Many of these openers also offer wicketkeeping skills, making them even more in demand.
Less than 10 days remain for the much awaited IPL 2025 mega auction, set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25.
All ten teams are preparing to make smart moves to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. Openers will be a key focus, as they play an important role in the powerplay overs, providing explosive starts that can shape the outcome of a match.
Many overseas openers, despite not being retained by their franchises, are likely to attract significant interest during the auction.
Let’s look at the six overseas openers who will be in demand at IPL 2025 Auction.
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It was unexpected when Rajasthan Royals released their star player, Jos Buttler, ahead of the auction. Buttler had been a key performer for the team over the past three seasons, with his standout year being 2022, where he scored 863 runs in 17 matches. In IPL 2024, he scored 359 runs in 11 matches, including two centuries, with one being a match-winning knock against KKR.
With a base price of INR 2 crores, Buttler could attract interest from teams like KKR, who may see him as a solid option for the opening slot, similar to how they used Phil Salt in IPL 2024. Buttler’s wicketkeeping and leadership abilities add to his value, making him an enticing pick for several franchises. Given his skills and recent form in T20Is, Buttler is expected to be the center of a bidding war at the auction.
Phil Salt has become a standout player in T20 cricket following his time with Kolkata Knight Riders. Known for his ability to take charge from the outset, Salt played a key role in KKR’s IPL 2024 title win. However, the team chose to release him, as they have already retained six players and cannot use the Right to Match (RTM) card, making Salt available for the auction.
In IPL 2024, Salt featured in 12 matches, scoring 435 runs at an impressive strike rate of 182.01. His wicketkeeping ability, combined with his power-hitting at the top of the order, makes him a valuable asset. Given his recent form in T20is, Salt is expected to attract significant interest and command a strong bid in the upcoming auction.
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Devon Conway played a vital role for CSK over two seasons, consistently delivering at the top of the order. Though an injury kept him out of IPL 2024, his remarkable 2023 season, where he scored 672 runs in 16 matches, showcased his versatility on different pitches.
Conway is set to be a hot prospect in the IPL 2025 mega auction. While CSK holds one Right to Match card and might use it for him, other franchises are also expected to compete fiercely for his services.
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Punjab Kings released Jonny Bairstow ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. While his time with the team wasn’t particularly impactful, Bairstow’s explosive batting and wicketkeeping skills make him a strong contender for other franchises. His experience and ability to dominate at the top order remain his biggest strengths.
In 50 IPL matches, Bairstow has scored 1589 runs, and when he finds his rhythm, he becomes a game-changer. With a base price of INR 2 crores, he is expected to attract significant bids. Despite having four Right to Match (RTM) cards, PBKS are unlikely to use one for him.
Jake Fraser-McGurk, the Australian power hitter, made a big impression during IPL 2024 with his aggressive batting for Delhi Capitals. In IPL 2024, he scored 330 runs in 9 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 234, earning attention for his ability to hit big and dominate the game from the start. Despite his explosive performance, the Capitals have released him ahead of the auction.
Although Fraser-McGurk hasn’t been in top form in international cricket recently, his impressive IPL showing has kept him in demand. His potential as a powerful striker of the ball makes him a valuable prospect for many teams, and he is expected to attract strong interest at the upcoming auction.
Quinton de Kock, released by Lucknow Super Giants before the auction, had a quiet IPL 2024, but his experience still makes him an appealing choice for teams looking for a reliable opener. With 107 IPL matches and 3157 runs to his name, de Kock’s past performances show his potential, despite his recent struggles.
Teams like Mumbai Indians, with whom de Kock has previously played, may target him in the auction. He could pair up with Rohit Sharma to provide a strong opening partnership and offer solid wicketkeeping option. While Lucknow Super Giants can use their Right to Match (RTM) card, it’s unlikely they’ll use it on de Kock given his recent form.
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