With the IPL auction around the corner, the anticipation is high as fans eagerly await to see which players will command the highest bids. Following the announcement of team retentions, it’s clear that several marquee players are back on the market, making this season’s auction particularly exciting. Teams are gearing up for a strategic bidding war, especially with these five players expected to fetch record-breaking prices due to their performance, form, and game-changing abilities. Let’s take a look at the top five players likely to become the most expensive buys in the IPL Auction 2025.
1) Jake Fraser-McGurk
Jake Fraser-McGurk has become one of the hottest commodities in IPL auctions following his breakout season with the Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2024. The 22-year-old Australian has demonstrated his power-hitting prowess, which helped change the fortunes of DC last season. In just nine matches, he amassed 330 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 234, showcasing his ability to clear boundaries with ease and pile on runs at a rapid pace.
Fraser-McGurk’s aggression at the crease makes him a valuable asset for any team looking for a top-order batter who can give a blazing start or come in during the middle overs and accelerate the scoring. His performance has not only highlighted his batting talent but also underscored his composure in high-pressure games, making him an attractive buy for teams aiming to secure explosive hitters. Given his current form and potential, franchises are likely to enter a bidding war, with Fraser-McGurk possibly fetching one of the highest prices in IPL Auction 2025.
2) Rishabh Pant
The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has always been a sought-after player in the IPL due to his aggressive batting and match-winning abilities. Despite his impressive record with Delhi Capitals — scoring 3,284 runs across 111 matches with an impressive average and last season’s haul of 446 runs — Pant has reportedly fallen out of alignment with DC’s future plans. This unexpected turn of events has made him available in the auction, sparking immense interest among other franchises.
Pant’s natural attacking style, combined with his experience, makes him a top target for teams aiming to strengthen their middle order. He has proven time and again that he can single-handedly turn games around, making him a prized asset for any franchise. Pant’s versatility as a finisher and his role as an experienced wicketkeeper-batsman who can adapt to various roles and batting orders ensures that he’ll likely attract one of the highest bids in the 2025 auction. Teams with a solid top order but in need of a middle-order finisher will be particularly keen to secure his services.
3) Mitchell Starc
One of the most dominant fast bowlers in world cricket, Mitchell Starc, is back in the IPL auction pool after being released by his previous team despite his incredible performance last season. Starc fetched nearly INR 25 crore in the previous auction, a testament to his impact and the value he brings to a T20 side. In 2024, he took 17 wickets in 14 matches, including two standout performances in the Qualifier 1 and Finals, where he clinched the Man of the Match award on both occasions. His ability to deliver under pressure and in clutch games sets him apart as a game-changer.
Starc’s aggressive bowling style, blistering pace, and ability to swing the ball make him one of the most feared bowlers in T20 cricket. With teams always on the lookout for a reliable strike bowler who can dismantle top-order batters and control death overs, Starc is likely to be a high-demand player in the 2025 auction. Teams that struggled with bowling depth last season, especially at the death, will be keenly vying for his signature, making it very likely that Starc could surpass his previous auction record and emerge as one of the most expensive players in IPL history.
4) Jos Buttler
The 2022 Orange Cap winner, Jos Buttler, has solidified his place as one of the most consistent and explosive openers in IPL history. With a career tally of 3,582 runs in 107 matches at an impressive strike rate nearing 140, Buttler’s credentials speak for themselves. In 2022, he scored an astounding 863 runs, a feat that highlighted his ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed, adapting his game to suit different situations.
Buttler’s international experience and aggressive style have made him a crowd favorite, and teams across the board value his knack for providing solid starts. His availability in the 2025 auction means teams looking to strengthen their top order will likely engage in fierce bidding. With the experience of playing in pressure situations, Buttler not only contributes with the bat but also brings valuable insight and leadership qualities to the dressing room. His mix of aggression, consistency, and adaptability ensures that franchises will spare no expense in securing his services, making him a contender for one of the top spots in the auction price list.
5) Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer, the captain who led his team to an IPL title in 2024, has been released back into the auction pool, and his availability is already causing a buzz among franchises looking for a reliable batsman and a capable leader. Purchased for INR 12.25 crore in the 2022 auction, Iyer’s market value has likely skyrocketed given his recent success as an IPL-winning captain and his composed match-winning performances.
With a history of delivering consistently in the middle order and a proven record of leadership, Iyer brings a dual benefit to teams in need of a middle-order anchor and a captain. His calm demeanor under pressure, combined with his tactical acumen, has earned him a strong reputation as one of the IPL’s best Indian captains. For teams lacking a solid middle order or a steady hand to lead, Iyer’s experience and leadership qualities make him an ideal pick. The bidding for Iyer is expected to be intense, with multiple franchises eager to acquire his skills, both as a player and as a captain, likely resulting in him becoming one of the most expensive buys in the 2025 auction.
The IPL 2025 auction promises to be a thrilling event, with multiple star players likely to fetch record-breaking bids. Jake Fraser-McGurk’s explosive batting, Rishabh Pant’s dynamic middle-order prowess, Mitchell Starc’s lethal bowling, Jos Buttler’s reliable opening, and Shreyas Iyer’s leadership qualities make them the top candidates to attract massive sums. As franchises battle it out to create balanced, winning teams, fans can expect these players to lead the auction headlines. With these stars up for grabs, IPL 2025 could set new benchmarks for player value, bringing in an exciting season filled with talent and competitive cricket.