Top Steals of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Best Bargains and Hidden Gems

The IPL Mega Auction has concluded, and teams have finalized their squads for the next three seasons. This auction saw some surprising outcomes, with certain players going for much less than expected, while others fetched higher bids. Auction dynamics can be unpredictable, with some players often receiving more attention than anticipated, but there were a few standout steals. Securing top-quality players for a lower price allows teams to strengthen their squads even further, creating room for more strategic acquisitions.

This Mega Auction witnessed some real bargains, where teams managed to get highly talented players at a fraction of the expected cost. These players, with their proven track records and consistent performances over the years, represent great value for money. Here are a few players who turned out to be the steals of the auction, offering exceptional potential at a surprisingly low price.

KL Rahul: Delhi Capitals - 14 Crore

KL Rahul is arguably the biggest steal in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). After many years, he entered the auction with expectations of fetching at least ₹20 crore. However, the outcome was surprising, as Delhi Capitals acquired his services for under ₹15 crore. This acquisition is considered a steal, given KL Rahul's caliber as a player. 

He is expected to lead the Capitals and also serve as their wicketkeeper. The reason behind this surprising deal can be attributed to Rahul's name coming up late in the auction, overshadowed by players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, who commanded record fees. Other teams, particularly Royal Challengers Bangalore, were somewhat short on funds, which led to their early withdrawal from the bidding for KL Rahul. 

Moreover, Delhi Capitals owe some gratitude to Lucknow Super Giants, who opted not to use their Right to Match (RTM) option to raise KL Rahul's price. This decision allowed Delhi to acquire him at a significantly lower price. As a result, signing Rahul for less than anticipated has enabled the Capitals to have additional funds available, allowing them to recruit a few more players at good rates to strengthen their squad.

Overall, Delhi Capitals must be thrilled to have secured KL Rahul at such a reasonable price during the mega auction.

Sam Curran: Chennai Super Kings - 2.4 Crore

Sam Curran's return to the Chennai Super Kings was undoubtedly a fantastic deal for the team. In the last mega auction, he was sold for 18.5 crores, but this year, his price significantly dropped to just 2.4 crores. Once considered one of the biggest prospects in the IPL, Curran had a successful stint with the Chennai Super Kings before moving to Punjab, where he was appointed captain in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan. Although he did a decent job, he struggled to find peak form during his time with the Punjab Kings. As a result, teams moved on from him, allowing the Super Kings to bid for him and acquire him at such a low price.

Curran still has a lot to offer with his all-around capabilities on the field. Recently, he had a good run in T20 matches, including a hundred in the NatWest Blast and a five-wicket haul. Expectations are high for Curran in his second stint with Chennai, and acquiring him at this price is certainly a steal for the Chennai Super Kings.

Mitchell Starc: Delhi Capitals - 11.75 Crores

The Delhi Capitals made a significant move in the auction by acquiring Mitchell Starc for a deal price that was 12 crores less than what he was sold for in the previous auction. Starc is renowned for his match-winning abilities and embodies the fighting spirit typical of Australian players. His bowling class remains exceptional, making this acquisition feel like a steal for the Capitals.

During the bidding process, the Royal Challengers Bangalore engaged in a brief bidding war with the Capitals, while the Mumbai Indians also entered to raise the price. However, Delhi ultimately secured Starc with the highest bid, as the Kolkata Knight Riders chose not to use their right-to-match (RTM) option. The Capitals should be grateful to KKR for this decision.

Despite a poor start in the last IPL season, Starc proved his worth when it mattered most, especially during the knockouts for KKR, where his performance in the finals earned him the Player of the Match award and helped his team clinch the title. Thus, the Delhi Capitals have once again excelled in securing a high-caliber player like Mitchell Starc at a favorable price in the Mega Auction.

Glenn Maxwell: Punjab Kings - 4.25 Crores

Ricky Pointing has secured Glenn Maxwell as a wingman for a great deal at the auction. Maxwell was one of the big names whose price dropped significantly, which came as a big surprise since no paddles were raised for him by the teams, except for the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. 

Maxwell’s form dipped in last season’s IPL, which contributed to his lower value this season, as teams seemed to underestimate him. However, he remains a dangerous batter who can change the outcome of a match single-handedly. Maxwell actually peaked when he was with the Punjab Kings, and with Pointing by his side, we can expect him to regain his top form and make a significant impact for the team. It was also surprising that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru decided not to use their Right to Match (RTM) option on Maxwell at this price, simply moving on from him. This turned out to be a huge relief for the Punjab Kings, as they acquired him for a steal at the auction.

Will Jacks: Mumbai Indians - 5.25 Crore

In one of the most surprising moments of the IPL 2024 Mega Auction, Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani thanked the Royal Challengers Bangalore camp for not using their Right to Match (RTM) card on Will Jacks. This deal has sent shockwaves through the auction, as Mumbai Indians managed to secure the dynamic English all-rounder for a surprisingly low price.

Will Jacks had an outstanding IPL last season, making significant contributions with both bat and ball, including stunning centuries and crucial wickets. His all-around skills, especially his explosive batting, made him a fan favorite at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Now, with Royal Challengers Bangalore moving on from Jacks, Mumbai Indians have snatched him up as their opening batter, adding much-needed firepower to their batting line-up.

This deal could prove to be a masterstroke for Mumbai Indians, who have been relatively quiet throughout the auction but made a decisive move at the right moment. With Jacks batting power and versatility, he will bring a new level of strength to the Mumbai squad, making this deal one of the biggest steals of the auction.

These deals exemplify how timely and calculated moves in the auction can provide a team with great value for money, reinforcing the fact that sometimes, waiting for the right moment can lead to a game-changing bargain. Few Teams have once again proven that their auction strategy is one to watch, with this steal potentially making a significant impact in the upcoming season.