Four franchises, who are in search of a new captain, are expected to start an intense bidding war for Shreyas Iyer at the IPL 2025 Auction.
Shreyas Iyer stands out as a prime candidate expected to ignite a bidding frenzy in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite leading them to their third IPL title in 2024, Iyer’s availability has piqued the interest of several franchises aiming to bolster their middle-order batting and leadership ranks.
Notably, four teams are looking for a new captain for the upcoming season and they are anticipated to engage in a competitive bidding war for the former KKR captain.
Historically, PBKS has grappled with inconsistency and a lack of stable leadership that have contributed to their elusive quest for an IPL title. With a substantial auction purse of ₹110.5 crore—the largest among all teams—PBKS is well-positioned to make significant acquisitions.
The franchise’s decision to retain only two uncapped players shows their intent to overhaul the squad and infuse experienced talent. Iyer’s proven leadership and middle-order prowess align seamlessly with PBKS’s requirements.
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His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed could provide the stability PBKS has been missing. Moreover, Iyer’s captaincy experience offers a potential solution to PBKS’s leadership void, presenting him as a valuable asset for the franchise’s strategic ambitions.
RCB’s batting lineup has often been top-heavy, relying heavily on the likes of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. The middle-order has lacked consistent performers, leading to vulnerabilities in crucial matches. With an auction purse of ₹83 crore remaining, RCB has the financial flexibility to target high-value players.
Iyer’s inclusion could address their middle-order concerns, providing a reliable batter capable of stabilizing innings and accelerating during the death overs. His experience and composure under pressure would complement RCB’s existing lineup, potentially transforming their batting dynamics.
Additionally, Iyer’s leadership qualities could offer strategic depth, assisting the team in high-pressure situations and contributing to a more balanced and formidable squad.
With an auction purse of ₹69 crore, LSG also stands a fair chance at acquiring Iyer. They have retained key batters like Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni, but they lack a middle-order batter that can add stability to their lineup.
Iyer’s consistent performances and ability to play both anchor and aggressor roles make him an ideal candidate to strengthen LSG’s batting lineup. His experience in leading a team to an IPL title adds value, potentially guiding LSG’s relatively young squad. Iyer’s presence could provide the stability and experience needed to navigate challenging match situations, aiding LSG in building a competitive and cohesive unit.
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Iyer’s association with DC from 2015 to 2021, including a captaincy stint leading them to their maiden final in 2020, is well-documented. With an auction purse of ₹73 crore remaining, DC has the resources to bid for Iyer’s return. His familiarity with the franchise’s culture and dynamics could facilitate a seamless reintegration.
DC’s middle-order has shown inconsistencies, and after the departure of Rishabh Pant, Iyer’s inclusion could provide them much-needed stability and experience. His leadership experience offers an added advantage, as they could look to make him the captain as well. A reunion with DC could be mutually beneficial, leveraging Iyer’s skills and experience to bolster the team’s prospects.
The anticipated bidding war among PBKS, RCB, LSG, and DC sums up the high regard in which Shreyas Iyer is held within the cricketing fraternity. As the IPL 2025 auction unfolds, it will be intriguing to see which franchise secures his services and how his inclusion impacts their performance in the upcoming season.
