IPL 2025 Auction – 5 lesser-known players who attracted big bids
The Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions have always thrown in plenty of surprises and this time it was no different. The two-day event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia saw several cricketers bagging lucrative deals. In this article, we take a look at five lesser-known players who attracted big bids at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
5. Jacob Bethell
Jacob Bethell has shown glimpses of his talent in the few games he has played for England. He had a base price of INR 1.25 crore but ended up getting an INR 2.60 crore deal with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Bethell is a solid middle-order batter and can also be a good left-arm spin-bowling option. Touted as one of the next big stars of English cricket, the 21-year-old will look to set the IPL stage ablaze.
4. Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 13, became the youngest cricketer to sign for a team in the IPL when he was roped in by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.10 crore. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar last season and also scored a sparkling century for the India Under-19 team against Australia Under-19 in an unofficial Test match.
3. Gurjapneet Singh
Chennai Super Kings won bidding wars with Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans to acquire the services of Tamil Nadu pacer Gurjapneet Singh. The left-arm pacer has a tall frame and can rush the batters with his pace and bounce. The 26-year-old will look to learn from some of the world-class bowlers in the Chennai setup and hone his trade.
2. Allah Ghazanfar
The Afghanistan mystery spinner sparked a bidding war on Day 2 of the mega auction. Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru started the bidding before the latter backed out at INR 2 crore. Mumbai Indians entered the fray and secured the services of Ghazanfar for a whopping INR 4.80 crore. The 18-year-old has played eight ODIs for Afghanistan and picked up 12 wickets, including best figures of 6/26. His average in the shortest format is an impressive 11.62. He will look to make an impact in his maiden IPL season.
1. Rasikh Salam
The right-arm pacer became the highest-paid uncapped player in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a staggering INR 6 crore. It is important to note that Salam had a base price of INR 30 lakh. He played eight games for Delhi Capitals last season and bagged nine wickets. Salam is known for his death bowling as he can bowl the cutters commendably and also mix them up with accurate yorkers.
