IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Marquee Players Set to Take Center Stage in Jeddah

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, set to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25, promises high drama as franchises rebuild their squads with top Indian and international talent. From an initial pool of 1,574 players, 574 have been shortlisted, including 208 overseas players, 318 uncapped Indian players, and 12 uncapped overseas players, according to Wisden.

Among these, 12 marquee players have created significant buzz, featuring global cricketing icons and proven IPL stars. Here’s an in-depth look at these marquee names:

Jos Buttler (England)

England’s T20 World Cup-winning captain is one of the most formidable batters in white-ball cricket. With over 11,000 runs in T20 cricket, including eight centuries, Buttler has proven his prowess in the IPL during his stint with Rajasthan Royals (RR) from 2018-2024.

• IPL Stats: 3,055 runs for RR at an average of 41.84, strike rate of 147.79, with seven centuries and 18 fifties.
• Highlight Season: IPL 2022, when Buttler topped the run-scoring charts with 863 runs, including four centuries, leading RR to a runner-up finish.

His versatility and experience make him a hot commodity at this auction.

Shreyas Iyer (India)

Known for his consistency and leadership, Iyer has played for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), taking KKR to an IPL title in 2023 after a decade-long drought.

• IPL Stats: 2,375 runs at an average of 31.67, strike rate of 123.96, with 16 fifties.
• 2024 Season: Scored 351 runs for KKR at an average of 39.00 and a strike rate of 146+.

Iyer’s ability to anchor and accelerate will attract considerable interest.

Rishabh Pant (India)

Pant, a fearless wicketkeeper-batter, has been the backbone of Delhi Capitals since 2016. Returning from injury, he was DC’s top scorer last season.

• IPL Stats: 3,284 runs at an average of 35.31, strike rate of 147+, including one century and 18 fifties.
• 2024 Season: Scored 446 runs at an average of 40.54, strike rate of 155.40.

Pant’s aggressive style and leadership skills make him a prime candidate for franchises seeking explosive finishers.

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

The South African pacer is renowned for his wicket-taking abilities across formats.

• IPL Stats: 117 wickets in 80 matches, with an average of 23.64.
• Last Season: Took 11 wickets for Punjab Kings in 11 matches.

Rabada’s knack for striking in crucial moments will make him a highly sought-after bowler.

Arshdeep Singh (India)

The left-arm pacer is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is since his debut in 2022, with 92 wickets in 59 matches.

• IPL Stats: 76 wickets in 65 matches at an average of 27.00.
• 2024 Season: Took 19 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.58.

Arshdeep’s ability to swing the ball and deliver in death overs makes him a key asset.

Mitchell Starc (Australia)

The Australian pacer returned to the IPL in 2024 after a long hiatus, playing a pivotal role in KKR’s title-winning campaign.

• IPL Stats: 51 wickets in 41 matches.
• 2024 Season: Took 17 wickets, including match-winning spells in playoffs.

Starc’s big-match temperament and fiery pace will ensure intense bidding wars.

Yuzvendra Chahal (India)

The IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, Chahal remains a premier spinner for Rajasthan Royals.

• IPL Stats: 205 wickets in 160 matches at an average of 22.44.
• Highlight Season: Purple Cap winner in 2022 with 27 wickets.

Chahal’s unmatched ability to pick wickets in middle overs will draw considerable attention.

Liam Livingstone (England)

A dynamic all-rounder, Livingstone has been a game-changer for Punjab Kings.

• IPL Stats: 939 runs in 39 matches at a strike rate of 162+, along with 11 wickets.
• 2024 Season: Scored 111 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 142+.

Livingstone’s power-hitting and versatility make him an invaluable asset.

David Miller (South Africa)

An experienced finisher, Miller played a key role in Gujarat Titans’ success.

• IPL Stats: 2,455 runs in 116 matches at an average of 37.76.
• 2024 Season: Scored 210 runs at a strike rate of 151+.

Miller’s ability to close out games ensures he remains in high demand.

KL Rahul (India)

One of the most consistent batters in IPL history, Rahul has excelled in multiple roles and captained two franchises.

• IPL Stats: 4,683 runs in 132 matches at an average of 45.47, strike rate of 134.61.
• 2024 Season: Scored 520 runs with four half-centuries.

Rahul’s versatility and leadership will attract top-dollar bids.

Mohammed Shami (India)

The Indian veteran pacer has been a consistent performer, especially with the new ball.

• IPL Stats: 127 wickets in 110 matches.
• Highlight: Purple Cap winner in 2023 with 28 wickets.

Shami’s experience and accuracy make him a prized asset.

Mohammed Siraj (India)

Siraj has been a dependable bowler for RCB, with an ability to excel in powerplays and at the death.

• IPL Stats: 93 wickets in 93 matches.
• 2024 Season: Took 15 wickets in 14 matches.

Siraj’s rise as a complete bowler ensures fierce bidding at the auction.