The IPL 2025 mega auction is only a few weeks away! After franchises set up their core teams via player retentions, building the remainder of the squad will be the next major challenge.
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Several teams will be on the lookout for fast bowlers and in particular, some exciting Indian stars, with veterans like Mohammad Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar up for grabs at the mega auction.
At the same time, franchises have also relied on domestic talents in the past, with the likes of Deepak Chahar and Vaibhav Arora, who have played instrumental roles for their teams in trophy-winning seasons.
In this article, The Sporting News takes a look at the most in-demand Indian fast-bowlers ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Who are the most in-demand Indian fast-bowlers for IPL 2025 mega auction?
1. Mohammad Shami
Mohammad Shami missed the IPL 2024 season due to an injury. The same injury could be one of the major reasons that the 33-year-old was released by his franchise, Gujarat Titans.
He was the front-line bowler for the Ahmedabad-based franchise in their run to IPL finals in IPL 2022 and 2023.
Given his vast experience at the international level and the ability to lead the line, it will be interesting to see which teams go after him at the mega auction.
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 16 | 20 | 24.40 | 18.30 | 8.00 |
| 2023 | 17 | 28 | 18.64 | 13.92 | 8.03 |
| Total | 33 | 48 | 21.52 | 16.11 | 8.02 |
However, Shami has not played for India since ODI World Cup 2023 and was not part of the World Cup winning squad in 2024 either. His age and injury concerns can affect his price at the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.
2. Mohammad Siraj
Mohammad Siraj became a household name in Bengaluru and was synonymous to the Royal Challengers. However, the franchise did not retain the T20I World Cup-winning pacer.
His performances have not been extraordinary in the past years, which is why Yash Dayal was the chosen one, ahead of Siraj. However, the Hyderabad-born pacer is expected to be one of the sought-after Indian pacers at the upcoming auction.
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 15 | 9 | 57.11 | 34.00 | 10.08 |
| 2023 | 14 | 19 | 19.79 | 15.79 | 7.52 |
| 2024 | 14 | 15 | 33.07 | 21.60 | 9.19 |
| Total | 43 | 43 | 36.65 | 23.79 | 8.93 |
3. Khaleel Ahmed
Khaleel Ahmed has found his mojo back after performing at his best in IPL 2024. The left-armer could be one of the highest earners among Indian pacers, after picking 17 wickets in the group stage last season.
As a lot of franchises lack a frontline Indian pacer, Khaleel's ability to bowl both up front and at the death would make him a hot property at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10 | 16 | 19.69 | 14.69 | 8.04 |
| 2023 | 9 | 9 | 33.44 | 22.00 | 9.12 |
| 2024 | 14 | 17 | 28.18 | 17.65 | 9.58 |
| Total | 33 | 42 | 27.10 | 18.11 | 8.91 |
4. Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar's reputation as one of the most reliable new ball pacers at the IPL in recent years. Barring the injury-prone nature, Chahar had been a reliable bowler for the former CSK skipper, MS Dhoni.
While it remains to be seen if CSK use the RTM to bring him back, Deepak would be on the wish-list for a host of IPL franchises at the auction.
His ability to bowl four overs straight and make big impacts in the first half of the innings is a rare skill, and quite a few franchises would like the multiple-time IPL-winner on their radar.
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 14 | 12 | 33 | 26 | 7.62 |
| 2021 | 15 | 14 | 32.2 | 23.1 | 8.35 |
| 2023 | 10 | 13 | 22.85 | 15.69 | 8.74 |
| 2024 | 8 | 5 | 40.40 | 28.20 | 8.60 |
| Total | 47 | 44 | 40.4 | 28.2 | 8.23 |
5. Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan has been one of the most sought-after Indian pacers in the IPL in the past few years. From Lucknow to Rajasthan, Avesh has earned his hefty paycheque in previous IPL seasons.
His wicket-taking ability at crucial junctures in the match could see him find a new home ahead of IPL 2025. Rajasthan Royals (RR), Avesh's previous franchise would have to buy him out from the auction table, like every other franchise.
This could spark a bidding war among various teams. His return of 19 wickets in IPL 2024 would be fresh in the minds of IPL franchises, as the 27-year-old braces himself for a new home (most-likely).
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 18 | 23.11 | 15.89 | 8.73 |
| 2023 | 9 | 8 | 35.38 | 21.75 | 9.76 |
| 2024 | 16 | 19 | 27.68 | 17.32 | 9.59 |
| Total | 38 | 45 | 28.72 | 18.32 | 9.36 |
6. Akash Deep
Akash Deep's rise in Indian cricket over the past few years, has been beyond phenomenal. The West Bengal bowler has also made a name for himself in India's Test team, courtesy of his IPL performances.
RCB would look to buy-back the 27-year-old at the right price, but a fair few franchises would pursue the speedster at the auction table. His quality to shine with the red-ball would not go unnoticed and could fetch him a decent amount in Jeddah.
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 5 | 41.00 | 22.60 | 10.88 |
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | 59.00 | 30.00 | 11.80 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 | 55.00 | 21.00 | 15.71 |
| Total | 8 | 7 | 45.57 | 23.43 | 11.67 |
7. Mukesh Kumar
Like fellow Bengal pacer Akash, Mukesh Kumar is another pacer who has seen his stocks rise over the last few years. Mukesh has not turned his back since making his IPL debut in 2023 as a 29-year-old. His performances for the Delhi Capitals earned him India call-ups in all formats.
The 31-year-old is heading into the mega auction on the back of a 17-wicket season in IPL 2024. Mukesh's ability to bowl at any stage of the innings is something the franchises would aim to add to their rosters.
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | 7 | 46.57 | 26.57 | 10.52 |
| 2024 | 10 | 17 | 21.65 | 12.53 | 10.37 |
| Total | 20 | 24 | 28.92 | 16.63 | 10.44 |
8. Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh Krishna was acquired for INR 10 Crores by Rajasthan Royals at the IPL 2022 auction. Having missed out on the last two seasons, Krishna would hope for a stellar comeback in the IPL 2025.
Given his injury concerns, franchises would be averse taking the risk of adding Krishna to their rosters. However, being a genuine wicket-taker, the 28-year-old would attract buyers, nevertheless.
He last made an appearance in the IPL in 2022 season, missing the subsequent editions due to injuries.
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10 | 12 | 29.25 | 19.25 | 9.11 |
| 2022 | 17 | 19 | 29.00 | 21.00 | 8.29 |
| Total | 27 | 31 | 29.13 | 20.12 | 8.70 |
9. Shardul Thakur
Mumbai's Shardul Thakur has been used as an effective ploy by the Chennai Super Kings. Thakur's IPL career has fallen off a cliff, ever since his big-money move to Delhi Capitals in previous mega auction ahead of IPL 2022.
He would hope for a turnaround of fate as a new cycle commences from 2025. While the 31-year-old would hope to go back to CSK, a number of franchises would be wanting to acquire his services.
He has a rare ability as an Indian speedster - to control the middle overs. His effectiveness and efficiency for CSK in the middle overs was crucial in their title-winning runs in 2018 and 2021.
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14 | 15 | 31.53 | 19.33 | 9.79 |
| 2023 | 11 | 7 | 31.43 | 18.00 | 10.48 |
| 2024 | 9 | 5 | 61.80 | 38.00 | 9.76 |
| Total | 34 | 27 | 37.11 | 28.70 | 10.01 |
10. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a mainstay for his former franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad over the last few seasons. Becoming a household name in the city, Bhuvi was instrumental in SRH's title-winning campaign in 2016.
If used correctly, the 34-year-old's ability to spearhead the innings is unmatched, even to this day. A host of destinations could be on the radar for the summer for India's 'Swing King'.
| Year | Innings | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14 | 12 | 31.92 | 26.08 | 7.34 |
| 2023 | 14 | 16 | 26.56 | 19.13 | 8.33 |
| 2024 | 16 | 11 | 48.45 | 31.09 | 9.35 |
| Total | 44 | 39 | 34.38 | 24.64 | 8.34 |
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IPL 2025 mega auction hotlist ranking: Indian batsmen
| Player | Hotlist Ranking |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Shami | RED HOT |
| Mohammad Siraj | RED HOT |
| Khaleel Ahmed | HOT |
| Deepak Chahar | WARM |
| Avesh Khan | HOT |
| Akash Deep | HOT |
| Mukesh Kumar | WARM |
| Prasidh Krishna | WARM |
| Shardul Thakur | COLD |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | COLD |
| Harshal Patel | HOT |
| Arshdeep Singh | RED HOT |
| Tushar Deshpande | HOT |
| Akash Madhwal | WARM |
| Vaibhav Arora | HOT |
| T. Natarajan | RED HOT |
| Mohit Sharma | HOT |
| Yash Thakur | WARM |
| Rasikh Salam | HOT |
| Anshul Kamboj | RED HOT |
MORE: IPL 2025 mega auction: What is the remaining purse and budget for each Indian Premier League team?
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