Ishaan Shahane in Jeddah
With just 24 hours to go until the highly anticipated IPL auction kicks off, the cricketing world is buzzing with excitement. This year’s auction heads into uncharted territory as it unfolds in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia—a fresh and intriguing setting for the cricketing fraternity. With most franchises still holding significant portions of their purse, the two-day event promises to be a fascinating display of strategy and squad-building. Adding to the intrigue is the reintroduction of the Right to Match (RTM) card, which could play an important role in how teams finalize their rosters. All eyes will also be on the bidding wars, especially for marquee players like southpaw Rishabh Pant, who is expected to command a staggering price.
And to report on all of it, I have landed in Jeddah as well!
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) enter the IPL auction as power players, armed with the largest purses—₹110 crore and ₹83 crore, respectively. However, having a substantial budget can be both an advantage and a challenge. PBKS, historically inconsistent in building a competitive side, will be determined to rewrite their story this season, starting with key acquisitions to add much-needed depth. Rishabh Pant is expected to be at the top of their wishlist as they look to form a formidable squad. RCB, too, faces a rebuilding phase with one of the most passionate fan bases in IPL history behind them. Their challenge lies in assembling a squad capable of finally delivering the elusive title. Speculation is already rife about KL Rahul potentially returning to RCB as an opener—a move that could provide stability at the top of the order. For both franchises, the auction will be a defining moment, setting the stage for their IPL campaigns.
Franchises like Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders will approach the auction with focused strategies, having retained their core groups. Strengthening this foundation will be their primary goal, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a few familiar faces making their way back to these teams. Rajasthan Royals continue to emphasize youth, aiming to strike a balance by blending young talent with experienced players through strategic acquisitions. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals face the challenge of building a more robust base, while Gujarat Titans will look to reinforce their strengths further to maintain their competitive edge.
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The #BGT2024 buzz is real but don’t forget to catch all updates on the #IPLAuction2025 as @ishaanshahane11 is off to Jeddah 🇸🇦 to cover it all for RevSportz.
Keep following this space.@Wowmomo4u #IPLAuction #IPL2025 @IPL pic.twitter.com/kMH74hodNX
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 22, 2024
From the International stars, Jos Buttler and Jake Fraser Mcgurk are expected to go for the big bucks for what they bring to the table. Both batters up the order are dangerous making them X factors in the auction. Rachin Ravindra who had an impressive IPL last season is expected to be one of the top buys as well. Glenn Maxwell even though he has struggled to score runs in the IPL is likely to be bought for plenty simply because of how destructive he can be on a given day. From the bowlers, both the left-arm seamers Trent Boult and Mitchell Strac will fetch high bids for the experience and reliability they bring to the side.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this IPL auction is the participation of players at opposite ends of the cricketing spectrum. England’s 42-year-old fast-bowling legend James Anderson has thrown his hat into the ring, alongside 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who debuted for Bihar this year, becoming the youngest player to enter an IPL auction. This stark contrast highlights the IPL’s inclusivity, showcasing opportunities for talent regardless of age. Whether franchisees will invest in either of these players remains to be seen, but the anticipation adds another layer of excitement to an auction already set to be one of the most eventful in IPL history. Only time will reveal the twists and surprises it holds.
For me personally this is an event i am keen to report on. The IPL is crickets answer to big money and has shaped many a career. The auction will be no different and that’s what i was thinking on my way here in the five and a half hour flight. What I am keen to check out is how the teams prepare and then the local interest around the auction. Catch all of it on Revsportz.
Also Read: Punjab Kings Hit Reset: Will Ricky Ponting’s Overhaul End IPL Trophy Drought?