After his grand success as the lead spinner for RR in the last three seasons, Yuzvendra Chahal will be in high demand in IPL 2025 Auction.
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction nears, Yuzvendra Chahal has become one of the most sought-after players. Released by Rajasthan Royals, the leg-spinner is now in the crosshairs of several franchises aiming to fortify their spin departments.
While Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are reportedly determined to reunite with their former talisman, they are set to face stiff competition from at least four other teams when he goes under the hammer in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Here, we shall take a look at those four franchises and why they are keen to get hold of Chahal.
Punjab Kings (PBKS), with the largest remaining auction purse of ₹110.5 crore, are primed to make a strong play for Chahal. Despite their solid batting lineup in recent seasons, their bowling attack has lacked a consistent match-winning spinner.
Chahal, with his ability to turn games in the middle overs, could fill this void effectively. His experience and ability to thrive under pressure would be a perfect fit for PBKS, who are desperate to end their title drought. With the financial upper hand, Punjab Kings are likely to give RCB a tough fight in acquiring Chahal.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a franchise synonymous with spin bowling dominance, are in a transitional phase. After the departures of key spinners, their bowling unit now needs an experienced leader. Chahal’s ability to adapt to different pitches, coupled with his knack for taking crucial wickets, makes him an ideal candidate for the CSK lineup.
CSK have already retained Ravindra Jadeja and Chahal can form a lethal spin bowling pair with him. With ₹55 crore left in their auction purse, CSK will need to tread carefully against franchises with deeper pockets. However, the franchise’s legacy of making successful spinners could be a strong factor in convincing Chahal to don the yellow jersey.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) released Chahal despite his impressive performances for the franchise, a move likely motivated by their need to retain other young and high value players. However, with ₹41 crore remaining, RR have to be very smart in order to re-sign him to ensure their spin department remains robust.
Chahal has been a game-changer for RR, particularly on their home turf in Jaipur, where conditions favour spinners. The Royals could leverage their familiarity with Chahal’s strengths to make a compelling bid. If RR decides to reinvest in him, they will undoubtedly add further intensity to the bidding war.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have lacked a reliable and match-winning spinner in the last two seasons despite their success as a batting team. Like RR, their remaining auction purse of INR 45 crore is also one of the lowest among all teams, so they have to smartly strategise their bidding for Chahal.
SRH has traditionally relied on their bowlers to win matches, and Chahal’s inclusion would strengthen their middle-over options significantly. Given his experience and proven record, SRH could view Chahal as a centerpiece around whom they can structure their spin attack. His ability to control the flow of runs and take timely wickets would align well with the team’s overall strategy.
RCB’s pursuit of Yuzvendra Chahal is not surprising at all. They decided to let him go before the IPL 2025 mega auction and couldn’t buy him back. The leg-spinner was a mainstay for the franchise from 2014 to 2021, claiming 177 wickets in 114 matches. Known for his exceptional performances at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Chahal remains a fan favourite in Bangalore.
With ₹83 crore remaining, RCB has the resources to bring him back and they will definitely go all-out this time to strengthen their spin bowling attack again. Former RCB legend AB de Villiers has also hinted at the franchise’s interest in a reunion, emphasizing Chahal’s importance to their bowling plans. However, with multiple franchises vying for his signature, RCB must plan well to avoid being outbid.
