Upcoming Cricket Auctions Spotlight Top Wicketkeeper-Batters Rahul and Pant
New Delhi, April 7, 2023: The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is set to witness a bidding war for some of cricket’s top talent, with reports indicating that Lucknow Super Giants may release star wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul. Rahul’s potential entry into the auction pool has already generated significant buzz among franchises, with former cricketer Aakash Chopra predicting that teams may be willing to break the bank to secure his services.
Despite occasional criticism over his strike rate in T20 cricket, Rahul remains one of the most sought-after wicketkeeper-batters in the game. Chopra suggests that Rahul’s experience and skill could drive his auction price to an impressive ₹25-30 crore, particularly given the demand for reliable wicketkeepers in this year’s auction.
“Rishabh Pant is going to get a lot of money. The amount could go to ₹25 crore or even 30. The same is true for KL Rahul. Again a wicketkeeper-batter and scores 500-600 runs every year,” said Chopra in a recent YouTube video.
Rahul’s recent performance trajectory has only added to his appeal. While he struggled in IPL 2023 with a strike rate of 113.22, he rebounded strongly in the 2024 season, elevating his strike rate to 136.13. Alongside Rahul, Rishabh Pant is also likely to enter the auctions, as reports indicate that the Delhi Capitals have decided to release their star captain.
Over his IPL career, Rahul has maintained a steady strike rate of 134.61 across 132 matches, showcasing his versatility and experience. With franchises actively seeking reliable wicketkeeper-batters, Rahul is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the 2025 auction, making him a central figure in franchise strategies for the coming season.
“He can go to Bengaluru as well. Of course, it’s his home as well. All the same franchises, Punjab, Delhi, Mumbai, where his numbers are very good, Kolkata, everyone needs him,” Chopra added, highlighting the widespread appeal of both Rahul and Pant in the upcoming IPL auctions.
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