The IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, showcased thrilling bidding wars and strategic decisions by franchises. While big names like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Yuzvendra Chahal fetched massive prices on Day 1, Day 2 saw some remarkable bargain deals that allowed teams to acquire top-tier talent at surprisingly low costs. Several franchises strategically utilized their remaining budgets to secure key players, making them the luckiest buyers of the auction. Here’s a look at the top five bargain buys of IPL 2025:
1. Washington Sundar – Gujarat Titans (₹3.20 crore)
Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar emerged as the biggest steal of the auction. After being released by Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sundar was expected to command a hefty price tag of around ₹10 crore. However, Gujarat Titans managed to secure him for just ₹3.20 crore. With 47 wickets in 52 T20Is at an impressive economy rate of 6.87, Sundar’s skills as a spin-bowling all-rounder make him an invaluable addition to the Titans’ lineup.
2. Glenn Maxwell – Punjab Kings (₹4 crore)
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, known for his unpredictable form, was released by Royal Challengers Bangalore after a disappointing IPL 2024 season. Despite his inconsistent performances, Punjab Kings took a calculated risk and bagged him for a modest ₹4 crore. Maxwell’s explosive batting and handy off-spin can turn games on their head, making this acquisition a potential game-changer for Punjab.
3. Tim David – Royal Challengers Bangalore (₹3 crore)
Tim David, once hailed as a premier middle-order batter in T20 cricket, saw his stocks dip due to a poor run of form. Released by his previous franchise, David found a new home at Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹3 crore. Having let go of Maxwell, RCB placed their faith in David to bolster their middle order, hoping for a resurgence in his performances.
4. Quinton de Kock – Kolkata Knight Riders (₹3.60 crore)
South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock was a surprising bargain for Kolkata Knight Riders, who acquired him for just ₹3.60 crore. A proven performer in the IPL with 3,157 runs in 107 matches, including two centuries, De Kock’s experience and firepower at the top of the order make this deal an incredible steal.
5. Adam Zampa – Sunrisers Hyderabad (₹2.40 crore)
Australian spinner Adam Zampa, with 341 wickets in 280 T20 games, is one of the finest white-ball spinners globally. Although his IPL impact has been modest, Sunrisers Hyderabad invested ₹2.40 crore in the hope that his form under compatriot Pat Cummins’ captaincy will flourish.
These budget-friendly acquisitions could redefine their franchises’ campaigns in IPL 2025, making them some of the smartest buys of the season.
