Last Updated on 2 weeks by Charbel Coorey

Amid the huge sums spent on players IPL 2025 Mega Auction, most notably Rishabh Pant for INR 27 crore (approx. US$3.21 million) and Shreyas Iyer for 26.75 crore (US $3.18 million), there were some great value for money purchases as well.

In this article, we will look at our five biggest steals from auction.

Best value for money buys in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction: What were the biggest steals?

Washington Sundar to GT: INR 3.2 crore (approx. US$380k)

Washington Sundar at INR 3.2 crore (US$380k) is a magnificent deal for Gujarat Titans (GT). He is an economical bowling option in both the powerplay and middle period. In fact, he concedes just 7.54 per over in the IPL.

While his batting stats (378 runs, avg. 13.50, SR 116.30) are below par, he can bat up the order if GT so choose.

GT assistant coach Parthiv Patel said “We were expecting him [Sundar] to go much higher than the price which we got but you know, you don’t get that currency there, so we’re quite happy to have Washington in our team,” as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Sam Curran to CSK: INR 2.4 crore (approx. US$285k)

Sam Curran returns to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the incredible price of just INR 2.4 crore (approx. US$285k). He was a shining light for them in a difficult 2020 season, and has the ability to bat higher up the order as well as bowl in different phases of the innings.

In The Hundred 2024, Curran scored 201 runs at a strike rate of 164.75 and took 17 wickets at an economy of 7.40 and strike rate of 8.52.

Quinton de Kock to KKR: INR 3.6 crore (approx. $427k)

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) landed Quinton de Kock for just INR 3.6 crore (approx. $427k). The keeper-batsman has such a high ceiling, and can offer huge value at the batting-friendly Eden Gardens where scores were astronomical in 2024.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz to KKR: INR 2 crore (approx. $237k)

KKR also picked up a magnificent deal in Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was part of the franchise in their title-winning season in 2024. Assuming de Kock and Sunil Narine open, Gurbaz provides a superb backup option should either pick up an injury or lose form.

In all T20s in 2024, including tricky conditions in the T20 World Cup, Gurbaz has scored 931 runs at an average of 28.21 and strike rate of 139.58.

Glenn Maxwell to PBKS: INR 4.2 crore (approx. $498k)

Glenn Maxwell had a very poor IPL 2024 season (nine innings, 52 runs). However, his ceiling remains very high and can deliver great value for PBKS at just INR 4.2 crore (approx. $498k).

He helped RCB qualify for the playoffs in recent seasons and PBKS will be hoping he can contribute in their quest to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Other noteworthy steals from the IPL 2025 Mega Auction

• Ashutosh Sharma to DC for INR 3.8 crore (approx. US$451k): Sharma struck 189 runs in 2024 at a strike rate of 167.25 in IPL 2024. This includes a superb 61 off 28 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI), where he took Jasprit Bumrah head on.
• Mitchell Santner to MI for INR 2 crore (approx. $237k): Santner is one of the world’s most accurate left-arm spinners and can offer value as a middle over holding option both at Wankhede and especially at more spin-friendly venues.
• Will Jacks to MI for INR 5.25 crore (approx. $623k): MI have acquired one of the most exciting players who hit 230 runs in IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 175.57. “RCB are truly crazy. So much so that Akash Ambani went and gave them a handshake for not RTM-ing Will Jacks,” wrote Cricxtasy’s Rohit Sankar on X.
• Faf du Plessis to DC for INR 2 crore (approx. $237k): Another decent purchase for DC. Faf du Plessis offers plenty of experience and is still in fine form. In all T20s in 2024, du Plessis has scored 1,097 runs at an average of 35.39 and strike rate of 160.15.