The IPL 2025 auction is expected to take place this December, with the season scheduled to run from April to May. Preparations for the season are already underway. Fans are eagerly anticipating the BCCI’s decision on player retention rules. Each year, there’s a buzz about who will be the most expensive player at the auction, and IPL is known for breaking records year after year. The speculation is now whether Rohit Sharma could become the most expensive player if he enters the auction or if Mitchell Starc’s record will remain intact. Let’s explore this in detail.
Mitchell Starc: The Most Expensive Player in IPL History
As of now, Mitchell Starc holds the record for being the most expensive player in IPL history. Last year, the Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for a hefty sum of ₹24.75 crore. Starc made his IPL comeback after about eight years, and his name drew considerable attention at the auction. Despite not having an outstanding season, the KKR won the IPL 2024 title, which somewhat overshadowed Starc’s individual performance.
Pat Cummins Also Attracts High Bid
Alongside Starc, Pat Cummins also commanded a high bid in the same IPL season. Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him for ₹20.50 crore. Although SRH performed well, they did not win the IPL title. There are also rumors that Rohit Sharma might be released by the Mumbai Indians, though no official statement has been made by either Rohit or the team yet. Hence, this remains speculative.
Rohit Sharma’s Salary and Potential Value
Currently, Rohit Sharma earns around ₹16 crore from Mumbai Indians. If he were to leave MI, he could command an even higher price. Rohit is known for his exceptional leadership and ability to turn games around with his captaincy. Although he is no longer the captain of Mumbai Indians, his strategic acumen remains highly valued.
Also Read: Will Shikhar Dhawan Play in IPL 2025 after Retirement Announcement?
Mumbai Indians’ Performance Post-Rohit’s Captaincy
Mumbai Indians’ performance deteriorated significantly after Rohit Sharma stepped down as captain. The team had a forgettable season last year. However, Rohit Sharma’s successful leadership in the recent T20 World Cup, where India won the title, has spurred discussions about him potentially leading another team. If Rohit enters the auction, multiple teams are likely to vie for him, potentially breaking Starc’s record.
Other Players in the Spotlight
Besides Rohit Sharma, players like Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav are also in the limelight. Pant, who is currently the captain of Delhi Capitals, and Yadav, who plays for Mumbai Indians, are also speculated to be potential high-value players. Whether they will be retained by their current teams or enter the auction remains to be seen.
Teams Willing to Spend Big
Suryakumar Yadav, the current captain of Team India, might attract significant interest if he enters the auction. It’s rare for an Indian team captain to play as a player in the IPL, as seen with MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. If Yadav is released, he could become a captain for another team. While no final decisions have been made, the dynamic nature of IPL auctions means anything can happen.