The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah on Sunday saw Punjab Kings (PBKS) make a significant splash by acquiring Nehal Wadhera for ₹4.20 crore, while Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) strengthened their lineup with the addition of Abhinav Manohar for ₹3.20 crore. However, in a surprising turn, India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Yash Dhull went unsold.
Nehal Wadhera, a rising star known for his power-hitting performances with Mumbai Indians (MI), sparked a fierce bidding war. Entering the auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh, Wadhera quickly drew interest from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
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The bidding escalated as CSK and PBKS exchanged bids, pushing the price past ₹2 crore. CSK withdrew when the bid neared ₹3 crore, making way for Gujarat Titans (GT) to enter the race. However, PBKS remained resolute, eventually securing Wadhera for ₹4.20 crore despite a late challenge from Delhi Capitals (DC). MI opted not to use their Right to Match (RTM) card, sealing Wadhera’s move to PBKS.
Abhinav Manohar, who impressed in the Maharaja T20 League, became another high-profile acquisition. Multiple franchises showed initial interest, but SRH’s determination secured the batter for ₹3.20 crore.
SRH also bolstered their squad with Atharva Taide, signing the former PBKS player for his base price of ₹30 lakh. In contrast, Anmolpreet Singh, who has previously played for SRH and MI, went unsold.
In one of the most surprising outcomes of the auction, India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Yash Dhull went unsold despite a modest base price of ₹30 lakh. The lack of interest from franchises left many fans and analysts puzzled.
Other Notable Picks
- Karun Nair Returns to Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals brought Karun Nair back to their squad, acquiring him for ₹50 lakh after a brief bidding contest with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). - Angkrish Raghuvanshi Rejoins KKR
Angkrish Raghuvanshi attracted attention with a spirited bidding war between CSK and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The Knights eventually secured him for ₹3 crore.