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The second day of the IPL 2025 mega auction witnessed a flurry of high-profile signings, particularly among fast bowlers. The most significant acquisition was undoubtedly Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s securing of Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a staggering INR 10.75 crore. This marked not only the highest bid of the day but also the first time a player crossed the INR 10 crore mark in this auction. The bidding war for Kumar's services was intense, with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants engaging in a rapid exchange of bids before RCB ultimately prevailed. This acquisition is particularly noteworthy for RCB, as they were instrumental in Kumar's T20 debut back in 2009 during the Champions League T20. The team entered the second day with a substantial purse, giving them the financial flexibility to compete aggressively for top talent.
The dominance of Indian fast bowlers extended beyond Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Deepak Chahar became another significant earner, fetched by Mumbai Indians for INR 9.25 crore. This acquisition was a testament to Chahar's value, considering Chennai Super Kings' previous investment of INR 14 crore in the last mega auction. The auction further highlighted the premium placed on quality pace bowling. Delhi Capitals cleverly exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain Mukesh Kumar, even after Punjab Kings significantly raised his value to INR 8 crore. Similarly, Akash Deep also found a new home with Lucknow Super Giants at the same INR 8 crore price. Overseas pacers also attracted considerable interest; Marco Jansen's impressive all-round abilities secured him a INR 7 crore contract with Punjab Kings, beating out competition from Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. The auction revealed a shift in strategy among franchises, with a more calculated approach and some teams strategically delaying bids for specific squad needs.
The auction wasn't solely dominated by pace bowling. All-rounders still commanded substantial fees, though perhaps not to the extent of previous years. RCB engaged in a protracted bidding war with Rajasthan Royals for Krunal Pandya, ultimately securing him for INR 5.75 crore. The rivalry between RCB and Rajasthan Royals continued with another bidding battle for Nitish Rana, with Rajasthan Royals emerging victorious with a INR 4.2 crore bid. While some players saw their value decline, reflecting the changing dynamics of the game, others experienced a resurgence. Chennai Super Kings reunited with Sam Curran for INR 2.4 crore, significantly less than the INR 18.5 crore he commanded in the 2023 auction. Similarly, Faf du Plessis joined Delhi Capitals at his base price of INR 2 crore. Mumbai Indians strengthened their bowling options by acquiring Allah Ghazanfar, a highly-rated Afghan spinner, for INR 4.8 crore. The impact player rule seemed to have affected the valuation of some all-rounders, as evidenced by Washington Sundar’s acquisition by Gujarat Titans at a relatively low INR 3.2 crore.
In summary, the second day of the IPL 2025 mega auction showcased a clear trend towards prioritizing fast bowlers. The high bids for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, and other pacers reflected their value in the modern game. While all-rounders still held significance, their market value appeared to be somewhat adjusted, potentially influenced by the introduction of the Impact Player rule. The auction also demonstrated the strategic maneuvering of franchises, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning and financial prudence. The final team compositions and the on-field performance of these newly formed squads will ultimately determine the success of the decisions made during this crucial auction phase. The intense bidding battles and unexpected twists underlined the excitement and unpredictability that define the IPL, a league known for its fierce competition and high stakes.
Source: RCB bag Bhuvneshwar at INR 10.75 Cr as pacers earn big