The anticipation for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction is at an all-time high as the BCCI prepares for a thrilling two-day event on November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This year's auction has attracted 1,574 players competing for just 204 slots across the ten franchises, making it a fiercely competitive process. With base prices for marquee players now announced, the spotlight is on high-profile stars like Rishabh Pant, Jos Buttler, and Glenn Maxwell.

The retention window leading up to the auction saw some surprising moves that left fans and analysts buzzing. In a shock decision, the Rajasthan Royals released Jos Buttler, their top performer for the past three seasons, despite his reliability and ability to anchor their batting lineup. Likewise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opted to release Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell following an underwhelming 2024 season, signaling their intent to rebuild with younger, high-impact talent.

Star Players Set at ₹2 Crore Base Price

Jos Buttler and Glenn Maxwell have both set their base price at ₹2 crore, the highest allowed. Despite Buttler’s recent injuries, his record as a powerful opener and his leadership role for England make him a highly sought-after asset. Teams are likely to bid well beyond ₹10 crore to secure him. Similarly, Maxwell’s explosive middle-order batting makes him a hot property, despite last season’s dip in form.

Leading Indian stars like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer have also pegged their base prices at ₹2 crore. Pant, a fan favourite, is expected to attract intense bidding, particularly from teams seeking a game-changing wicketkeeper-batsman. Rahul and Iyer, both reliable and seasoned run-scorers, are likely to see strong demand from franchises needing steady middle-order batsmen with leadership qualities.

Indian Talent in Demand: Chahal, Ashwin, and Shami at ₹2 crore

Indian spin experts Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin join the ₹2 crore club after being released by their franchises. Their experience and skill make them valuable assets in a format where an effective spin can change the game’s course. Mohammed Shami, another premier bowler with a ₹2 crore base price, is expected to draw substantial interest for his prowess in the powerplay.

International Stars Commanding High Interest

The international roster includes several exciting names with ₹2 crore base prices, including England’s Jonny Bairstow and Jofra Archer. Bairstow’s aggressive top-order approach and Archer’s pace and precision are bound to attract considerable attention. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, acquired last year by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹24.75 crore, is back on the auction block. Despite recent injuries, Starc’s raw pace and extensive experience are likely to make him one of the most sought-after players.

Young Indian Prospects and Veteran Surprises

Some emerging Indian talents have opted for lower base prices, hoping to secure a place in the league rather than chasing high bids. Notably, fast bowler Umran Malik has set his base price at ₹75 lakh, an affordable tag that could incite a bidding war for teams looking to bolster their bowling lineup with youth and speed. In an unexpected move, English legend James Anderson is eyeing a return to T20 cricket. At age 42, Anderson’s ₹50 lakh base price reflects his intent to bring his vast experience to franchise cricket, making him an intriguing option.

A Strategic Battle Awaits

With teams entering the auction with varying purse balances, the stakes are high. Franchises face a strategic challenge: balancing the draw of marquee names with the need for a consistent, well-rounded squad. The auction promises intense bidding wars for top-order anchors, versatile all-rounders, and promising young talents, ensuring an electrifying start to IPL 2025.