Top 5 steal deals in IPL 2025 auction so far. (Source – IPL/BCCI)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah has been nothing short of a blockbuster, with teams splashing huge amounts on marquee players. While Rishabh Pant’s record-breaking INR 27 crore deal with Lucknow Super Giants grabbed headlines, several teams managed to secure exceptional talent at surprisingly reasonable prices.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerged as one of the smartest buyers at the auction, securing Tim David for just INR 3 crore. The explosive Australian finisher’s acquisition looked like daylight robbery, given his proven track record in T20 leagues worldwide. RCB’s planned thinking continued with their possession of Krunal Pandya.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing deals was Jos Buttler’s move to Mumbai for INR 15.75 crore. Despite being the highest-paid overseas player, Buttler’s price looks decent considering his extraordinary white-ball abilities and current form. Similarly, Delhi’s acquisition of KL Rahul for INR 14 crore shows the exceptional value for a player of his calibre and experience. Other teams also made good moves at the auction table with the event nearing to its end with some players still about to go under the hammer.
Here are the five steal deals in the IPL 2025 auction so far:
5. Adam Zampa (INR 2.4 crore, Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Adam Zampa. (Source – Getty Images)
Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off one of the smartest deals of the IPL 2025 auction, securing Australian spinner Adam Zampa for just INR 2.40 crore. The experienced leg-spinner was surprisingly acquired close to his base price of INR 2 crore after a brief bidding war with Rajasthan Royals.
As Australia’s most successful T20I bowler with 117 wickets from 95 matches at an economy of 7.16, he brings immense talent to the table. His IPL career, which began with Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016, has seen him deliver memorable performances, including a stunning 6/19 against his new team SRH. With 341 wickets across 280 T20 games and experience from stints at RCB and RR, Zampa’s acquisition at this price point could be the steal of the season.
4. Quinton de Kock (INR 3.6 crore, Kolkata Knight Riders)
Quinton ( Photo source : IPL )
Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) played a masterstroke by acquiring South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock for just INR 3.60 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. After Lucknow Super Giants declined to use their Right to Match (RTM) card, KKR used the opportunity to strengthen their squad.
By bringing de Kock to their squad he will take on the wicketkeeping duties after the side let go of Phil Salt. His potential partnership with Sunil Narine at the top of the order will help the side to give a strong start. With 107 IPL matches under his belt and 3,157 runs including two centuries, de Kock brings experience. This low-cost acquisition could be a game-changing move for KKR.
3. Faf Du Plessis (INR 2 crore, Delhi Capitals)
Faf du Plessis. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
Former South African skipper Faf du Plessis has found Delhi Capitals as his new IPL team for the upcoming 2025 season. The side signed the veteran for INR 2 crore after his previous franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru opted not to use their Right to Match card.
A proven IPL champion, du Plessis brings huge experience from his successful stints with Chennai Super Kings and RCB. His remarkable IPL career spans 145 matches, during which he has scored 4,571 runs, including 37 half-centuries and two championship wins in 2018 and 2021.
The seasoned batter will strengthen Delhi’s lineup, joining fellow South African Tristan Stubbs. The opener is expected to provide valuable stability and depth to the team’s batting order in the upcoming season.
2. Glenn Maxwell (INR 4.2 crore, Punjab Kings)
Glenn Maxwell. (Source – Getty Images)
During the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, strong Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell found a new home with Punjab Kings, securing a deal worth INR. 4.20 crore. The 36-year-old, after three seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, was released and quickly became a target for multiple franchises.
The bidding war began with Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Chennai Super Kings joining the fray before Punjab Kings clinched the deal for a relatively cheaper price tag. Maxwell’s IPL career spans 134 matches and includes 2,771 runs at a strike rate of 156.73, along with 37 wickets. Maxwell has earlier played for Punjab from 2014 to 2017, 2020). The Aussie has always attracted buyers in the previous IPL auctions, but this time around not many teams were interested in getting Maxwell’s services. PBKS used a good opportunity to strengthen their overseas contingent for the next season.
1. Washington Sundar (INR 3.2 crore, Gujarat Titans)
Washington Sundar. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Ace Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar was acquired by Gujarat Titans for just INR 3.2 crore, making it one of the top steal deals of the IPL 2025 mega-auctions. Despite his recent impressive performances in Test matches against Australia and New Zealand, only two franchises, GT and Lucknow Super Giants showed interest.
The auction room witnessed an awkward silence when Sundar’s name was called at a base price of INR 2 crore. LSG quickly dropped out, allowing GT to secure the Tamil Nadu all-rounder at a remarkable price. With a T20 international record of 47 wickets from 52 matches and an economy rate of 6.87, Sundar joins teammates Sai Sudharsan and Shahrukh Khan for the upcoming IPL season.