The IPL 2025 mega auction was an event where many players were picked by the teams. It took place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25, with 10 teams spending a lot of money to build their best squad for the upcoming season. However, besides the famous players, several others were bought by the teams unexpectedly.
Let’s take a look at the top five most surprising picks from the IPL 2025 mega auction.
5. Priyansh Arya
After being picked by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 mega auction, 23-year-old Indian all-rounder Priyansh Arya gained attention for his recent performances. His strong showing in the Delhi Premier League, including hitting six sixes in an over, led Punjab Kings to buy him. Before the auction, many people thought he would go unsold.
With 446 runs in 15 T20 matches and being the highest run-scorer in the Delhi Premier League with 608 runs in 10 innings, Arya seems like a promising player. Interestingly, Punjab Kings bought him for Rs 3.8 crore, with teams like RCB, MI, and DC also showing interest.
4. AM Ghazanfar
18-year-old Afghanistan spinner AM Gazanfar made a lot of money in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Starting with a base price of Rs 75 lakh, he was bought for an impressive 4.8 crores. The Mumbai Indians, who have won five IPL titles, signed him, and he hopes to give his best if given a chance to play.
Interestingly, Ghazanfar began his career as a fast bowler, but former Afghanistan captain Daulat Ahmadzai changed him into a spinner. He gained attention for his outstanding performance in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, where he took eight wickets in four matches. His great form earned him a spot in the senior team, where he took 12 wickets in eight ODIs.
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3. Ishan Malinga
Ishan Malinga, a 23-year-old uncapped international player, was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 1.2 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Known as a talented player, Ishan gained attention after a Sri Lankan player named Malinga entered the auction. Many teams showed interest in him because of his skills and ability to adjust to different game situations.
In 13 T20 matches, Ishan has taken 13 wickets with an economy rate of 7.35. He will look to impress while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad and is expected to get a chance in the playing XI. A lot will be expected from Malinga in IPL 2025.
2. Rasikh Salam
Rasikh Salam, a 24-year-old Indian bowler, was another surprising pick in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals competed to buy him, starting at Rs 30 lakh. In the end, RCB bought him for Rs 6 crore.
Rasikh has impressed with his performances for Delhi Capitals and shown his potential many times. The bowler from Jammu and Kashmir hopes to play for a long time in IPL 2025. He looks forward to learning from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Rasikh has taken 43 wickets in 33 T20 matches, and many are excited to see his performance in the new IPL season.
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi
One of the most surprising buys in the IPL 2025 mega auction was 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. With a base price of Rs 30 lakh, both Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals wanted to buy him, and finally, Rajasthan Royals signed him for Rs 1.1 crore. He has become the youngest player ever in the IPL. If he gets a chance to play for RR, the 13-year-old Suryavanshi will be eager to make the most of it.
Suryavanshi is a surprising pick after playing for India Under-19. He has a triple century in the Under-19 Randhir Verma tournament in Bihar. Suryavanshi will look to take full advantage of this big opportunity with RR.
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