NEW DELHI: The IPL 2025 Mega Auction was marked by high stakes and exciting bids, with teams vying for both proven stars and emerging talents.
Among the overseas players who fetched significant sums were some notable names, including Jos Buttler (who joined Gujarat Titans for Rs 15.75 crore), Trent Boult (who joined Mumbai Indians for Rs 12.50 crore), and Mitchell Starc (who joined Gujarat Titans for Rs 11.75 crore) among others.
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However, a few high-profile overseas players failed to attract significant interest, going for their base price or marginally higher.
Here’s a look at the top overseas players who surprisingly failed to make it big in the auction:
1. Faf du Plessis – Delhi Capitals (Rs 2 crore)
Faf du Plessis, one of the most consistent IPL performers and a respected leader, surprisingly found himself picked up by Delhi Capitals at his base price of Rs 2 crore.
Known for his consistency and leadership, the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru came into the auction with a stellar record. Recently, he led Saint Lucia Kings to their first title in the Caribbean Premier League this season.
However, he somehow struggled to garner anticipated interest during the IPL 2025 mega auction, with Delhi Capitals securing their services for Rs 2 crore.
Despite his proven credentials as a reliable opener and a former captain, the lack of bidding wars for Du Plessis came as a shock. This outcome perhaps reflects teams’ preference for younger players or uncertainty about his ability to maintain peak form at his age.
2. Sam Curran – Chennai Super Kings (Rs 2.40 crore)
Sam Curran, who was the most expensive player in the IPL 2023 auction, saw his stock dip in 2025. Though he was picked by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 2.40 crore, it was a modest increment above his base price of Rs 2 crore.
Curran’s versatility as an all-rounder was expected to drive intense competition, but the subdued bidding suggested teams may have reevaluated his impact based on recent performances or budget constraints.
3. Lockie Ferguson – Punjab Kings (Rs 2 crore)
Express pacer Lockie Ferguson, known for his wicket-taking ability and fiery spells, was picked by Punjab Kings for his base price of Rs 2 crore.
Ferguson’s ability to turn games with raw pace seemed undervalued, as there were no competing bids.
His modest price tag reflected the challenges faced by pacers who rely heavily on conditions and fitness, factors that franchises may have considered.
4. Aiden Markram – Lucknow Super Giants (Rs 2 crore)
South African all-rounder Aiden Markram was another big name who underperformed during the mega auction. Markram, a talented South African batter with strong T20 credentials, also went for his base price of Rs 2 crore to Lucknow Super Giants.
Markram’s impressive captaincy in other leagues and his middle-order stability had positioned him as a potential high-value pick.
However, his failure to ignite a bidding war suggested teams were cautious about his consistency and batting approach in Indian conditions.
5. Rovman Powell – Kolkata Knight Riders (Rs 1.50 crore)
Rovman Powell, known for his explosive batting, was another surprise at the auction.
Secured by Kolkata Knight Riders for his base price of Rs 1.50 crore, Powell failed to generate significant interest.
Teams seemed hesitant to invest heavily in a player known for inconsistency, even though his power-hitting abilities are well-regarded. From the buys, KKR seemed determined to gather a squad full of West Indian power hitters.
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The subdued response for these players at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction highlights the unpredictable nature of auction dynamics, where team strategies, player form, and budget limitations often play decisive roles.