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The IPL 2025 mega auction witnessed intense bidding for uncapped players. Key all-rounders and batters saw fierce competition, with prices reaching INR 6 crore. The top five costliest players were acquired by franchises through strategic bidding wars, with teams securing promising talents to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season.
Rasikh Salam Dar- INR 6 Cr- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Rasikh Salam Dar, the talented pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, capitalized on his stellar performance in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 2024. Known for his composure under pressure, he claimed nine wickets in four games, including a match-defining spell against Pakistan, conceding just 17 runs in the 17th and 19th overs while picking up a crucial wicket.
Dar maintained his form, grabbing six wickets in his next three matches. At the IPL 2025 auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) initiated the bidding, quickly joined by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). After an intense battle, Dar was secured by RCB for INR 6 crore.
While Delhi Capitals (DC), his former team, considered exercising their Right to Match (RTM), they opted out when RCB raised the stakes.
Naman Dhir- INR 5.4 Cr- Mumbai Indians
Punjab all-rounder Naman Dhir, who played seven matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2024, became a sought-after name in the IPL 2025 auction. With 200 runs in 13 T20 innings, his versatility sparked a fierce bidding battle.
MI initiated the bidding, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) quickly entering the fray. The contest pushed his price to INR 1.2 crore before RCB withdrew. Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) joined in, but it was RR who secured the bid at INR 5.4 crore.
However, MI used their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain Dhir, outlasting RR’s aggressive pursuit and reaffirming their faith in the talented all-rounder.
Nehal Wadhera- INR 4.2 Cr- Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured 24-year-old all-rounder Wadhera for INR 4.2 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. A key member of Punjab’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2023-24 championship-winning squad, Wadhera attracted strong interest from multiple franchises.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) initiated the bidding, with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Gujarat Titans (GT) joining the race. The bidding war started at INR 30 lakh and intensified before PBKS prevailed, bringing the talented youngster into their ranks.
Ashutosh Sharma- INR 3.8 Cr- Delhi Capitals
Railways batter Ashutosh Sharma, who impressed with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2024, sparked a bidding war at the IPL 2025 auction. Known for his explosive batting, Ashutosh amassed 189 runs in 11 innings with an average of 27 and a striking rate of 167, playing crucial roles in PBKS’ campaign.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) initiated the bidding, followed by Rajasthan Royals (RR). As the stakes rose, Delhi Capitals (DC) and PBKS went head-to-head, pushing the price to INR 3.8 crore. Ultimately, DC secured the talented batter, adding firepower to their squad.
Priyansh Arya- INR 3.8 Cr- Punjab Kings
Priyansh Arya, famed for smashing six sixes in an over during the inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL), became a hot commodity at the IPL 2025 auction. The 23-year-old, who has represented Delhi in 11 T20s and five List-A matches, started with a base price of INR 30 lakh.
Delhi Capitals (DC) initiated the bidding, with Mumbai Indians (MI) joining early. The contest soon narrowed to DC and Punjab Kings (PBKS), with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) later entering the fray. PBKS remained relentless, outbidding the competition to secure Arya for INR 3.8 crore.
| Player | Price (INR) | Team | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasikh Salam Dar | 6 Cr | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Stellar form in Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024; 9 wickets in 4 games; crucial spell vs. Pakistan. |
| Naman Dhir | 5.4 Cr | Mumbai Indians | Scored 200 runs in 13 T20 innings; retained by MI using RTM after fierce bidding with other franchises. |
| Nehal Wadhera | 4.2 Cr | Punjab Kings | Key player in Punjab’s SMAT 2023-24 win; heavily contested auction starting at INR 30 lakh. |
| Ashutosh Sharma | 3.8 Cr | Delhi Capitals | Explosive batter with 189 runs in IPL 2024; standout strike rate of 167 in 11 innings for PBKS. |
| Priyansh Arya | 3.8 Cr | Punjab Kings | Known for six sixes in an over during DPL; fierce bidding ended with PBKS securing him. |