The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction is around the corner, promising thrilling moments for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Scheduled across two action-packed days, the event will see top international and domestic players going under the hammer, with franchises preparing to bid big for their desired stars. Here's everything you need to know about this year's mega event.

When and where will IPL 2025 mega auction take place?

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction is set to take place on November 24 and 25 at the Abady Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks a significant milestone as the auction is being held outside India for the first time.

The auction will commence at 11:00 AM IST on both days, giving fans ample time to witness their favorite teams strategize and spend wisely on cricket’s finest talent.

Players in the spotlight

A total of 574 players are up for grabs in the auction pool, comprising:

• 366 Indian players
• 208 overseas players
• 3 players from associate nations

Notable names released by franchises ahead of the auction include former captains Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. These players are expected to spark intense bidding wars, with franchises eyeing experienced wicketkeeper-batters and explosive performers.

Promising players like Ishan Kishan are also likely to attract significant attention, making the wicketkeeper category a hotly contested one this year.

See Also: Morne Morkel provides key update on injured Shubman Gill

Auction highlights

• Mallika Sagar will continue as the official auctioneer for the event.
• All ten franchises collectively have a purse of ₹641.5 crores to fill 204 slots, of which 70 are reserved for overseas players.
• The list includes 318 uncapped Indian and 12 uncapped overseas players.

Where to watch IPL 2025 auction live?

Fans can catch all the action live on TV or through online streaming platforms.

• TV Broadcast: The IPL 2025 Mega Auction will be aired live on the Star Sports Network in India.
• Online Streaming: For viewers on the go, the auction will be streamed live on the JioCinema app and website.

What to expect?

With big names and young talent up for grabs, this year’s mega auction is set to be a spectacle of strategy, bidding wars, and surprises. As franchises aim to strike the perfect balance between experience and fresh talent, the stakes are higher than ever.

Cricket fans worldwide can gear up for two days of nonstop excitement as the IPL 2025 Mega Auction unfolds. Who will fetch the highest bid? Which team will secure the dream lineup? The answers lie just a few days away!

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

While the IPL 2025 mega auction is just less than 10 days away, Gujarat Titans’ released player claimed a five-wicket haul to guide the hosts Australia to secure a T20I series win against Pakistan. 

It was the second game of the three-match T20I series between Australia and Pakistan. Leading the series by 1-0, Australian captain Josh Inglis chose to bat first. After Australia scored 147/9, Pakistan were all out for 134 runs. 

After the openers Matthew Short (32) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (20) provided a firing start, Glenn Maxwell (21) and Aaron Hardie (28) added some useful runs along with Marcus Stoinis (14) and Tim David (18).

Spencer Johnson recorded his first fifer in T20 career

Australian left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson was the hero in the Aussie bowling line-up. With the bowling figures of 4-0-26-5, Johnson secured the hosts’ T20I series win and won the Player of the Match award. 

The no.3 batter Sahibzada Farhan (5) was Johnson’s first victim, as the left-arm pacer took the wicket in his second over of the innings. 

Later, in the 10th over, Johnson dismissed skipper and opener Mohammad Rizwan (16) and Salman Agha (0) on back-to-back deliveries. 

Struggling at 44/4, Usman Khan and Irfan Khan had a 58-run partnership for the fifth wicket in quick time. Johnson returned to complete his quota in the 16th over, where he dismissed Usman (52) and Abbas Afridi (4) between three deliveries. 

Although Irfan Khan fought hard with his 37 not out off 28 balls (four fours and one six), he didn’t get any support on the other end. While the economical Adam Zampa took two wickets, Pakistan lost their last two batters through the run-outs. 

With 5/26, Johnson recorded Australia’s best T20I bowling figures against Pakistan and the third-best overall T20I bowling figures against Pakistan. 

Johnson served for Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2024

It was Johnson’s first fifer in his T20 career. While he has taken 12 wickets in seven T20I matches, the left-arm fast bowler has picked up 69 T20 wickets in 59 games.

Johnson made his IPL debut in the 2024 edition serving for Gujarat Titans. The left-arm pacer picked up four wickets in five games in the IPL 2024. For the IPL 2025 mega auction, Johnson is on the final 574 list (Serial Number 179, Set Number 26, Set FA3) with a base price of INR 2 crore. 

The 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been in the news in recent times for creating histories at a very early age. He is now the youngest cricketer to be present in the upcoming mega auction for the IPL 2025. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 574 players names for the mega auction of the IPL 2025. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is one of the uncapped Indian players out of 318 uncapped players. While he is the 491st player in the mega auction list, he is the 69th player in the uncapped batter category (UBA9).

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already experienced first-class cricket

At the age of 12 years and 284 days, Suryavanshi made his first-class debut. He was the second youngest player to make a first-class cricket debut in Indian cricket. Since his debut for Bihar in January 2024, he has played five first-class matches where the left-handed batter has scored 100 runs, with his highest score of 41 runs. As a left-arm spinner, he has also taken one wicket. 

Suryavanshi scored a century against Australia U19

Last September, while Australia U19 toured India for a two-match Youth Test series, Suryavanshi scored a century at Chennai. With that century at the age of 13 years and 187 days (age as per the start of the Youth Test match), he became the youngest cricketer to hit a century in U19 Test history. He scored 104 runs in the first innings of that match. 

According to the data available, Suryavanshi broke the record of Pakistan cricketer Nasir Jamshed, who set the record at the age of 15 years and 102 days (age as per the start of the Youth Test match). 

Suryavanshi also participated in the Quadrangular U19 ODI series 2023

In November 2023, Suryavanshi served for India B U19 in the Quadrangular U19 ODI series and scored 177 runs in six innings with an average of 29.50 and a strike rate of 90.30, including two half-centuries.

The final list for the IPL 2025 mega auction has been released. While the list has 574 players’ names, we will miss two prominent English cricketers in the upcoming IPL season. 

Jeddah in Saudi Arabia will host the mega auction for the IPL 2025 on November 24 and 25. The auction starting time is 12:30 local time (Indian time 15:00) 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has announced the list of the 12 marquee players for the upcoming mega auction. There are two sets of marquee players with six players each (M1 and M2).

Marquee players

Out of the 12 marquee players, seven are Indians and five are foreigners. M1 has Jos Buttler, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh and Mitchell Starc. On the other hand, M2 has Yuzvendra Chahal, Liam Livingstone, David Miller, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. Apart from David Miller, who has an INR 1.5 crore base price, all other marquee players have a base price of INR 2 crore. 

Key points for the mega auction

While 1574 players registered their names for the IPL 2025 mega auctions, only 574 players have been chosen for the upcoming mega auction. Out of the 574 shortlisted players, 366 are Indians and 208 are overseas players. 

Among the Indians, 48 are capped players. So, the remaining 318 Indian players are uncapped. 

Meanwhile, 193 cricketers are capped overseas players, and 12 are uncapped overseas players. Also, three names have been included from the ICC Associate Members. The three names of the Associate members are Ali Khan (United States), Unmukt Chand (United States), and Brandon McMullen (Scotland). 

While 204 slots are available for the selections, 70 players can be added to the overseas slots. Except for Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, all other eight teams have Right-to-Match (RTM) options for the upcoming mega auction. 

The highest base price for the mega auction is unchanged at INR 2 crore. A total of 81 players are on the list with the highest base price. 

IPL 2025: Archer, Wood will miss, Anderson joins the auction 

English fast bowler Jofra Archer will miss the IPL 2025 as he has missed out on the mega auction final list. Also, Mark Wood's name is missing from the upcoming mega auction. However, the former English pacer James Anderson is present in the final auction list.

Veteran India cricketer KL Rahul said that he is looking forward to the IPL mega auction, adding that he would be happy to return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and play at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as well. Rahul also said that he is looking forward to playing for a team where is 'loved and respected' after parting ways with his old franchise, Lucknow Super Giants.

However, in a shocking move, LSG decided not to retain KL Rahul for the 2025 season, ending a three-year association with him as well. Rahul is back in the mix for the mega auction, slated to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25 as well. And, Rahul is expected to have a bidding war for him.

"I most enjoyed playing at RCB. It’s home. You get to spend a lot of time to spend at home. I know the Chinnaswamy really well, I have grown up playing there. So, yeah, I really enjoyed playing at RCB," KL Rahul told Star Sports in an interview ahead of the auction. "Of course (Would you like to be back at RCB?) Bengaluru is home. People there know me as a local Kannada boy. Would be nice to go back there and get an opportunity. But, yeah, it’s an auction year, you can go anywhere," he said.

"I would never go and ask someone for it (captaincy)" - KL Rahul

However, KL Rahul also said that captaincy would not be a 'make or break' for him, claiming he is open to being flexible at his new franchise.

"I would never go and ask someone for it (captaincy). If you feel that my leadership skills are good enough, and you find something good in the way I play my cricket, in the way I handle myself and in the way that I handled the teams that I've captained in the last four or five years, and if you find it worthy, then, of course, I'm happy to do it, but it's not something that is a make-a-break for me," Rahul said.

SEE ALSO: Watch: Rohit Sharma's Playful 'Rohit Bhai RCB Me Aa Jao Yaar' Query Goes Viral

"I just want to be part of a team that has a good environment, and you feel loved, cared for and respected in that environment and everyone on that franchise as a one, like one single goal to win. If that's there, then that's a perfect fit. I have always been flexible in my head, whether it's opening, whether middle order, the lower-order, keeping, fielding any of it. I am okay with any rule or any responsibility that is given to me," he further added.

"I just felt like I wanted to start fresh" - KL Rahul

However, KL Rahul, who led the LSG in the last three seasons, opened up on his exit from the franchise, saying that he wanted to move on to a 'lighter' team environment where he could find 'more freedom'.

"I just felt like I wanted to start fresh, to explore my options, and to play where I could find more freedom and a lighter, more balanced team atmosphere. The pressure in the IPL is already so high, but when you look at teams like Gujarat and CSK, even when they win or lose, they seem balanced, and their dressing rooms are calm. That’s really important for me as a player—it gives all the players the best chance to perform," he added. "We tried to create that atmosphere at LSG with Andy Flower and GG (Gautam Gambhir) initially, and then last year with Justin, and it was a brilliant atmosphere in the change room. But sometimes you just need to move on and find something that works better for you."

Delhi Capitals (DC) have announced a strategic shake-up in their coaching lineup for IPL 2025, appointing former Indian pacer and 2011 ODI World Cup winner Munaf Patel as their new bowling coach. Munaf joins a revamped DC backroom team featuring head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao, replacing Australian James Hopes. This high-profile addition raises questions on how Delhi’s upgraded lineup could impact Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), DC’s key competitor, especially as both franchises gear up for the mega auction on November 24 and 25 with new ambitions.

Delhi Capitals secure bowling coach with Munaf Patel's experience

Munaf Patel, a renowned Indian pacer, takes on his first major coaching role since retiring from competitive cricket in 2018. Known for his skillful reverse swing and his ability to bowl precise yorkers, Munaf’s international career spanned across formats between 2006 and 2011. In IPL, he represented teams such as Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Lions, clinching an IPL title with Mumbai in 2013. His transition to coaching comes as DC seeks a fresh approach for IPL 2025, with Munaf’s expertise set to guide the team’s pace attack through the rigors of the season.

DC’s new backroom shift follows an overhaul in July 2024, parting ways with head coach Ricky Ponting and bowling coach James Hopes. This strategic move aligns with DC’s goal to build a coaching unit primarily comprising Indian talent, aiming for renewed success after three unsuccessful seasons of missing out on the playoffs. With Munaf on board, DC hopes to leverage his experience to bring a disciplined edge to their bowling lineup, a change that could create ripples in their competition with other IPL teams, particularly KKR.

See Also: Alzarri returns as Andre Russell sidelined by injury for remainder of T20I Series

What Munaf Patel’s appointment means for KKR’s IPL 2025 plans

Munaf Patel’s appointment could pose unique challenges for KKR, as they also seek to bolster their bowling attack for IPL 2025. KKR will have to anticipate changes in Delhi’s bowling strategies as Munaf works with DC’s roster of bowlers, aiming to boost their wicket-taking potential. Munaf's expertise in handling key moments on the field will likely enhance Delhi’s bowling strategy in tight matches—something KKR will need to prepare for. With DC’s upgraded purse of INR 73 crore for the upcoming auction, KKR faces increased competition for top talent that can strengthen their pace attack.

DC's decision to retain key players like spin-bowling allrounder Axar Patel, wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav, and new faces like South African batter Tristan Stubbs places KKR in a tight spot. With Munaf’s focus on refining DC's bowling unit, KKR’s strategy may need to adapt accordingly to counter DC's new strengths.

The Delhi Capitals' makeover signals a competitive IPL season as teams, including KKR, will need to up their game in response to DC’s fresh strategies.

Kolkata Knight Riders had a memorable previous edition, earning their third-ever IPL title after a massive gap of ten years. With an optimum mix of reliable players and a robust coaching staff, the team bet all the odds and claimed success. But, their retained list had several polar opinions from critics and fanatics, as they haven't retained the captain who led to their triumph.

With their retention list comprising of emerging and experienced campaigners, they haven't opted for having the Right-to-Match (RTM) option as they have filled all the spots so that it will be some new players venturing into the defending champions' side. That said, here are the potential five-player picks that the Knight Riders would go all out for in the forthcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis could be one of the primary targets for the Men in Purple management, as he ticks the boxes of an experienced power batter and a reliable captain. Considering that the side only has INR 51 Crore left in their purse, they can give their all to buy him, as they can rely on his captaincy expertise.

With just three editions for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he has taken them twice to the final stages of the playoffs; the side can rest assured in giving him the captaincy position for the upcoming editions. In the last edition, he has made 438 runs in 15 matches at a decent average of over 30.

Ishan Kishan

The Kolkata Knight Riders will not change their powerful hitting lineup for IPL 2025. They can, however, target young Indian wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan, who has been freed by the Mumbai Indians, keeping in mind that the team also requires a reliable wicketkeeper. Kishan is known for his aggressive batting and power-hitting ability.

Kishan could be an excellent addition to KKR's star-studded batting lineup, which includes Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh. Kishan has recently been uneven with the bat, but recent matches in the local arena have helped to boost the confidence of all franchises in the Mega Auction. In 2024, he made 320 runs in 14 games, averaging at 23. 

Mohammed Shami

The Kolkata Knight Riders will now want to add an experienced fast bowler to their team for the IPL 2025. In the IPL 2025 mega auction, they might want to sign experienced Indian bowler Mohammed Shami. The right-arm bowler is now recovering from a knee injury sustained during his outstanding 2023 Cricket World Cup performance, in which he took an incredible number of wickets in just a few games.

Surprisingly, he has been released by the Gujarat Titans. The KKR management is expected to spend a large sum on him at the mega auction in Jeddah since he has played an essential role in whichever squad he has been a member of in his cricketing environment. Also, with several other franchises putting all their efforts into his acquisition, he could probably be one of the most expensive players in the upcoming mega auction.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Royal Challengers Bengaluru should target for in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Phil Salt

Phil Salt excelled in the top order for KKR in the IPL 2024. His aggressive hitting style might help the squad get off to a fast start. In this case, KKR wants to return him to the team for another season. Phil Salt was pivotal to KKR's successful season last year, scoring 435 runs at an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 182 in 12 innings, including four fifties.

Despite his excellent performance, KKR dismissed him due to a surplus of players. On the other hand, Salt is an aggressive top-order batsman who maintains wickets and has league experience. Given his achievements, the three-time champions would go all and out for bringing him back to the side, even with the unavailability of an RTM card. 

Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi symbolises a solid IPL-batter package, thanks to his aggressive approach in obtaining crucial runs. He has consistently performed for any team he has ever represented, frequently stepping up when the squad needed him the most.

His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him essential. Tripathi's IPL experience and ability to score crucial runs make him a solid pick for any club. His retention would offer the squad stability and a player around whom to build tactics. In his 2024 stay, he scored 165 runs in just six matches, with a remarkable strike rate above 140. 

Legendary English right-arm pacer James Anderson has registered his name for the IPL 2025 mega auction. Anderson opened up about his excitement for the most successful T20 league in the world.

The 42-year-old right-arm pacer James Anderson retired from international cricket after the last July Lord’s Test against West Indies. Anderson finished his Test career as the most Test wicket-taker by a pacer with 704 Test wickets. 

Apart from picking up 704 Test wickets, Anderson also took 269 ODI wickets and 18 T20I wickets, which made him the leading wicket-taker as a pacer in international cricket history with 991 international wickets. 

Legendary pacer Anderson picked up 1126 first-class wickets, 358 List A wickets, and 48 T20 wickets. The last time Anderson played a T20 match was in August 2014. 

SEE ALSO: Ricky Ponting reveals his expectation from Virat Kohli in Australia Test series

I'd love to have an opportunity to play somewhere: James Anderson

Anderson feels that he is fit to continue his cricket career. The right-arm fast-medium pacer wants to take challenges on the field. 

According to Sky Sports, Anderson said, “That is the whole point of going to the auction, I think. I want to play cricket again. Whether I get picked or not is a different matter. There is definitely a feeling inside of me that I have got more to offer, in some shape or form. So, however long down the line that might be, in whatever capacity that might be I am not sure yet. 

"But I'm really keen to play. I feel really fit, I've been bowling still, ticking over, so I feel like I'm in a good place and I'd love to have an opportunity to play somewhere.”

Keep my fingers crossed: Anderson on IPL auction

Anderson has registered his name for the upcoming IPL mega-auction at a base price of INR 1.25 crore. When he was asked whether any IPL team contacted him, he had a negative answer. However, he is keeping hope to experience the most popular T20 league.

Anderson said, "Nothing yet. We'll just have to wait and see; keep my fingers crossed and see what happens.” 

A total of 1574 players, including 409 foreign players, have registered for the IPL 2025 mega auction. The number will be shrunk before the beginning of the mega auction, as 204 slots are available.

Jeddah in Saudi Arabia will host the IPL 2025 mega auction on November 24 and 25. 

So, it will be a huge battle for the registered players, as Anderson will have to face challenges to earn a chance in the IPL.  

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the most popular IPL franchises. The franchise has been a part of the IPL since its inception, having competed in all 17 seasons of the lucrative competition. However, it is currently awaiting its first title. Before the IPL 2025 major auctions, which are expected to occur later this month, RCB retained three players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal.

RCB will have three Right To Match (RTM) cards available in the mega auctions, and the franchise owners are hoping to bring back as many players as possible. The squad has had a great 2024 season and wants to convert their maiden IPL title with a significant team restructuring from the Mega Auction, as they have the potential to acquire top players from the under-the-hammer roster. Here are the five top-player recommendations for the side to target in the forthcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

KL Rahul

KL Rahul will be one of the targets of the loyal fanbase-backed squad in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction for apparent reasons. Rahul had a fantastic IPL 2016 with RCB. However, he missed the 2017 season due to injuries and was released before the 2018 Mega Auction. He later played for the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Lucknow Super Giants, but he could return to his home franchise, which has only kept three players, including a colossal purchasing purse.

Rahul has always been liked by the RCB faithful, partly because he is from Bengaluru, and the team is in dire need of a reliable wicketkeeper batter. Fans should anticipate that RCB will bid quite expensively for Rahul in the blockbuster auction. In the 2024 edition, he has made a commendable 520 runs in 14 matches with four half-centuries.

Mitchell Starc

RCB has historically struggled with a reliable bowling attack, which has been overlooked by their dynamic batting lineup, and Mitchell Starc can help address that gap. Starc's ability to perform in high-pressure circumstances and his previous stint with RCB in 2015 suggest he might be the missing piece in RCB's quest for their first IPL victory. His expertise and talent in T20 cricket make him an excellent choice to command their bowling unit.

In IPL 2024, as the most expensive player in the tournament ever, Starc demonstrated his brilliance by collecting crucial wickets and maintaining an exceptional economy rate during playoffs, further cementing his worth to a club needing bowling consistency. In his triumphant 2024 campaign with the Kolkata Knight Riders, he has taken 17 wickets in 14 matches. 

Will Jacks

Will Jacks, another major player for RCB in the 2024 season, had a massive influence after replacing Maxwell in the playing XI. Jack's ability to dominate pacers and spinners and his helpful spin bowling may urge RCB to utilise their RTM to keep him. With his swashbuckling style, he can restore the team's batting glory days, as they have the opportunity to win their first title through a restructure in the upcoming Mega Auction.

In eight matches, the 25-year-old English all-rounder scored 230 runs at a fantastic 175.57 strike rate, including a spectacular 41-ball century against the Gujarat Titans.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Mumbai Indians should target for in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj, who has been at RCB since 2018, was also included on the list of players revealed ahead of the mega auction. Siraj grabbed 15 wickets in 14 IPL 2024 matches while maintaining a solid economy rate of 9.19 economy. But as they say, every player has a rough patch in their sporting stint; Siraj will be desperate to come back with a bang through the fierce and intense 2025 IPL.

He is well-known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball, but his recent improvements at death bowling make him an invaluable asset. RCB may use their RTM option to bring him back, as they need a reliable Indian pacer who can spearhead the team's bowling attack and align with its goals by being aware of the Indian conditions. 

Rachin Ravindran

Rachin Ravindra, the all-rounder from New Zealand, is one of cricket's hottest prospects, making him a priority target for several prominent teams in the forthcoming IPL 2025 big auction. He had a terrific time with CSK throughout the 2024 IPL season, but now that they have opted not to put him on the retention list, RCB might consider him a top-order alternative to Virat Kohli.

Ravindra has the talent and skill to adjust to varied circumstances with the bat and ball, which should serve him well regardless of where he ends up in the next edition. Though he had a mediocre debut IPL sit-in with the Chennai Super Kings by scoring just 222 runs in ten games, his awareness of the Indian conditions would act as the major USP for the team to acquire his services.