5 USA players who might go for big money at IPL 2025 auction
The United States of America (USA) cricket team has been one of the biggest takeaways in the 2024 T20 World Cup so far. Beginning with monumental wins over Canada and then Pakistan, before taking India to the brink, there are a lot of promises already to this unfinished story.
The Monank Patel-led side are one win away from qualifying for the Super 8 stages of the competition. Irrespective of where they finish, the USA can certainly be proud of their efforts.
They have played like a unit throughout, but some individuals have stood apart from the rest to shine at possibly the greatest platform in international cricket. Such tournaments are closely monitored by Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, and the next obvious step might not be too far away for some of the players.
With the majority of the franchises looking to conduct a rebuild with fresh options, the timing for the 2025 IPL mini-auction could not be more perfect for the USA players.
On that note, let us take a look at five USA players who might go for big money at the IPL 2025 auction.
#1 Saurabh Netravalkar
A cricket homecoming to India could be on the cards for the most-talked-about player in the USA camp in recent times. The left-arm pacer was impactful against India and Pakistan, even bowling the Super Over in the latter encounter.
Netravalkar has shown the ability to move the ball both ways and with left-arm seamers always being in demand with franchises, there is a realistic chance that he can secure an IPL contract soon.
Apart from his new ball skills, he also comes across as a reliable death bowler with his variations. Furthermore, he has experience playing in franchise-based leagues when he represented the Washington Freedom in the 2023 Major League Cricket (MLC), as well as the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Gulf Giants in the CPL and the ILT20, respectively.
#2 Aaron Jones
The dynamic right-handed batter came into the spotlight after his explosive unbeaten 94 in the opening contest of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The USA vice-captain is perhaps the best player of spin in the squad, which is a valued trait in terms of IPL franchises' scouts.
The modern-day game needs players who can keep up the tempo in the middle overs and take on the spinners. Steven Taylor is well equipped to do that despite the lack of playing much at the highest level. His sheer talent and ability overshadow his mediocre stats in international cricket so far.
#3 Ali Khan
The Pakistan-born pace bowler brings something unique to the table with his slingy action. He is among the most accomplished players in the current squad, having played for a slew of franchises over the years.
He famously dismissed the famous Kumar Sangakkara for a duck on his CPL debut and has 76 wickets in T20 cricket in 71 appearances. His raw pace and unique action make him a solid candidate for the new ball, and certainly an ideal backup option as well in the squad.
#4 Steven Taylor
One of the biggest power hitters that the USA currently have at their disposal, Taylor has unfortunately not been able to showcase his skills due to tricky pitches, but as his numbers suggest, he is an ideal powerplay candidate.
He was the first USA player to record a T20 hundred and secured a CPL contract as early as 2015. Taylor has worked closely with former India player Robin Singh, who served as head coach of the Barbados Tridents. He has also had contracts with the Guyana Amazon Warriors, and the Jamaica Tallawahs.
Although there is no shortage of opening batters in the auction pool, Taylor's brute strength and experience set him apart from the majority.
#5 Nosthush Kenjige
Perhaps a very underrated player, the left-arm spinner is a wily operator, capable of bowling with the new ball as well. He played a solid role in MI New York's title win in the 2023 Major League Cricket (MLC) by picking up 6 wickets in 6 matches at an economy of just 5.73.
Even in the ongoing World Cup, he was adjudged player of the match for his three-wicket haul against Pakistan in Dallas. The world might get to witness his ability in the coming weeks if the USA progresses into the Super 8 stage. The conditions in the Caribbean will suit his style of bowling, and he can make a serious impact as a result.
The 30-year-old may lack experience at the highest level, but he has shown in this short while that he can be a perfect utility player.