Unexpected Outcomes at IPL 2025 Auction: Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar Shine, Thakur Left Unsold
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The IPL auction is a highly data-driven event, where even the slightest margins can significantly impact the upcoming seasons. This unpredictability often leads to surprising outcomes, as franchises sometimes choose not to bid on players that fans expect to be hot commodities. This element of surprise contributes to the auction's status as an unmissable spectacle, filled with suspense and excitement.
The 2025 IPL auction was no exception, showcasing several unexpected developments. Notably, Shardul Thakur went unsold, while seasoned bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar attracted a substantial bid of INR 10.75 crore from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Five Surprising Developments in the IPL 2025 Auction
Ravichandran Ashwin
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) welcomed back one of their former stars, R Ashwin, who rejoined the team to reunite with MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Stephen Fleming for the 2025 season. It was somewhat unexpected to see Ashwin's value rise, leading CSK to secure him for INR 9.75 crore. With a lack of top-tier spinners available in the auction, CSK has formed a formidable spin trio with Ashwin, Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad as they pursue their sixth IPL title.
Shardul Thakur
All-rounder Shardul Thakur's unsold status was a major shock during the auction. Despite his utility on the field, he failed to attract any bids, making him one of the most notable omissions alongside Prithvi Shaw. Given the demand for Indian all-rounders, this outcome is puzzling; however, it’s possible that he could be brought in later as a replacement if any teams face injury issues.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Though Bhuvneshwar Kumar's best years might be behind him, his experience and tactical acumen still hold significant value. This was reflected in RCB's INR 10.75 crore bid for him. Despite only reaching the 15-wicket mark in a season once since 2018, RCB seems eager to pair him with Josh Hazlewood. If they can harness Bhuvneshwar's potential effectively, they may have assembled an impressive pace attack at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Vaibhav Arora
After making a strong impression during KKR's playoff run last year—highlighted by his crucial wicket of Travis Head in the final—Vaibhav Arora was expected to be in high demand. Surprisingly, he was picked up by KKR again for a modest INR 1.8 crore. As a promising powerplay bowler, his acquisition at such a low price compared to other similarly-rated Indian pacers is seen as a significant bargain for KKR.
Venkatesh Iyer
In contrast, KKR made a hefty investment of INR 23.75 crore to bring back Venkatesh Iyer after his impressive playoff performance last season. This hefty price tag makes him the third-most expensive player in this auction and reflects KKR’s commitment despite their limited budget. While Iyer has shown great potential, the question remains whether he can replicate his past impact consistently.
These surprising dynamics highlight the unpredictable nature of the IPL auction and its capacity to reshape team strategies for upcoming seasons.
