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The second day of the IPL 2025 mega auction witnessed a surge in demand for Indian fast bowlers, particularly Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who became the first player to cross the INR 10 crore mark. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured his services with a winning bid of INR 10.75 crore, outmaneuvering strong competition from Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. This acquisition highlights RCB's strategic approach to bolstering their bowling attack, especially considering their substantial remaining purse of INR 30.65 crore at the start of the day. The team's decision to reunite with Kumar, a player they gave a T20 debut to in 2009, further underscores the significance of this acquisition and the team's familiarity with the seasoned campaigner. The high price reflects not only Kumar's proven ability and experience but also the increasing value placed on quality fast bowling in the T20 format.
The auction also saw other Indian pacers command substantial bids. Deepak Chahar was acquired by Mumbai Indians for INR 9.25 crore, resisting a late attempt by Chennai Super Kings to re-sign the bowler. Delhi Capitals cleverly used their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain Mukesh Kumar, despite Punjab Kings attempting to inflate his price to INR 8 crore. Akash Deep also found a lucrative deal, joining Lucknow Super Giants for the same price. The overall trend highlights a clear preference for Indian fast bowlers among franchises, indicating a strategic focus on strengthening their pace attacks for the upcoming season. The competitive bidding underscores the limited pool of top-tier Indian fast bowling talent, pushing the prices higher than might be expected for some players based on their past performances.
The auction wasn't limited to just fast bowlers. Overseas players also attracted attention. Marco Jansen's big-hitting abilities displayed in the recent series against India proved attractive, earning him a INR 7 crore bid from Punjab Kings. The competition for all-rounders, though somewhat tempered due to dwindling finances and a strategic shift towards more conservative bidding, still saw some fierce battles. RCB secured Krunal Pandya for INR 5.75 crore after a protracted tussle with Rajasthan Royals. These two teams also locked horns for Nitish Rana, with Rajasthan Royals emerging victorious at INR 4.2 crore. The bidding for all-rounders, while competitive, was less frenetic than for the fast bowlers, potentially signifying a shift in team strategies and perhaps a consequence of the introduction of the Impact Player rule, which may have reduced the perceived value of all-rounders in some teams' strategies. The strategic approach of many teams saw many players passed over, intending to re-evaluate and bid later, perhaps indicating a higher level of planning and analysis compared to previous auctions.
Other noteworthy transactions include Chennai Super Kings re-acquiring Sam Curran at a reduced price of INR 2.4 crore (significantly lower than his INR 18.5 crore deal in 2023) and Delhi Capitals signing Faf du Plessis at his base price of INR 2 crore. Mumbai Indians strengthened their spin options with the acquisition of Allah Ghazanfar for INR 4.8 crore, while Gujarat Titans secured Washington Sundar for INR 3.2 crore – a reflection of the potentially diminishing value of all-rounders in the current IPL context. The variability in prices paid for all-rounders and other types of players highlights the teams' diverse needs and strategies in forming their squads. Some teams, with larger budgets remaining, may have opted to conserve funds for future rounds in the hope of obtaining specific players at a bargain, suggesting a more calculated and less impulsive approach in contrast to past auctions. The final squads and remaining budgets will reveal the full extent of the teams' tactical maneuvers.
In conclusion, the second day of the IPL 2025 mega auction highlighted a significant shift in strategic focus, with a clear preference for Indian fast bowlers. The high prices paid for these players underscore their scarcity and value in the competitive T20 landscape. While all-rounders still attracted interest, the overall bidding reflected a more cautious and calculated approach by franchises, potentially shaped by dwindling finances and the impact of the Impact Player rule. The auction serves as a compelling case study in the evolving dynamics of player valuation and team-building strategies in the dynamic world of the Indian Premier League. The full impact of these acquisitions will only become clear as the season progresses and the teams put their newly assembled squads to the test on the field. The later rounds could provide further insights into the overall success and coherence of the strategies employed by different franchises during this highly competitive and lucrative auction.
Source: RCB bag Bhuvneshwar at INR 10.75 Cr as pacers earn big