his current side, SRH. As his history from spells at RCB and RR suggests, Zampa's arrival at this price range might be the season's best bargain. In his 14-match IPL career, he has 21 wickets at 7.74.

See Also: IPL 2025: Top 5 Shocking Unsold Star Players in the IPL history

Quinton de Kock- INR 3.6 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, pulled off a masterstroke by signing South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock for only INR 3.60 crore. After the Lucknow Super Giants declined to use their Right to Match (RTM) card, KKR took the chance to improve their team. His probable connection with Sunil Narine at the top of the order will help the team get off to a solid start. 

With his recent international and franchised-based league performances, De Kock can give a vital, robust start to the team's batting. De Kock provides experience, having played 107 IPL matches and scored 3,157 runs, including 23 half-centuries and two centuries.  

Washington Sundar- INR 3.2 Crores (Gujarat Titans)

Washington Sundar was among the most remarkable Indian all-rounders at the auction, and many expected him to sell for a high price. However, he eventually signed with the Gujarat Titans for INR 3.20 crores. GT defeated Lucknow Super Giants in a bidding battle to gain his contract. 

He is a wily off-spinner who has recently been in excellent form. Sundar has played 60 IPL matches and taken 37 wickets at an economy rate of 7.54. He has also scored 378 runs with a strike rate of more than 116, which might help the Titans' lower middle-order batting lineup.

India's first innings at the Optus Stadium began with a turbulent start, as the Australian pacers exploited the lively surface to full effect. Under overcast conditions, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were relentless, delivering fiery spells that left India reeling at 59/5 within the first session. Without the services of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the visitors faced an uphill battle against the aggressive Australian attack. Wickets tumbled in quick succession, with Cummins accounting for KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara, while Starc dismissed debutant Nishant Sindhu for a duck. As the Indian lineup faltered, a spirited partnership was desperately needed to stabilize the innings.

Rishabh Pant rose to the occasion, showcasing his trademark counter-attacking style, and found a reliable ally in Nitish Kumar Reddy. Together, they forged a crucial 48-run stand that momentarily stemmed the flow of wickets. Pant’s quick 37, laced with audacious strokes, and Reddy’s composed 41 offered a glimmer of hope before Cummins struck again to break the partnership. The tail offered little resistance, as India’s innings folded for a modest 150 in just under 50 overs. While the score appeared underwhelming, the stage was set for the Indian bowlers to script an extraordinary comeback later in the day.

See Also: Virat Kohli's 80th century at Perth: A step toward cricketing immortality

Breakdown of Jasprit Bumrah in 1st Innings agaisnt Australia 

Jasprit Bumrah's brilliance with the ball set the tone for India's emphatic victory over Australia in Perth during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. Leading from the front as the skipper, Bumrah showcased why he is considered one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in world cricket. His spell of 5/30 in the first innings dismantled the Australian batting order and put India in the driver’s seat early on. His ability to extract movement off the seam and his precision with the inswinger, which was his most productive delivery at 60% dot-ball effectiveness, left the Australian batters clueless.

The control Bumrah exhibited was a hallmark of his spell, as he maintained a miserly boundary percentage of just 3.53% across his 19.4 overs. He bowled an incredible 13 maiden overs, continuously applying pressure on the Australian lineup. Bumrah targeted the stumps with precision, delivering 15 balls straight towards the wickets, achieving a 60% dot-ball rate in that area. On the off-side, his dominance was unmatched, with 258 balls bowled at a staggering 82.8% dot-ball rate, while his leg-side deliveries maintained a tidy 78.8% dot-ball percentage. This level of discipline ensured the Australians found no escape route to release pressure.

Bumrah’s spell featured wickets of key players across the Australian batting lineup. He removed the ever-reliable Marnus Labuschagne for just 2 runs and sent Steve Smith packing without scoring. The dangerous Mitchell Starc was the highest run-getter against Bumrah, managing 26 runs, but even he eventually fell victim to Bumrah’s unrelenting accuracy. Contributions from Alex Carey (21) and Travis Head (11) could not stem the flow of wickets, as Bumrah kept striking at regular intervals, leaving Australia reeling.

The skipper's performance not only highlighted his ability to take crucial wickets but also showcased his leadership under pressure. After India had been bowled out for 150 in their first innings, Bumrah knew that the only way to keep the team in the game was through a fiery display of bowling. His efforts in breaking Australia’s resistance helped India gain a critical first-innings lead of 46 runs, which ultimately shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.

This spell will be remembered as a defining moment of Bumrah’s captaincy tenure. It was a masterclass in strategic, attacking bowling that gave India the upper hand in the match. Bumrah’s 5/30 not only cemented his status as one of the finest bowlers in the world but also ensured India took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. His remarkable ability to deliver under pressure proved pivotal in scripting one of India’s most dominant Test wins on Australian soil.

See Also: The Rise of Jaiswal: A century in Australia adds to his growing legacy!

Regardless of how many T20 competitions emerge in other countries each year, the Indian Premier League remains the most-watched cricket league globally. The 2018 edition promises a thrill, with each squad vying for the prized trophy. This year's mega auction included 1574 registered players, with the BCCI settling on a total of 574 names going under the hammer.

366 names were Indian/domestic players, 208 are overseas cricketers, including three associate nation players, were under all the teams radar between November 24th and 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. However, this year's IPL mega auction has generated some surprise buyers and unsold talents throughout the years, causing a lot of debate among fans and critics. Here is a list of five renowned players who went unsold during the IPL Auction and deserved to make it through the lucrative cricket competition, even after their stupendous contributions. 

David Warner

David Warner, the swashbuckling left-hand batter from down under, has got unsold in the ongoing 2025 IPL Mega Auction, which has undoubtedly raised the eyebrows of many. David Warner, an IPL icon, is a former winning captain who has led Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first-ever title in 2016. Despite his outstanding league record, his past two seasons were ordinary, especially given his lofty expectations.

As a result, when his name was called, no franchise raised their paddles, and the former IPL captain went unsold at the auction. In 184 matches, he has made 6565 runs at an average of over 40 while striking 62 half-centuries and four centuries, making him the fourth-highest run-getter in IPL. 

Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, an Indian cricketing star, was released by his home team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, and 'Dada' found plenty of suitors at the 2011 auction. Indeed, it was a shock for many fanatics and critics, and they raised their voices and protested the Knight Rider's big step for a brief period.

Despite Ganguly being signed by the Pune Warriors (gone) during the season to replace the injured Ashish Nehra, it served as a clear reminder that teams valued form and age over fame and notoriety. In 59 IPL appearances, he scored 1349 runs at an average of more than 25 and took ten wickets.  

Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow of England and David Warner had a devastating opening combination against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, since joining Punjab Kings, the Yorkshire batter has battled for consistency. Despite his lack of form, Bairstow's ability to keep wickets would have been advantageous for the teams, but they chose not to pursue that option, leaving the player unsold. 

Bairstow, with a base price of 2 crore, failed to generate any interest across all the franchises. His poor recent results over the last two seasons are a big reason why the English power hitter has found no admirers in Jeddah. In his IPL career, he has played half a century of matches and amassed 1589 runs, averaging over 35. He has struck nine half-centuries and two centuries.

See Also: IPL 2025: Top 5 Most Overpriced Players from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Steve Smith

Former Australia captain Steve Smith is considered in the same breath as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root, together known as the 'Fab Four'. However, Smith's fortunes in the IPL have not been kind.

The great batter, who guided Rising Pune SuperGiants to the IPL final way back in 2017, has played for four teams: Pune Warriors India, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and the Delhi Capitals. Not to forget he has pulled the Rising Pune Supergiant to their first-ever final, though they ended as runners-up. Smith went unsold in both the 2022 and 2024 auctions. In 103 matches, he has scored a total of 2485 runs, averaging at 35.  

Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla was drafted by Kings XI Punjab in 2016 to replace the injured Shaun Marsh. Amla established a strong case for himself as a credible opening batsman. The speedy player scored 577 runs in 16 matches, including two centuries and three half-centuries, for an average of 44.38.

The South African icon was genuinely excellent for Kings XI Punjab at the top of the order, but he went unsold in the IPL 2018 and 2019 auctions. Despite being statistically extremely good in limited-overs cricket, none of the IPL clubs selected him, leading him to announce his retirement immediately from international cricket.

The 2025 IPL Mega Auction ended in Jeddah on November 24th and 25th. While all the teams moved on to rebuild their respective squads, they purchased several players for colossal sums of money. Following a tremendous two-day event that saw 577 participants go under the hammer, teams with increased player purses of INR 120 Crores made competent choices and built their squads to cater for their next three years' prospects.

But, certain purchases have resulted in the franchise breaking the bank to obtain its playability. However, these offers have left many wondering whether the price tag they provided is justified. That said, here are the top five pricey bids from the recent 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Venkatesh Iyer- INR 23.75 Crores (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Kolkata Knight Riders spent a big bank on Venkatesh Iyer. The reigning champions repurchased their ace southpaw for a hefty INR 23.75 crore, making him the most expensive allrounder being acquired. Fans were taken aback when the Kolkata outfits agreed to pay Iyer such a high price. His paycheque last season was a decent INR 8 crores, which has increased significantly through the recently concluded 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

While it was understandable for KKR to repurchase a top-order batter from their title-winning side, the sum paid for Venky Iyer seemed to be exorbitant. In his IPL stint of 50 matches, he has made 1326 runs, averaging over 32 and scalped three wickets.

Jitesh Sharma- INR 11 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru purchased Jitesh Sharma at the recent Mega Auction. But the keeper could see himself being sold for a large sum, which was a shock for many. Given his decline in performance since last season, it was a surprise when RCB signed him for a whopping INR 11 crores. Several fans and reviewers have expressed reservations about Jitesh's high price.

However, given the franchise's new ideals and game plan of developing young players, Jitesh Sharma will likely be a worthwhile investment as a long-term wicketkeeper. However, it sparks much debate among fans and critics about whether the price tag is justified. He has scored 730 runs in 40 matches, with a fantastic strike rate of 151.14. 

Jofra Archer- INR 12.5 Crores (Rajasthan Royals)

Jofra Archer had a reunion stint in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The English speedster was initially excluded from the auction, but a few days before, he obtained his NOC (No Objection Certificate) and registered his name. At the auction, Rajasthan Royals purchased him for 12.5 crores. Archer has had several injuries throughout the years, and he could never produce some crucial spells for the Mumbai Indians. 

But now that RR has spent so much money on the ace speedster, it would be interesting to see the Englishman's homecoming performance. In 35 IPL appearances, he has taken 46 wickets at an economy rate of 7.13.

See Also: IPL 2025: Top 5 Most Expensive Players from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Noor Ahmad- INR 10 Crores (Chennai Super Kings)

Noor Ahmad made his IPL debut for the Gujarat Titans in 2023 and was an instant success, taking 16 wickets in 13 games. Though his form slipped the previous season, he took just ten wickets in 10 games. And at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, the Chennai Super Kings signed him for a whopping ten crores, representing a 3233% salary increase. Interestingly, GT was on a basic salary of 30 lakhs.

Given Noor Ahmad's just a mere few appearances for his national team, the new price tag appears to be far too much. Interestingly, in IPL 2021, he was a nets bowler for CSK, which might be the key reason for having him onboard to the yellow side. In 23 IPL matches, he has taken 24 wickets at an economy rate of eight.

Josh Hazlewood- INR 12.5 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The Australian quickie, Josh Hazlewood, has had a reasonably strong position in the IPL, though he might not be the ideal pacemaker in the shortest format overseas. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have repurchased him for Rs 12.5 crore. Having already contributed to RCB's successful 2021 season, Hazlewood is expected to spearhead their speed assault again.

His demonstrated ability to generate bounce and movement will considerably improve RCB's fast bowling department. However, his lack of familiarity and poor stats might hurt the team's bowling mix, exposing it to be too expensive. His IPL record consists of him playing only 12 matches and scalping 12 wickets at an economy of 7.93.

India began their tour of Australia in emphatic fashion, clinching a resounding 295-run victory in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 at the Optus Stadium, Perth. After a shaky start in their first innings, where they were bowled out for 150, the Indian bowlers turned the tide with a fiery performance, bundling out Australia for 104 and gaining a 46-run lead. The visitors capitalized on this momentum with a stellar second innings led by Yashasvi Jaiswal's monumental 161 and Virat Kohli's commanding 30th Test century. Contributions from KL Rahul (77) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38*) helped India post a massive total of 487/6 declared, setting Australia an improbable target of 534 runs.

The Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, dismantled Australia’s batting lineup across the final two days. By stumps on Day 3, Australia were reduced to 12/3, and despite some resistance from Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) on Day 4, the hosts succumbed to relentless pressure. Bumrah and Siraj claimed three wickets each as Australia were bowled out for 238. The comprehensive win gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, showcasing their resilience and dominance on Australian soil.

See Also: The Rise of Jaiswal: A century in Australia adds to his growing legacy!

King Kohli’s Class at Perth: A Masterful Knock in the BGT

Virat Kohli showcased a masterful performance at the Optus Stadium, guiding India to a dominant position with his 81st international century. His innings was a blend of elegance and grit, with his iconic cover drive contributing to 31% of his runs. Kohli's ability to punish loose deliveries while maintaining control over his innings exemplified his dominance against the Australian bowling attack. The maestro's knock was not just about the big shots; it was also a testament to his ability to absorb pressure and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Kohli demonstrated exceptional discipline against full-length deliveries, maintaining a 42.8% dot ball rate across 42 balls. However, his composure was most evident against good-length deliveries, where he recorded a dot ball rate of 73.58% in 53 balls, ensuring he saw off the testing spells. Against the back-of-a-length deliveries, his dot percentage stood at 73.1% over 41 balls, while he attacked the shorter ones with more aggression, leaving a dot rate of just 50% in 8 balls. These statistics highlight how Kohli strategically chose his moments to attack, showing respect to the Australian seamers when conditions favored them.

A key aspect of Kohli’s innings was his strike rotation. While facing pacers, his strike rotation rate was a modest 23.28%, reflecting the challenging conditions and the quality of Australia’s fast bowlers. However, against spinners, Kohli was far more fluent, rotating the strike at a rate of 35.21%. This balance allowed India to keep the scoreboard moving steadily, frustrating the Australians as Kohli built crucial partnerships with the middle and lower order. His overall strike rate of 69.23 epitomized the mix of caution and aggression in his knock.

When it came to tackling individual bowlers, Kohli’s efficiency varied significantly. Against Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, his consecutive scoring shot percentages were 68.66% and 70%, respectively, reflecting his dominance against their spin bowling. However, Nathan Lyon proved to be a tougher opponent, limiting Kohli to just 39.85% scoring shots. Among the pacers, Hazlewood restricted him the most effectively with a mere 14.28% scoring rate, followed by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins at 28.62% and 29.41%, respectively. Cameron Green provided some respite for Australia, but Kohli still managed a scoring rate of 40% against him, displaying his adaptability.

Kohli’s century at Perth was not just a personal milestone but a statement of intent from a player marching towards new heights in his illustrious career. It was an innings marked by calculated risks, textbook strokes, and a remarkable ability to weather the storm. This knock not only reaffirmed Kohli's status as one of the modern greats but also set the tone for India to maintain their stranglehold in the Test. The King’s brilliance left Australia searching for answers, as they faced an uphill battle to stay in the game.

See Also: Chaos in Perth: Breaking Down the 17-Wicket Frenzy

It was a dream day for Team India at the Optus Stadium, as they thoroughly dominated the proceedings on Day 3 of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test. Resuming at an overnight score of 172/0, the opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal added 29 more runs before Mitchell Starc ended the mammoth partnership, dismissing Rahul for 77. Jaiswal, unfazed by the fall of wickets, notched up his fourth Test century—his first on Australian soil—with a stunning six. A brief collapse saw Devdutt Padikkal (25), Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel dismissed cheaply, but Virat Kohli stood firm, anchoring the innings with a majestic 30th Test hundred. Supported by Washington Sundar (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38* off 27), Kohli led India to a declaration at 487/6, giving them an imposing 533-run lead.

With the ball, the Indian pacers wreaked havoc in the final session. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bowled fiery spells under the lights, reducing Australia to a disastrous 12/3 in just 4.2 overs. Debutant Nathan McSweeney departed for a duck, captain Pat Cummins' gamble to bat at number three failed, and an out-of-form Marnus Labuschagne added to Australia’s woes with just three runs before losing his wicket and a review. The cracks on the pitch and uneven bounce have made batting treacherous, leaving Australia facing an uphill battle to chase down 534 runs with only seven wickets in hand. It was a Super Sunday for the Indians, who now stand on the brink of taking the lead in the five-match series.

Breakdown of Jaiswal's 161 analysis 

Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a batting masterclass on Day 3 of the third Test against Australia, showcasing remarkable composure and adaptability in testing conditions. Walking in on 72* overnight, the young left-hander anchored the innings to perfection and brought up his fourth Test hundred, his first on Australian soil. Jaiswal's innings was defined by his ability to absorb pressure and build partnerships, contributing significantly to India’s mammoth lead of 533 runs. His milestone came in style, dispatching Nathan Lyon for a six, a testament to his confidence and skill.

A closer look at Jaiswal's approach reveals a nuanced handling of lengths. Against full-length deliveries, he played cautiously, registering a dot ball percentage of 59.6% across 57 deliveries. However, it was on good-length deliveries where he demonstrated immense patience, with an 80.2% dot-ball percentage over 101 balls, highlighting his focus on seeing off the probing spells of Australia’s pacers. On back-of-length and short deliveries, his dot-ball percentages were 71.6% and 65.6%, respectively, as he picked his moments to attack selectively while maintaining a solid defense.

Jaiswal's strike rotation played a key role in keeping the scoreboard ticking, especially against spinners, where he rotated the strike at an impressive rate of 35.21%. Against pacers, his strike rotation dropped to 18.85%, reflecting his cautious approach to counter the pace and bounce of the Australian seamers. His adaptability in tailoring his approach based on the type of bowling ensured India maintained momentum despite periodic breakthroughs for the hosts.

The young opener was particularly effective against Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, with consecutive scoring shot percentages of 54.54% and 50% against them, respectively. This aggression ensured that the spinners could not settle into a rhythm. In contrast, against the pace attack of Mitchell Starc (31.88%), Pat Cummins (31.34%), and Josh Hazlewood (13.11%), Jaiswal focused on minimizing risk and accumulating runs methodically. His lower scoring rate against the pacers demonstrated his maturity in adapting to the game situation, ensuring he prioritized building a substantial lead.

Jaiswal's knock was not just a personal milestone but a pivotal effort in putting India in a commanding position. His mix of calculated aggression, solid defense, and strategic strike rotation disrupted Australia’s plans, showcasing the making of a modern Test opener. As the team declared their innings, the significance of Jaiswal’s performance resonated with the crowd at the Optus Stadium, affirming his growing stature as a reliable performer on the biggest stage.

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The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth delivered an unforgettable opening day of Test cricket, with the drama unfolding at every turn. On a lively pitch offering grass, pace, and bounce, 17 wickets tumbled as the pacers reigned supreme. India, led by the 'temporary captain' Jasprit Bumrah, braved the conditions by opting to bat first but soon found themselves under siege. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood wreaked havoc with the new ball, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal for ducks. KL Rahul showed grit, and Virat Kohli tried to counterattack, but Hoff's precision proved too good to handle. India slumped to 73/6, but Rishabh Pant (37) and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) fought back, steering India to a respectable 150 at Tea. Hazlewood shone with four wickets, while Starc, Cummins, and Marsh chipped in, as Nathan Lyon went wicketless on a rare off day.

Australia's reply was nothing short of a nightmare, as Bumrah delivered a fiery spell to dismantle the top order, removing Khawaja, debutant McSweeney, and Smith in no time. Harshit Rana impressed on debut by cleaning up Travis Head, while Siraj’s relentless accuracy removed Labuschagne and Marsh. Despite a dropped chance by Kohli, the Indian pacers kept Australia on the mat, leaving them reeling at 67/7 by stumps. Carey’s unbeaten 19 and Starc’s stubborn resistance were the lone bright spots for the hosts. With an 83-run deficit still looming, India holds a commanding position, setting the stage for another riveting day of cricket in this high-stakes clash.

Breaking down the Length majorly targeted 

India’s bowlers produced a masterclass in discipline and precision on the opening day of the first Test against Australia, making full use of the lively Perth pitch to seize control of the match. Armed with a clear strategy and unwavering execution, the Indian pacers exploited the conditions by relentlessly targeting the "outside off stump" line, forcing Australian batters into defensive mode. Their effort wasn't just about raw pace; it was about smart bowling, as a detailed analysis of the pitch map revealed. From good lengths to fuller deliveries, each ball had a purpose, and the results were evident in Australia’s fragile position at stumps.

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The "short of good length" area was the weapon of choice for the Indian quicks, delivering 68 balls in this zone. This length not only troubled the Australian batters but also stifled their scoring opportunities, achieving a remarkable dot-ball rate of 89.71%. Two wickets fell to deliveries in this length, highlighting its effectiveness on a pitch offering seam and bounce. It forced the batters to decide between playing or leaving, often leading to errors under pressure.

The "good length" deliveries were even more impactful, serving as the backbone of India's bowling plans. With the seamers maintaining a steady line, this zone accounted for four wickets and an 85.11% dot-ball rate. The good length’s unpredictability—keeping the batters guessing whether to play forward or back—caused havoc, as Bumrah and Siraj used it to devastating effect. It was in this zone that Australia’s most dependable names, including Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja, met their downfall.

India also used "full length" sparingly but effectively, delivering just 11 balls in this zone while claiming a wicket. The 72.73% dot-ball rate reflected the tight leash on scoring, with these fuller deliveries often targeting the stumps or inducing edges. This adaptability showcased India’s ability to mix up lengths while maintaining control. However, the short-pitched deliveries were the only less effective length, managing a lower dot-ball rate of 54.55% and failing to produce wickets. It served as a variation to test the batters but wasn’t the primary weapon on this surface.

The overall performance was a testament to India’s disciplined bowling attack and their ability to adapt to conditions. By sticking to a plan and maintaining relentless accuracy, they left Australia reeling at 67/7 by stumps. The combination of the pitch map analysis and the scoreboard demonstrated how India’s strategy worked to perfection, ensuring they ended the day with a commanding advantage. It set the stage for the visiting bowlers to dominate further and emphasized the critical importance of bowling partnerships in creating pressure.