Bhuvneshwar Kumar Secures Big in IPL 2025 Auction

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, absent from India’s national cricket team for two years, emerged as a top pick during the IPL 2025 auction. The seasoned pacer was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for a substantial Rs 10.75 crore, reflecting his enduring value in T20 cricket.

The auction’s second day highlighted a strong demand for Indian fast bowlers, despite notable players such as Shardul Thakur, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, and Kane Williamson remaining unsold. Among the big signings, Deepak Chahar joined the Mumbai Indians for Rs 9.25 crore, and Mukesh Kumar was retained by Delhi Capitals at Rs 8 crore through the RTM card.

Rishabh Pant, however, stole the spotlight on Day 1, securing Rs 27 crore from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), making him the most expensive player of the auction. Punjab Kings invested heavily in Shreyas Iyer, paying Rs 26.75 crore, while KKR signed Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 23.75 crore.

Indian all-rounders also saw significant deals. Krunal Pandya joined RCB for Rs 5.75 crore, while Rajasthan Royals made notable bids, acquiring Tushar Deshpande for Rs 6.50 crore. South African all-rounder Marco Jansen landed ₹7 crore from Punjab Kings, underscoring the limited availability of seam-bowling all-rounders.

The auction saw strategic bidding for marquee players, with teams spending lavishly on their priorities. A total of Rs 467.95 crore was splurged over the two-day event, demonstrating the IPL’s high-stakes nature.

For detailed lists of players sold and unsold across all teams, refer to the summary below.

Day 2: Key Player Signings

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Rs 10.75 crore (RCB)
• Deepak Chahar: Rs 9.25 crore (MI)
• Mukesh Kumar: Rs 8 crore (RTM, DC)
• Marco Jansen: Rs 7 crore (PBKS)
• Krunal Pandya: Rs 5.75 crore (RCB)
• Tushar Deshpande: Rs 6.50 crore (RR)

Day 1: Top Buys

• Rishabh Pant: Rs 27 crore (LSG)
• Shreyas Iyer: Rs 26.75 crore (PBKS)
• Venkatesh Iyer: Rs 23.75 crore (KKR)
• Yuzvendra Chahal: Rs 18 crore (PBKS)
• KL Rahul: Rs 14 crore (DC)

Despite some high-profile unsold names, the auction showcased the value placed on both seasoned veterans and emerging talents in shaping IPL strategies for the upcoming season.