IPL 2025 Mega Auction: RCB Lands Tim David, Romario Shepherd; Will Jacks Joins Mumbai Indians

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction in Jeddah on Monday saw franchises making strategic acquisitions to bolster their squads. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made significant moves by securing explosive all-rounders Tim David and Romario Shepherd, while Mumbai Indians (MI) added England’s Will Jacks to their roster.

Tim David, returning to RCB after a three-year stint with Mumbai Indians, was bought for ₹3 crore. Known for his finishing prowess, David scored 658 runs in 37 matches for MI between 2022-24, with a strike rate of 159.79. His T20 career spans 254 matches, amassing 4,872 runs with 15 half-centuries and a high score of 92*. David also provides a handy bowling option, having taken 15 wickets.

Joining him at RCB is West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd, signed for ₹1.5 crore. Shepherd, who had a brief stint with MI last season, brings international experience with 34 ODIs and 50 T20Is under his belt, scoring 884 runs and taking a wicket.

Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thusara also joined RCB for ₹1.6 crore. Known for his wicket-taking abilities, Thusara has claimed 24 wickets in just 15 T20s for Sri Lanka.

England’s Will Jacks, who had an impressive season with RCB in 2024, found a new home with Mumbai Indians for ₹5.25 crore. Last season, Jacks scored 230 runs in eight matches, including a century and a fifty, and also contributed with the ball. His versatility adds significant depth to MI’s lineup.

Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai was signed by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹2.4 crore after a competitive bidding war with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Omarzai, with 1,300+ runs and 52 wickets in limited-overs internationals, adds balance to PBKS’s squad.

West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford joined Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹2.6 crore. Known for his power-hitting, Rutherford has scored 2,471 runs in 153 T20s with 12 half-centuries.

Australian pacer Spencer Johnson, who played for GT last season, was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹2.8 crore. Johnson has taken 14 wickets in eight T20Is for Australia.

Several high-profile players failed to attract bids, including Finn Allen (New Zealand), Dewald Brevis (South Africa), Ben Duckett (England), and Moeen Ali (England). Allen, despite his explosive strike rate of 158+ in T20s, and Brevis, known for his aggressive style, remained unsold.

Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq, Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh), and Rishad Hosein also went unsold. Moeen Ali, a veteran of CSK and the IPL, was another surprise omission.