The IPL 2025 Auction is likely to be full of surprises as some star players are expected to go under the hammer after a long time. Ahead of the mega auction, reports suggest major changes in the teams as franchises look for a revamp. Some IPL franchises are even expected to release their captains for the betterment of the team.
Here we talk about the big players who are likely to be released by their franchises for the IPL 2025 Auction and who will eye lucrative bids. These players have the potential to secure a hefty amount, and even Mitchell Starc’s auction record may not be safe.
1. Rohit Sharma
Rumors of former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma leaving the Mukesh Ambani-owned franchise have been circulating since he was sacked from captaincy. If reports are to be believed, Rohit is expected to say goodbye to his home franchise after 14 long years. Some franchises, including Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings, are eyeing new captaincy options, and Rohit is on their radar. If Rohit enters the auction, the bidding war will be intense.
2. Rishabh Pant
Delhi Capitals have bid adieu to their Ricky Ponting-led management, and now the team’s command will be in Sourav Ganguly’s hands. The coach-captain duo of Ponting and Rishabh Pant was unable to deliver the desired results over seven seasons. As per reports, the team is also expected to part ways with Rishabh Pant. Additionally, reports suggest that CSK is eyeing Pant as MS Dhoni’s successor. With Dhoni potentially playing his last season in 2025, CSK will need someone to fill his shoes
3. KL Rahul
A controversy erupted in IPL 2024 when Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjeev Goenka scolded KL Rahul on live TV. Although things seemed to improve between them later in the season, KL Rahul reportedly does not want to be retained by the franchise. Reports suggest that Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rahul’s home franchise where he played from 2013 to 2016, is looking to bring him back. As per report, RCB is eyeing Rahul as their next skipper.
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4. Suryakumar Yadav
As the saying goes, “Two swords cannot be in one sheath,” Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya together are also not fitting into Mumbai Indians. Recently, Surya pipped Pandya to snatch the Indian team’s T20I captaincy, and his role as just a player in MI might not be sustainable for him. Reports suggest that Suryakumar is likely to go under the hammer in the IPL 2025 Auction. Many franchises are eyeing him as their next skipper.