5 New Zealand internationals who might be released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction ft. Kane Williamson
The IPL rules for the 2025 mega auction have been released, prompting franchises to evaluate which players to retain and which to let go. On September 28, it was announced that each team could retain up to six players, utilizing both the Right to Match card and general retention. The impact player rule will also remain in place at least until 2027.
Franchises will operate with a budget of INR 120 crore, and each team can retain up to two uncapped Indian players. It’s anticipated that several high-profile players will be released, including some from New Zealand.
A notable number of Kiwis participate in the league, including former captain Kane Williamson and Trent Boult. In this article, we will look at five New Zealand players who might be released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
#1 Kane Williamson (Gujarat Titans)
Leading the list is former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. The 34-year-old suffered a right knee injury in his debut match for the Gujarat Titans during the 2023 IPL, which sidelined him for the rest of the season. He played only two games in the 2024 season, scoring 27 runs.
Williamson had a lackluster performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, managing only 28 runs in three innings as the Black Caps failed to advance to the Super Eights. He has also stepped down from his position as T20I captain.
Given his recent difficulties in the shortest format of the game, it’s highly likely that he will be released by the Gujarat Titans ahead of the mega auction.
#2 Lockie Ferguson (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Royal Challengers Bangalore signed Lockie Ferguson for INR 2 crore ahead of the 2024 season. The right-arm pacer struggled throughout the season, featuring in seven matches where he claimed nine wickets but at a high economy rate of 10.63.
In the 2023 season with the Kolkata Knight Riders, he played three matches, taking just one wicket at an economy of 12.52. Given his recent decline in performance, the Bangalore franchise is likely to look at offloading the 33-year-old and refreshing its roster with new talent.
#3 Glenn Phillips (SunRisers Hyderabad)
Glenn Phillips, known for his explosive batting and exceptional fielding, was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during the 2024 season. Although the team finished as runners-up, Phillips did not play a single match due to the presence of Travis Head, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen in the squad.
If SRH decide to release him, which seems likely, many franchises will be eager to acquire the Kiwi's services. So far, he has played in eight IPL matches, scoring 65 runs and taking two wickets.
#4 Mitchell Santner (Chennai Super Kings)
Mitchell Santner was acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 1.9 crore ahead of the 2022 mega auction. However, the bowling all-rounder hasn't had much playing time in recent years. The 32-year-old participated in six matches during the 2022 season and played three games each in the subsequent two seasons.
Overall, Santner has appeared in 18 IPL matches, taking 15 wickets. The Kiwi is expected to enter the mega auction, and teams will be eager to acquire him due to his all-round capabilities.
#5 Matt Henry (Lucknow Super Giants)
New Zealand pacer Matt Henry was part of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during the 2024 IPL season. This year marked the first time LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs since the franchise was established in 2022.
The 32-year-old returned to action in 2024 for the first time since 2017 but had a disappointing season, claiming just one wicket in four matches with an economy rate of 9.17. As the franchise prepares to rebuild for the upcoming season, they will likely release the Black Caps player.