The Indian Premier League has been a lucrative sporting tournament and an initiator who redefined how cricket is seen as a sport. With the mantra of where talent meets opportunity, the game will be paving its way to its eighteenth edition. As it implies, this leads them to go for the highly anticipated Mega Auction. With all the ten participating franchises retaining just a few of their influential campaigners, it is evident that all the teams are up for a significant restructuring and spend all their bucks on acquiring talent in the long run. 

As per some numbers, the Mega Auction will see a colossal INR 641.5 Crores going under the hammer across all the teams. That said, here's a brief summation of all the ten teams' expected strategies and probable top three players that could align with their goals from the forthcoming IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

·   Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful IPL teams, has achieved some expected retention but has left some spaces to be filled, which can be done from the Mega Auction. Chennai Super Kings have decided to keep a mix of young and veteran players. With only one Right-to-Match card (RTM) option, their auction flexibility is restricted, implying that they may prioritise focused enhancements over a complete revamp. The key to the yellow arsenal is balancing experience and new talent. They require batting solidity, greater depth in spin, death-over pacers choices, and a future wicketkeeper batter option.

Top players to be in target for CSK: Ravichandran Ashwin, Rishabh Pant, Devon Conway

·   Delhi Capitals

The Delhi Capitals have kept a smaller core, focusing on rising players like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav while releasing big stars like Rishabh Pant and David Warner. With a sizable leftover budget and two RTM choices, they are well-positioned for an aggressive auction strategy, with the opportunity to make significant acquisitions of uncapped and capped talent. They've lost some considerable pace options, so they're looking to rebuild here with a combination of experience and youthful potential. Overall, the Capitals' biggest priorities include finding a new captain and improving their speed.

Top players to be in target for DC: Sam Curran, Shreyas Iyer, Harshal Patel

·   Gujarat Titans

The Titans have established a balanced squad around talents Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill while parting ways with experienced players such as Mohammed Shami. With a single RTM option, they maintain some auction flexibility while concentrating on recruiting experienced players to supplement their youthful core. Regarding retentions and releases, the 2022 champions would need a trustworthy batter, a sturdy wicketkeeper, and a notable pacer, all of which would help them build a balanced squad.

Top players to be in target for GT: Liam Livingstone, Quinton de Kock, Trent Boult

·   Kolkata Knight Riders

The reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, have decided to keep their core of all-rounders and spinners, including senior players Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. Still, they do not have any RTM alternatives, which limits their flexibility. With a limited remaining purse, their auction focus may be on value enhancements rather than high-cost acquisitions. With the captain's chair unfilled, they require a middle-order anchor who can both lead and a consistent pacemaker. They may be able to re-purchase their former campaigners, but they must give their best because these players are in hot demand following their spectacular success.

Top players to be in target for KKR: Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Kagiso Rabada

·   Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants have kept a varied roster that includes vital players like Nicholas Pooran and Ravi Bishnoi but have dropped major stars like KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock. With one RTM option and a significant budget, they may prioritise acquiring a marquee player in the auction to build around their retained core with diverse choices. LSG requires consistency and versatility in their bowling. A middle-order rock would help them prevent collapses, especially given the unpredictable circumstances of their home venue, Ekana Stadium.

Top players to be in target for LSG: Ishan Kishan, Gerald Coetzee, Glenn Philips

·   Mumbai Indians

The Mumbai Indians' core stays intact, with Bumrah, Rohit, Hardik, and Suryakumar providing the backbone. Tilak Varma, with his strong form, closes up the retention list. MI's priority will be to recruit high-impact players to replace their veteran guard. The spinner and a reliable all-rounder will be crucial. With just one RTM available, intelligent decision-making is essential. MI's spin department needs to perform better, and they want a quality spinner to take wickets and dominate the middle overs. They need to fill the Pollard-sized hole in their lineup, ideally, someone who can complete innings quickly and contribute with overs.

Top players to be in target for MI: Yuzvendra Chahal, Akash Madhwal, Nehal Wadhera

·   Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings will be the franchise with the highest purse available as they have retained just two of their promising domestic players, Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. With a colossal INR 110.5 Crores, four RTMs and the expertise of Ricky Ponting, the team will be up for a complete restructuring across all the departments, where we can expect to see a new and robust Punjab Kings side after a long run of unsuccessful seasons.

Top players to be in target for PBKS: Faf du Plessis, Mitchell Starc, Jake Fraser-McGurk

·   Rajasthan Royals

With a restricted budget, the Royals seek tactical additions, particularly an opener. Balance is what RR need. They have a strong batting core but must strengthen their bowling unit, particularly in the spin and finishing phases. Still, their purse situation is very tricky, especially after making some unexpected moves regarding releases and retentions, making them one of the teams to watch out for in the upcoming season.

Top players to be in target for RR: Washington Sundar, Umran Malik, T Natarajan

·   Royal Challenger Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru retains three key players, including Kohli and burgeoning talents Patidar and Dayal, but will enter the auction with a massive budget of INR 83 crores. RCB lacks a top-tier spinner, and with spin becoming increasingly crucial in the T20 game, they need to find someone who can change matches. Furthermore, the team requires a firm wicketkeeping batter to strengthen the batting lineup. Not to mention the demand for a noteworthy quickie in their armoury.

Top players to be in target for RR: KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

·   Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad's objective is to keep critical players with international experience while balancing their alternatives for the auction. Their spin problems have cost them dearly. A powerful, specialised spinner would aid SRH in the middle overs rather than relying solely on part-timers. Two highly aggressive openers require someone to anchor in the event of early wickets. It's about finding a trustworthy man who can keep things stable.

Top players to be in target for SRH: Nitish Rana, Marco Jansen, Maheesh Theekshana

See Also: IPL 2025 mega auction: Marquee players' names revealed