The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction concluded with dramatic bids, record-breaking purchases, and strategic team-building as franchises fought to secure top players. On the second and final day, marquee bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar attracted massive bids, reflecting the franchises’ focus on bolstering their bowling line-ups. With this auction setting the tone for the upcoming season, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of team-wise purchases and insights into the most promising squads.
Bidding Frenzy: Major Highlights and Top Buys
The auction showcased franchises aggressively pursuing key players to strengthen their core. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar emerged as two of the most expensive bowlers, while young and experienced players alike garnered significant attention. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and Jos Buttler were among the notable picks aimed at creating a balanced roster.
Franchises prioritized bowlers, all-rounders, and marquee batters to address their weaknesses and prepare for the high-octane competition ahead.
Team-Wise Analysis of Purchases
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Purse Spent: ₹119.90 crore
- Players Bought (25):
Key picks include Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, and Matheesha Pathirana. CSK has retained its core while adding fresh talent like Noor Ahmad and Devon Conway. With veterans and new additions, CSK looks ready to compete aggressively.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Purse Spent: ₹119.80 crore
- Players Bought (23):
Stars like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc highlight DC’s acquisitions. With a solid mix of batters, bowlers, and all-rounders, DC’s line-up appears well-rounded, especially with youngsters like Tristan Stubbs and experienced bowlers like T Natarajan.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Purse Spent: ₹119.85 crore
- Players Bought (25):
The Titans made aggressive moves, securing Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, and Mohammed Siraj. Their focus on versatile players like Rahul Tewatia and Glenn Phillips suggests a strategy to dominate in all departments.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Purse Spent: ₹119.90 crore
- Players Bought (24):
With Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and Ravi Bishnoi, LSG has focused on a mix of firepower and finesse. Their balanced purchases, including all-rounders like Aiden Markram, position them as strong contenders.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Purse Spent: ₹119.95 crore
- Players Bought (21):
KKR’s big buys include Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Umran Malik. With Quinton de Kock and Moeen Ali strengthening the squad, KKR retains a formidable core while adding depth.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Purse Spent: ₹119.80 crore
- Players Bought (23):
MI retained its stars like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, while acquiring Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult to bolster their bowling attack. The team continues to look balanced and powerful for forthcoming IPL matches .
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Purse Spent: ₹119.65 crore
- Players Bought (25):
With Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, and Yuzvendra Chahal, PBKS has built a squad with a mix of experience and youth. The addition of Marcus Stoinis and Marco Jansen strengthens their all-round capabilities.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Purse Spent: ₹119.70 crore
- Players Bought (20):
RR focused on their core by retaining Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, while adding Jofra Archer and Wanindu Hasaranga. Their strategy highlights a balanced team structure.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Purse Spent: ₹119.25 crore
- Players Bought (22):
Virat Kohli leads a squad featuring Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Liam Livingstone. With strong additions to both batting and bowling, RCB aims for its maiden title.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Purse Spent: ₹119.80 crore
- Players Bought (20):
Key acquisitions like Heinrich Klaasen, Pat Cummins, and Ishan Kishan make SRH a formidable team. Their focus on young talent and experienced players highlights their balanced approach.
Most Promising Teams Post-Auction
- Gujarat Titans (GT): With stars like Rashid Khan and Jos Buttler, GT boasts depth in both batting and bowling. Their focus on all-rounders ensures versatility.
- Mumbai Indians (MI): A blend of star power and consistency, MI remains a perennial favorite with its balanced squad and experienced players.
- Delhi Capitals (DC): The inclusion of KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis makes DC a strong contender, alongside a capable bowling attack for upcoming IPL .
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): With Virat Kohli leading a revamped squad featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Liam Livingstone, RCB looks poised for a breakthrough season.
Auction Trends and Takeaways
The 2025 IPL auction highlighted the growing emphasis on all-rounders and experienced bowlers. Teams spent aggressively to address specific gaps, ensuring a competitive edge for the season. With several franchises boasting balanced and star-studded line-ups, the upcoming IPL season promises to be one of the most thrilling yet.