The IPL 2025 Auction was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a blend of star-studded names, intense bidding wars, and some truly jaw-dropping figures. While established players like Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and others dominated the headlines, the auction also saw a few lesser-known talents who turned the tables with their impressive price tags. These players might not have been on everyone’s radar, but when the bids started flying, they quickly became the talk of the town. Let’s take a closer look at these lesser-known stars who made the IPL 2025 Auction their personal payday!
Jitesh Sharma's auction journey is a classic underdog story. The wicketkeeper-batsman, who had a base price of just 2 crore, surprised everyone when he was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a massive 11 crore! His ability to finish games and his aggressive batting style made him an appealing option for RCB, who were willing to pay a premium for his services. Jitesh’s rise to prominence is a testament to the fact that in the IPL, anything can happen, and you should never judge a player by their name alone.
Next, we have Prasidh Krishna, a fast bowler who quietly made a strong impression during the auction. Despite having a base price of 2 crore, the Gujarat Titans secured him for 9.5 crore. Known for his pace and ability to unsettle batsmen with fiery deliveries, Prasidh’s talent was undeniable. With the IPL being a platform that rewards quick bowlers, Gujarat Titans have made a smart investment in a player who could make a significant impact in their bowling attack this season.
Avesh Khan, a name that has been buzzing in domestic cricket, also enjoyed a successful auction. With his base price of 2 crore, Lucknow Super Giants went all out and bought him for 9.75 crore. Avesh has been consistently impressive in domestic cricket, and his ability to bowl under pressure makes him a valuable asset. Now, with this big-ticket contract, Avesh will be looking to prove that he’s more than just another IPL gamble.
One of the more surprising picks was Khaleel Ahmed, the left-arm pacer who is known for his swinging deliveries. Despite his 2 crore base price, Chennai Super Kings secured him for 4.8 crore in a bidding war. This was a big leap from his base price, but Khaleel’s ability to swing the ball and his experience in limited-overs cricket makes him a great fit for CSK. His inclusion will add much-needed depth to their already strong bowling attack, and he could be a key player for them this season.
Another fast bowler who attracted a lot of attention was T. Natarajan. Known for his deadly yorkers and exceptional death-over bowling, Natarajan was a hot property during the auction. Despite his modest 2 crore base price, Delhi Capitals invested heavily in him, securing him for 10.75 crore. With his lethal yorkers and ability to deliver under pressure, Natarajan will be an asset to DC’s bowling attack, especially in the crunch moments of the game.
Maheesh Theekshana, the Sri Lankan mystery spinner, was another surprise at the IPL 2025 Auction. Mystery spinners are always a bit of a gamble, but Maheesh proved his worth with a solid performance in domestic cricket. With a base price of 2 crore, Rajasthan Royals swooped in and secured him for 4.4 crore. His ability to bowl in the middle overs and break partnerships makes him an exciting prospect, and RR will be hoping he delivers the goods.
One of the biggest surprises of the auction was Noor Ahmad, the Afghan wrist-spinner. With a base price of just 2 crore, Chennai Super Kings invested a whopping 10 crore in him. Noor’s wrist-spin is known for its accuracy and ability to keep batsmen guessing, and his inclusion in CSK’s squad could prove to be one of the best buys of the season. His rise from an unknown to a 10-crore player is a reflection of his growing reputation and potential.
Nehal Wadhera, an uncapped player from India, was another standout pick. Despite having a base price of just 30 lakh, Punjab Kings secured him for an eye-catching 4.2 crore. Nehal’s talent as a top-order batsman and his impressive domestic record made him an attractive prospect for franchises. With this big bid, Nehal will now have the opportunity to prove his worth on the IPL stage.
Another uncapped player, Naman Dhir, also made a splash at the auction. The versatile all-rounder, with a base price of 2 crore, was bought by Mumbai Indians for 5.25 crore. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset for MI, and his rise in the auction could signal the start of a bright IPL career.
Abdul Samad, the all-rounder from Jammu & Kashmir, wasn’t a stranger to the IPL, but he still managed to surprise many when he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for 4.2 crore. Known for his hard-hitting batting and useful bowling, Abdul has been consistent in domestic cricket, and this big contract could propel him into the limelight in the IPL.
Harpreet Brar, another uncapped all-rounder, was bought by Punjab Kings for 1.5 crore. Known for his ability to bowl tight spells and his big-hitting potential, Harpreet is a versatile player who could be a game-changer for Punjab this season. This could be his breakthrough year, and the IPL could provide him with the platform to showcase his talent.
Finally, Rasikh Dar, a fast bowler from Kashmir, turned heads with his raw pace. Despite being uncapped, he was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for an impressive 6 crore, a significant leap from his 2 crore base price. Rasikh’s pace and control with the ball make him a player to watch, and his auction success signals that franchises are now looking to invest in untapped talent from non-traditional cricketing regions.
The IPL 2025 Auction proved that the game is constantly evolving, and talent can emerge from the most unexpected places. These lesser-known players have now secured their place in the IPL, and their performances in the coming season could surprise everyone. The auction may have been a gamble for some, but for these players, it was a life-changing opportunity. The stage is set for them to turn their newfound riches into on-field success!
