Jeddah – Despite being out of favor with the national team for over two years, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar emerged as one of the most sought-after players at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured his services for ₹10.75 crore, leading a lucrative day for Indian fast bowlers during the second day of the auction at the Abadi Al Johar Arena on Monday.
Meanwhile, prominent names like Shardul Thakur, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, and New Zealand stars Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips went unsold, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the bidding process.
Bhuvneshwar’s Comeback to the IPL Spotlight
At 35, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has a stellar T20 record, boasting 300 wickets in 287 matches at an economy rate under eight. Despite last representing India in November 2022, his ability to swing the ball in the Powerplay remains a prized asset. With IPL franchises often requiring three quality Indian pacers in their lineup, Bhuvneshwar’s experience proved invaluable, even as his international career appears behind him.
Big Wins for Indian Bowlers
The demand for Indian pacers saw Deepak Chahar and Mukesh Kumar securing impressive deals. Chahar, known for his swing bowling in Powerplays, was picked up for a significant sum, while Mukesh’s skills at delivering yorkers in death overs also found takers. Test pacer Akash Deep earned a massive ₹8 crore contract from Lucknow Super Giants.
Rajasthan Royals invested ₹6.5 crore in Tushar Deshpande, despite his economy rate nearing 10 runs per over and his recovery from an ankle injury. These deals underscore the scarcity of quality Indian pacers and their premium value in the league.
Strategic Buys and Surprise Bargains
Former RCB captain Faf du Plessis turned out to be one of the auction’s biggest bargains, going to Delhi Capitals at his base price of ₹2 crore. Gujarat Titans made a smart move by signing Washington Sundar for ₹3.2 crore, adding an all-rounder with recent international success.
South African pacer Marco Jansen also struck gold, with Punjab Kings signing him for ₹7 crore. England’s Sam Curran, who once fetched a record ₹18 crore, was brought back by Chennai Super Kings for ₹2.4 crore.
High-Profile Players Go Unsold
Players like Shardul Thakur, Ajinkya Rahane, and Prithvi Shaw remained unsold but could return in the accelerated auction. Rahane’s struggles with form, both in the IPL and domestic cricket, have diminished his appeal. Shardul’s lack of impactful T20 performances, combined with an economy rate of 9.15, likely contributed to his exclusion.
Prithvi Shaw, however, retains some appeal for his explosive starts in the Powerplay, though concerns over his fitness and struggles against quality pace may deter potential buyers.
Additional Highlights
Krunal Pandya secured a ₹5.75 crore deal with RCB, adding experience and balance as a spin-bowling all-rounder. Rajasthan Royals signed Nitish Rana for ₹4.2 crore, further strengthening their middle order.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 mega auction highlighted the critical role experienced Indian pacers play in team composition, as reflected by the significant sums spent on Bhuvneshwar Kumar and others. While some high-profile names missed out, the auction also provided opportunities for emerging talent and strategic buys, setting the stage for another competitive IPL season.
