Rahul Tripathi will be a popular player at the IPL 2025 Auction owing to his equal adeptness at handling pace and spin.
Rahul Tripathi may not be a star like other players of Indian cricket but he has gained popularity and a cult following among the Indian fans over the years due to his exploits in the Indian Premier League. After serving three years with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has been released into the IPL 2025 Auction Pool again and he has registered himself at a base price of INR 75 Lakhs.
Tripathi’s IPL career commenced with the Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, where he made an immediate impact by scoring 391 runs in 12 matches, including a highest score of 93. His aggressive batting at the top order was instrumental in Pune’s successful campaign that year. Following Pune’s dissolution, he was acquired by the Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and 2019, though his performances were relatively subdued during this period.
In the 2020 IPL auction, Tripathi was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 60 lakhs. His tenure with KKR saw him playing crucial innings, often providing stability in the top order. In 2022, he joined Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he continued to show his batting prowess.
But now that he has been released, let’s take a look at four teams that could target the 33-year-old at the IPL 2025 AUction.
Chennai Super Kings are likely to show interest in Rahul Tripathi as they are known for banking on experienced Indian batters. CSK’s batting line-up has historically relied on seasoned campaigners who can anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. Tripathi’s ability to adapt to various batting positions aligns with CSK’s flexible batting approach.
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In recent seasons, CSK has faced challenges with their middle-order stability. Tripathi’s consistent performances and experience in handling pressure situations make him an ideal candidate to fill this gap. Moreover, his proficiency against both pace and spin adds depth to CSK’s batting arsenal. Given CSK’s tendency to invest in players who can contribute immediately, Tripathi’s inclusion could provide the necessary impetus to their batting line-up.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been on the lookout for reliable middle-order batters to complement their star-studded top order. Despite having power hitters like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, RCB has often struggled with middle-order collapses. Rahul Tripathi’s consistent run-scoring ability and experience in anchoring innings make him a valuable asset for RCB. Now that they have released Du Plessis, Tripathi can easily fit in as Kohli’s opening partner as well.
Tripathi’s aggressive batting style aligns with RCB’s attacking brand of cricket. His experience in playing under pressure and ability to rotate the strike efficiently can provide the stability that RCB’s middle order has been lacking. Additionally, his fielding prowess adds value to the team’s overall dynamics.
Kolkata Knight Riders, having previously benefited from Tripathi’s services, might consider re-acquiring him to strengthen their batting line-up. During his stint with KKR, Tripathi played several crucial knocks, often providing the team with quick starts or stabilizing the innings in the middle overs.
KKR’s batting strategy revolves around flexibility and depth, with a preference for players who can adapt to various roles. Tripathi’s versatility in batting positions and his familiarity with the team’s environment make him a suitable candidate.
His prior experience with KKR’s setup could facilitate a seamless reintegration, allowing him to contribute effectively from the outset. Given KKR’s focus on building a cohesive unit, Tripathi’s inclusion could enhance their batting stability.
Despite releasing him ahead of the auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad might contemplate bringing Rahul Tripathi back into their fold. His performances for SRH were commendable, and his experience with the team’s dynamics could be advantageous. The decision to release him might have been a strategic move to re-acquire him at a lower price point.
SRH’s batting line-up has often relied heavily on a few key players, leading to vulnerabilities in the middle order. Tripathi’s ability to play both anchor and aggressor roles provides the flexibility SRH needs. His experience in handling various match situations and his positive attitude make him a valuable asset. Re-signing Tripathi could offer SRH the batting depth and stability required to enhance their performance in the upcoming season.
