Ajinkya Rahane has a lot of experience in international cricket, which could make him a valuable player for teams looking for someone steady and reliable.
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction is just around the corner, scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. One of the players in the spotlight is Ajinkya Rahane, who has been released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and has a base price of INR 1.50 crore in the upcoming auction.
Ajinkya Rahane has a lot of experience in international cricket, which could make him a valuable player for teams looking for someone steady and reliable.
While his recent T20 form and age might be a concern, his calmness and ability to perform under pressure are qualities that some teams might still appreciate.
Even though there’s a chance he might go unsold, some franchises may still see the value in his experience and choose to bid for him.
Let’s look at the 3 teams that would target Ajinkya Rahane in the IPL 2025 auction.
Punjab Kings might see Rahane’s experience as a key asset as they restructure their squad after retaining only a handful of players. His presence could bring much-needed stability to their batting lineup, along with the potential to provide leadership support.
Rahane could pair well with Prabhsimran Singh at the top, complementing Prabhsimran’s aggressive style by playing an anchoring role. Alternatively, he could slot into the middle order if required. Even if he doesn’t feature regularly in the playing XI, Rahane’s experience makes him a solid backup option, particularly given Punjab’s significant budget for this auction.
Gujarat Titans might view Ajinkya Rahane as a valuable addition to their squad, considering their history of relying on experienced players like Wriddhiman Saha. Rahane’s adaptability and ability to bat in various middle-order positions could provide much-needed stability to their lineup.
His vast experience could be crucial in anchoring the innings and guiding younger players during tough situations. Additionally, Rahane’s insights could support captain Shubman Gill with strategies on the field. His addition could address this need and add depth to the team’s batting lineup.
Also Read: Retained Punjab Kings Star Eyes Captaincy Role for IPL 2025
After a string of poor IPL seasons post-2019, Ajinkya Rahane’s career saw a resurgence when Chennai Super Kings picked him up for INR 50 lakh at the IPL 2023 auction. Rahane repaid their trust with a stellar performance, scoring 326 runs in 14 matches at an impressive strike rate of 172.49.
However, his form dipped in IPL 2024, where he managed 242 runs in 13 matches with a strike rate of 123.47. Following this, CSK released him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Despite releasing him, CSK might still consider re-signing Rahane as a stabilizing option for their middle order. His understanding of CSK’s strategies and ability to anchor innings could prove useful. With one Right to Match (RTM) card available, the franchise is likely to reserve it for another player, as Rahane’s services could potentially be secured at a reasonable price without using the RTM.
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