IPL 2025 Mega Auction: The Likely Trends

Specialist Spinners in Demand

The IPL mega auction is a three-day event where teams strategize to set up their rosters for a three-year cycle. This year's auction will be the first in the Impact Player era, forcing teams to allocate their INR 120 crore purse differently. Analysts predict that specialist spinners will be in high demand due to the poor performance of spinners in IPL 2024, with an economy of 8.69 and a 16.7% increase in spin average.

Shift Away from Pure Spinners

The trend is shifting towards wrist spinners or mystery spinners who can offer additional skills, such as batting and match-up options. Top-drawer picks in this category are limited, with Rashid Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Ravi Bishnoi already retained. This demand-supply mismatch may lead to a bidding war for a select few.

Elite Hitters in High Demand

The 2024 season saw 41 scores of 200 or more, including the highest total (287/3) and the highest successful chase (262/2) in the league's history. With the Impact Player rule, teams have more freedom to maximize fielding restrictions. Elite hitters like Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Jonny Bairstow, who can marry speed with volume, are likely to be in high demand.

Bid Less for Bit-Parts

The 2023 mini auction saw high bids for genuine all-rounders, but the Impact Player rule may lead to a decrease in demand for lesser multi-skilled players. Their involvement in games dropped substantially in the 2023-24 season.

Fast Bowlers in High Demand

Fast bowlers, particularly those with left-arm angle and swing, are in high demand. However, there is a growing requirement for hit-the-deck quicks to take over in the middle-overs of a T20 to counter spin hitters. Pitched battles are expected for the quicks, particularly those with definitive skills.

Fast Bowlers with 7+ Crore Price in the 2022 Mega Auction