Predicting where each of the 12 marquee players may end up after the IPL 2025 Auction in Jeddah on November 24-25.
The upcoming IPL 2025 auction is set to feature a host of marquee players, each with potential destinations based on team needs, player performance, and squad composition.
There will be 12 Marquee players going under the hammer in the auction, with them divided into two sets of six players each.
Here’s an analysis of each player’s possible future in the league:
Potential Destinations: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Best Chance: Gujarat Titans (GT)
Jos Buttler has been a consistent performer in the IPL. His aggressive batting and experience make him a valuable asset. Gujarat Titans might target Buttler to strengthen their top order and also bring in a reliable wicket-keeper. KKR, RCB and DC could also show interest, but GT’s need for a dynamic top-order batter who can also don the gloves and substantial auction purse, give them an edge.
RCB would be more interested in Indian wicketkeeper-batter options, whereas DC have already retained a high-value option in Abishek Porel. Only reason why they could bid for Buttler is captaincy, but if the amount goes beyond their set budget for him, they may opt out. KKR also have the same need as GT, but their auction purse might not allow them to bid aggressively for Buttler.
Also Read: 5 Teams that will Target Jos Buttler at the IPL 2025 Auction
Potential Destinations: Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Best Chance: Delhi Capitals (DC)
Former KKR captain,Shreyas Iyer is a seasoned IPL player with leadership experience. DC, having released Rishabh Pant, may seek a new captain and middle-order batter, making Iyer a strong candidate. Iyer was also their captain before Pant took over.
So, this could likely be a reunion. PBKS and RCB might also consider him, but DC’s immediate need for a captain and Iyer’s familiarity with the franchise tilt the balance in DC’s favour.
Also Read: 3 Teams That Will Target Harry Brook at IPL 2025 Auction
Potential Destinations: Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Best Chance: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Rishabh Pant has been a key player for DC over the years but they released him after some disagreements with the management. With DC releasing him, PBKS could target Pant to lead the team, bolster their middle order and wicketkeeping options. Ricky Ponting’s presence in PBKS as their head coach also means they will bid aggressively for Pant. Afterall, the duo shared great camaraderie during their stint at DC.
RCB, in need of a consistent wicketkeeper-batter, might also show interest, but PBKS might just edge them out owing to higher available auction purse.
Potential Destinations: Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Best Chance: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Kagiso Rabada has been a standout performer in the IPL. PBKS, having released both him and Arshdeep Singh, might look to strengthen their pace attack by using their RTM card on Rabada.
DC and RCB could also be interested, but PBKS’s immediate need for a premier pacer and presence of four RTM cards in their kitty gives them an advantage.
Also Read: 3 Teams That Will Target Devdutt Padikkal at IPL 2025 Auction
Potential Destinations: PBKS, RCB, DC, KKR
Best Chance: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Arshdeep Singh has been a revelation in the IPL and also for India over the last couple of years. PBKS may have released him ahead of the auction but they look almost certain to get him back with their RTM card.
RCB, DC, and KKR could also target him, but PBKS’s existing relationship with Arshdeep and their need to retain key players make them the most likely destination. The other teams only stand a chance if they increase the bid to an excessively high amount so that PBKS don’t use their RTM on him.
Potential Destinations: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gujarat Titans (GT), DC, RCB
Best Chance: Gujarat Titans (GT)
Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm pacer, has been a match-winner in the IPL. He delivered defining performances in the playoffs and the final for KKR that helped them to win the title last season.
In the previous auction, KKR and GT engaged in a fierce bidding war for Starc, with KKR ultimately emerging victorious with a final bid of INR 24.75 crores. GT will look to make amends this time as they might target Starc for his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Their premier pacer Mohammed Shami, whom they have released, has been struggling with injuries of late. So, it becomes crucial for them to get an experienced bowler in their attack.
KKR, DC, and RCB could also be interested, but GT need for a premier pacer make them the frontrunner.
Potential Destinations: RCB, RR,CSK, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians
Best Chance: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Yuzvendra Chahal has been a consistent performer in the IPL. RCB, his former franchise, might look to bring him back to strengthen their spin department. RR, CSK, SRH, and MI could also show interest, but RCB’s familiarity with Chahal and their significantly high auction purse as compared to the other mentioned teams gives them an edge.
RR can’t exercise their RTM on Chahal either, as they have retained full quota of six players, leaving them with no RTM card at all.
Potential Destinations: RCB, DC, GT, (LSG)
Best Chance: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Liam Livingstone has been a key player for PBKS for the last three years. His explosive batting and handy bowling make him a valuable asset. PBKS, aiming to retain their core players, are likely to target Livingstone with RTM card in the auction.
RCB, DC, GT, and LSG could also be interested, but PBKS’s existing relationship with Livingstone and their need to retain key players make them the most likely destination.
Potential Destinations: Gujarat Titans (GT), CSK, MI, RCB
Best Chance: Gujarat Titans (GT)
David Miller has been instrumental in GT’s success since their inaugural season in 2022. His finishing abilities and experience make him a valuable asset. GT, aiming to retain their successful players, are likely to use their RTM card on Miller in the auction.
CSK, RCB, and MI could also be interested, but GT are the front-runners to re-acquire him with their RTM. The bidding has to reach excessively high amount for GT to opt against using RTM, giving CSK and MI a chance to fight it out.
Potential Destinations: RCB, KKR, MI
Best Chance: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
KL Rahul has been a consistent performer in the IPL. RCB, in need of a consistent wicketkeeper-batter and captain, might target Rahul to strengthen their batting lineup.
KKR and MI could also show interest, but RCB’s immediate need for a quality wicketkeeper-batter, superior auction purse, and Rahul’s potential fit make them the frontrunner.
Potential Destinations: Gujarat Titans (GT), CSK
Best Chance: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Mohammed Shami has been a key player for GT but he has struggled with injuries of late. Although he has made a comeback, GT will only re-acquire him if they get him back cheap.
CSK, aiming to bolster their pace attack, might take a gamble and target Shami for his experience and wicket-taking ability.
Potential Destinations: RCB, SRH, DC
Best Chance: RCB
RCB may have released Siraj heading into the auction but they are very likely to get him back using the RTM card. They want to get him back cheaper than what it could have costed to retain him, but SRH and DC are expected to make that job difficult as they are in need of an experienced and reliable Indian pacer. So, it is going to be quite a spectacle to watch.
