IPL Mega auctions 2024: Which are the top 5 prospects for the franchises this year?

New Delhi: A reported 574 players, including 366 Indian players and 208 overseas cricketers, are set to be auctioned at the highly anticipated mega auction of IPL 2025, which will take place at the Abady Al-Johar Arena in Saudi Arabia.

Here are the top 5 picks who can be one of the most satiating prospects for the franchises for the upcoming seasons.

Top 5 picks for this year’s IPL Mega auction:

Rishabh Pant

All eyes will be on the most-valued cricketer of this year’s IPL mega auction, Rishabh Pant. The left-hander who is currently showing his skills in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy had failed negotiations with Delhi Capitals post the IPL 2024 season.

However, given the form that he has shown, the 27-year-old is expected to grab one of the richest deals in the IPL mega auction for 2024/25. The left-hand batter has kept his base price at 2 cr. Multiple franchises like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders will be interested in Pant given his ability to lead any side.

However, the Capitals have the option to buy him back with a right-t0-match (RTM) making things tricky.

KL Rahul

Another cricketer whose fortunes could take a dramatic turn is KL Rahul. The former Lucknow Super Giant skipper had a horrendous season last year, failing to reach the playoffs.

However, the Karnataka batter has shown his skills in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy where he displayed immense composure and skills. Two franchises- Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings will be interested in pulling him back into their squad given that he has shown a lot of promise while playing.

RCB in particular is in search of a new captain and could look to enter the bidding war for the Karnataka-born batter.

Shreyas Iyer

Title-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer’s release by KKR has come as a major shock for many cricket experts, especially just a few months after he led the franchise to its third title.

Iyer now is expected to attract significant attention in the auction, with several teams looking for a skipper. Delhi Capitals could be one of those franchises that can go all out for the former KKR skipper.

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan who was once looking to become the star of the Mumbai Indians batting lineup has been pushed to the sidelines. While the issue of central contracts with BCCI has been a major factor, the youngster did not have a good season to back his cause in the auction. Kishan just scored 1 fifty in 14 matches totaling 320 runs at a strike rate of 148.

MI also decided not to retain Kishan, retaining Tilak Varma in place of the left-hand wicket-keeper batsman. Ishan had drawn a hefty cheque of 15.25 cr at the IPL 2022 and is expected to have a similar price tag this year as well.

https://www.youtube.com/live/rqm4yxQBdyc?si=NgLndtcgAp21nQc8

Glenn Maxwell

Despite his inconsistency, Glenn Maxwell remains a favourite at every IPL auction. Known for his ability to dismantle bowling attacks with unconventional shots like reverse sweeps and switch hits, Maxwell stands out as a powerful T20 batter.

He is also a useful bowler, adding value in multiple areas. Maxwell had a tough IPL 2024, scoring only 52 runs in 10 matches for RCB, with a best of 28. However, he was effective with the ball, taking six wickets at an economy rate of eight.

RCB could use their RTM option to bring him back, as he shares a strong bond with Virat Kohli. However, Punjab Kings, under new head coach Ricky Ponting, and Delhi Capitals, with their revamped coaching staff, could also be ready to make a strong bid for the spin all-rounder.