IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Kwena Maphaka Joins Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.5 Crore; Raza, Latham, King Go Unsold

The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah continued to deliver surprises on Monday as South African pacer Kwena Maphaka was acquired by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for ₹1.5 crore. Despite the fierce bidding war involving Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), it was the Royals who secured the services of the young bowler.

Maphaka, who emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 with 21 scalps in six matches, caught the attention of franchises despite a modest debut IPL season with Mumbai Indians (MI) last year, where he managed just one wicket in two matches. The South African pacer has also featured in three T20Is for his national team.

Rajasthan Royals’ move to acquire Maphaka highlights their focus on nurturing young talent and strengthening their pace attack ahead of the upcoming season.

Afghanistan’s Karim Janat, an experienced all-rounder, was signed by Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹75 lakh. Janat has featured in 66 T20Is for Afghanistan, scoring 673 runs with three half-centuries. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable addition to the Titans’ lineup.

Several notable international players failed to attract bids, including:

• Brandon King (West Indies): With 2,729 runs in 103 international matches, including three centuries and 17 half-centuries, King surprisingly went unsold.
• Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe): Despite an impressive T20 record of 2,236 runs and 76 wickets, the all-rounder failed to find a franchise.
• Tom Latham (New Zealand): The experienced Kiwi batter, known for his consistency, also remained unsold.
• Ottneil Baartman (South Africa): Another player who failed to secure a bid.

Emerging Talent and Strategic Buys

• Ajay Mandal (DC – ₹30 lakh): The former Chennai Super Kings spinner and handy all-rounder was picked by Delhi Capitals.
• Pravin Dubey (PBKS – ₹30 lakh): The Karnataka leg-spinner joined Punjab Kings, adding depth to their spin department.
• Manvanth Kumar (DC – ₹30 lakh): The Maharaja T20 Trophy all-rounder found a home with Delhi Capitals.

U19 Stars and Notable Misses

While some young talents like Maphaka found opportunities, others, including U19 star Raj Limbani, went unsold. Limbani had impressed in the 2024 U19 World Cup with 11 wickets in six matches and boasts 42 wickets overall but failed to attract bids.