IPL 2025 Auction: 3 middle-order players who might spark a bidding war

Top order batters set the tone, while the middle order batters take control of the game and shape it. In IPL 2024, Sunil Narine and Phil Salt managed to give Kolkata Knight Riders a grand start on multiple occasions but if it wasn’t for impactful knocks from Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer, things could have been different.

The same goes for several other players and franchises, such as Tilak Varma in Mumbai Indians, Riyan Parag in Rajasthan Royals and Shivam Dube in Chennai Super Kings. These players can play aggressive cricket whenever required and build partnerships as well. They can fit in anywhere and play a crucial role in the course of the season. Meanwhile, here are three middle order players that can spark a bidding war.

3. Shreyas Iyer

If a franchise wants to sign a number four batter, there’s arguably no better batter than Shreyas Iyer. Despite winning the IPL as captain in 2024, he was released by Kolkata Knight Riders after a failed negotiation. Several franchises are expected to get him on board and a bidding war is expected as soon as his name comes up.

2. Venkatesh Iyer

Another former KKR player that can create a bidding war in Venkatesh Iyer. He played 15 matches for the franchise last season, scoring 370 runs at a strike rate of 158.79. He can bowl as well if required and is a safe fielder. On top of that, Venkatesh can accelerate and if required keep the scoreboard ticking with singles and will be an attractive option for every time.

1. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is arguably going to be the most expensive player in the IPL auction. Several franchises will be interested in getting him on board and teams like Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants may even look to appoint him as the new captain. Franchises such as Chennai and Gujarat will consider having him on board as well.