The 2025 Indian Premier League Mega Auction ended with a record outlay of 182 players. The IPL mega auction generated much interest, especially among star players. Several uncapped players commanded high sums for their outstanding performances in domestic cricket and T20 competitions. These hefty bids show the franchises' focus on acquiring homegrown players capable of delivering impactful performances. 

With the tournament's slogan being where talent meets opportunity, it would be intriguing to see how their calibre would unfold and have a robust chance to earn their maiden international call from the prestigious national side. Here's the list of the top five expensive uncapped players in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

1. Rasikh Salam Dar- INR 6 Crores (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Rasikh Salam Dar became the most expensive uncapped player during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Rasikh is primarily a new-ball bowler who can be efficient in the first six overs and a reliable death-over bowler due to his strong yorker and slower deliveries. The quick bowler was the top selection among uncapped players and was auctioned by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 6 crore.

Dar is prominent for his lethal and devastating yorkers with the Delhi Capitals in the previous season. Despite his inexperience, Rasikh will be a long-term investment, so he was acquired for a high price. Whether it's justified or not, only time will tell. In his short and promising IPL stint, he has scalped nine wickets in 11 appearances. 

2. Naman Dhir- INR 5.25 Crores (Mumbai Indians)

Naman Dhir is a noteworthy pace hitter who can bat anywhere from third to sixth place, indicating a solid addition to any squad's middle-order batting. Furthermore, he is a naturally aggressive hitter with good off-spin. Naman Dhir sparked a bidding battle between the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore before the Delhi Capitals intervened.

Later, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings  joined in before the Mumbai Indians opted to employ the Right-to-Match (RTM) to reclaim him for INR 5.25 crores. In seven IPL matches, he has scored 140 runs with a strike rate of 177.22.

3. Abdul Samad- INR 4.20 Crores (Lucknow Super Giants)

Abdul Samad is known for his big-hitting ability and has previously played as a finisher for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Samad is a decent pace hitter who bats in the lower order and adds momentum to innings during slog overs. His subsequent years have been less promising, but his tremendous potential enticed teams to pay a hefty amount to obtain his expertise, with the Lucknow Super Giants emerging victorious.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru initially started the bid for Samad, but the Super Giants were eager to sign him and increased the bidding battle from INR 30 lakhs to INR  4.20 crores. In 50 matches, he has made 577 runs with a strike rate of 146.08.

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4. Nehal Wadhera- INR 4.20 Crores (Punjab Kings)

Nehal Wadhera is a top homegrown prospect who can handle speed and spin. Wadhera's performance in past IPL seasons with Mumbai Indians highlights his impressive all-round abilities. As a player from the Punjab side, he will be familiar with the circumstances in the new Mullanpur pitch and may finally be able to unleash his full ability; thus, it is no surprise that the Punjab Kings have chosen him.

They bought they young sporting campaigner for INR 4.20 crores after competing with three teams: Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Delhi Capitals. In just 20 IPL games, he has scored 350 runs at a 140 strike rate and taken 13 wickets at an economy of 6.50. 

5. Ashutosh Sharma- INR 3.80 Crores (Delhi Capitals)

Ashutosh Sharma is a clean-ball hitter who can take on pacers from the start, as seen by his time with the Punjab Kings. His presence will offer his new team, the Delhi Capitals, much-needed firepower in the lower order to deliver that finishing touch in the final overs.

Sharma was a revelation last season and was expected to command a reasonable price in the IPL 2025 auction. He was sold for INR 3.80 crores to the Delhi Capitals, who outbid three other teams for him. In his 11 IPL matches performance, he was able to make 189 runs, averaging 27 and a strike rate of 167.26. 

25-year-old Ashutosh Sharma made headlines with his stunning knock yesterday against Mumbai Indians. However, his sensational big-hitting show for Punjab Kings against 5-time champions Mumbai Indians went in vain as he failed to take the team home and eventually lost by 9 runs. He has scored 156 runs from just 4 matches at a staggering strike rate of 205 as well.

His heroic 28-ball 61 helped PBKS recover from 14 for 4 while chasing 193 against a Jasprit Bumrah-led Mumbai Indians bowling attack in Mullanpur on Thursday as well.

PBKS lost the game to MI

Speaking after his sensational knock, he said, “Sanjay sir told me ‘you are not a slogger, you can play proper cricketing shots and focus on it’. That small statement has made a huge impact. I have been following that only. I am not a hard-hitter. I play proper cricketing shots. That has changed my game. Back home, I was working with my coach Amit Khurasia. He also told me that the longer I stay in the middle, the more the chances of my team winning. Yes, I have missed getting the job done in 2 games. But, this is cricket. You have to keep working on your game.”

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While Ashutosh Sharma was hitting sixes effortlessly, his sweep against Jasprit Bumrah stole the show. Off a free hit, he moved across the off-stump and swept a Bumrah yorker into the deep-fine leg stands, a shot that left everyone in awe.

“It was my dream to sweep Bumrah. I kept practising for it. But, it came against the world’s best bowler. It’s okay. It’s part of the game,” Ashutosh said.

Ashutosh Sharma also credited Sanjay Bangar, coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Shikhar Dhawan for keeping faith in him. However, he had a tough time during his days in Madhya Pradesh but has done well for Railways in domestic cricket. He has had red-ball success too as he hit a hundred in his Ranji Trophy debut earlier in the season as well.

“Winning and losing is part of the game” – Ashutosh Sharma

“The celebration was for Sanjay Bangar sir. I am working hard with him. He gave me a chance and kept belief in me. Our head coach Trevor Bayliss, Shikhar Dhawan, everybody believed me, so it was for them,” he added.

He also said that the team is heading in the right direction and is not far away from winning matches. He also opined on their batting woes in the game.

“We are working hard. Our intent is good. Winning and losing is part of the game. It matters how you are playing, and we are playing well as a team. If we continue in the same vein of form, we will do better and win the games,” the 25-year-old said. “It’s a part of the game. Sometimes, the opener score runs, and sometimes the middle orders do. This keeps happening. It’s a team game. We all have to do well. We have to focus on our process and not on winning and losing. If the process is correct, we will keep going in the right direction.”