The IPL 2025 mega auction will take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with 577 players vying for contracts. As teams strategize for the upcoming season, several star players may go unsold due to various factors.
This article examines five prominent players who may find themselves without a team in the upcoming auction, with a special focus on Ajinkya Rahane.
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5. Deepak Chahar
Performance Decline and Injury Concerns
Deepak Chahar has been a significant Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player in previous seasons. However, his recent form has raised eyebrows; in IPL 2024, he took only five wickets in eight matches.
His ongoing injury issues have made franchises cautious about investing in him. Given these factors, there is a strong possibility that Chahar may go unsold at the auction.
4. Kane Williamson
Fitness Issues and Strike Rate Concerns
Kane Williamson, the former captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has struggled with fitness due to a serious elbow injury that has kept him out of competitive cricket. His absence raises questions about his current form and ability to contribute effectively in T20 matches.
Additionally, his declining strike rate has made him less appealing to franchises looking for explosive players, which could lead to him remaining unsold.
3. Moeen Ali
Age and Inconsistency
Moeen Ali has been a valuable asset for CSK, known for his all-round capabilities. However, his inconsistency with both bat and ball has become increasingly concerning.
At over 30 years old, he may be viewed as less desirable compared to younger talents available in the auction. With a base price of INR 2 crores, teams may opt for fresher alternatives instead.
2. David Warner
Declining Hitting Prowess
David Warner has had an illustrious IPL career but has recently shown signs of decline. His ability to dominate during the powerplay has diminished, leading to concerns about his effectiveness as an opener.
With younger players emerging as viable options, franchises might hesitate to bid for Warner, potentially leaving him unsold.
1. Ajinkya Rahane
Recent Form and Auction Dynamics
Ajinkya Rahane‘s journey in the IPL has been tumultuous. After being released by CSK following a disappointing IPL 2024 season where he scored only 242 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 123.47, he faces an uncertain future. Despite having a base price set at INR 1.50 crores for the upcoming auction, his recent performances raise doubts about his market value.
Rahane’s experience and calm demeanor make him a potential asset for teams looking for stability in their batting lineup. However, his slow strike rate and inconsistent performances have led analysts to speculate that he might not attract significant bids during the auction. Teams like Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans have been mentioned as possible suitors because they need experienced players who can anchor innings.
Conclusion
As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, several star players face uncertain futures due to performance declines and age-related concerns. While franchises are eager to invest in young talent and consistent performers, established players like Deepak Chahar, Kane Williamson, Moeen Ali, David Warner, and Ajinkya Rahane may struggle to find new homes this season.
The dynamics of T20 cricket continue to evolve rapidly; thus, it will be intriguing to see how these players fare in the auction and whether they can secure contracts or face the prospect of going unsold.
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