Rishabh Pant (Source -IPL/BCCI)
The mega auction for the IPL 2025 is looming on the horizon, and with the 10 franchises all set to rope in the best possible players, several bidding wars could be on the cards. Some of the most anticipated buys could be made from the two highest champions of the tournament, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
With some big names coming into the auction pool, fans are excited about the mega auction of the upcoming IPL season. During the retention on October 31, some unexpected players were released from the teams which has intrigued the fans in a way. With this the the followers of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have been forced to wonder who the teams will bid for during the mega auction which is reportedly going to be held in Riyadh on November 24, 25.
Let’s take a look at CSK and MI’s target for IPL 2025 auction:
5. Mohammed Siraj
Star India pacer Mohammed Siraj was surprisingly let go by Royal Challengers Bengaluru and was not retained by the franchise. However, with Siraj’s repertoire, the star pacer could go on to trigger a bidding war between many franchises, including Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
In the IPL 2024, Siraj played a total of 14 matches for RCB, where he took 15 wickets and maintained an economy of 9.19. Throughout his IPL career, Siraj has played 93 matches and has taken just as many wickets. With both MI and CSK looking to bring a pacer into their ranks, Siraj could spark up a bidding battle from both sides.
4. Shreyas Iyer
In one of the most surprising moments, star India batter Shreyas Iyer was not retained by IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders. Iyer led KKR to their third IPL title in 2024 but was not retained despite the achievement. However, his inclusion in the auction pool could go on to be an opportunity for the franchises. With a player with as much experience and talent as Iyer, the teams will look to rope him in.
Furthermore, the likes of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will look to get an experienced batter like Iyer into their ranks, and a bidding war can be anticipated for him.
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3. Washington Sundar
Star India all-rounder Washington Sundar could be another player who could ignite a bidding war between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Competing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024, Sundar was not retained by his franchise and he too will be entering the auction pool.
Throughout his career, Sundar has played 60 matches in the IPL and has scored 378 runs and taken 37 wickets. With Chennai retaining Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube ahead of the auction, another all-rounder could do them good.
On the other hand, Hardik Pandya has been the only all-rounder that Mumbai Indians have retained ahead of the auction, and they will hope that another all-rounder in Washington Sundar could benefit them.
2. KL Rahul
One of the most surprising exclusions from the retention list was star India batter KL Rahul. The Lucknow Super Giants skipper led his side to the playoffs in his first two seasons in charge. However, with a subpar season in 2024, Rahul was released, and he could brew up quite the storm in the auction.
With Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians both in search of a star batter, KL Rahul could prove to be the perfect fit for either side, and a bidding battle could be underway in the mega auction.
Throughout his career, KL Rahul has played 132 matches in the IPL and has amassed 4,683 runs to his name. In his early seasons in the IPL, KL Rahul was one of the best batters and a consistent winner of the orange cap, and the franchises will hope that Rahul can come into his own once more.
1. Rishabh Pant
One of the most anticipated arrivals in the auction pool would be star India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant. The 27-year-old was released by Delhi Capitals, and several franchises will look to secure Pant’s services.
There have been reports that Chennai Super Kings are looking to rope in Pant, and with the 27-year-old’s repertoire, he would be a fantastic addition to CSK’s arsenal. Furthermore, with Mumbai Indians releasing Ishan Kishan, they will need a wicketkeeper batter as well.
With 111 IPL matches played throughout his career, Pant has scored 3284 runs and maintains an average of 35.31 runs.
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