Predicting the top 3 most expensive buys in Set 1 of capped fast bowlers at IPL 2025 auction ft. Trent Boult
The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is just a day away. All the franchises will have their strategies and preferred players locked in, raring to go and build a strong squad for the upcoming season.
The list of players to go under the hammer in the IPL 2025 auction includes some big names certain to spark bidding wars among franchises. Several teams will be focused on building potent bowling attacks as well, with more focus on fast bowlers.
In the T20 format often dominated by batters, fast bowlers are under immense pressure to not only pick up wickets but also contain the run-flow. Some of the world's premier fast bowlers will be up for grabs at the mega auction this time around.
Set 1 of capped fast bowlers includes key players like Khaleel Ahmed, Trent Boult, Josh Hazlewood, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, T Natarajan, Anrich Nortje, and Jofra Archer.
On that note, here are the three players who could turn out to be the most expensive buys in Set 1 of capped fast-bowlers at the IPL 2025 auction.
Predicting the top 3 most expensive buys in Set 1 of capped fast bowlers at IPL 2025 auction
#3 T Natarajan
T Natarajan was one of the key players for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. He picked up 19 wickets from 14 matches with best figures of 4/19. Known for his left-arm pace, Natajaran can bring variety into any team's bowling attack.
His ability to bowl in the powerplay, middle-overs, and at the death as well will make him an option many teams would go after. His death bowling skills and variations with the ball in particular can add immense value to any bowling attack.
Natarajan is an experienced pacer and also has a knack for picking up wickets, having taken 67 scalps from 61 games in his IPL career and 104 wickets from 95 T20s. Teams looking for an experienced death and new-ball bowler will certainly have Natarajan on their radar.
#2 Jofra Archer
Initially not a part of the player's list, English pacer Jofra Archer has now made himself available for the IPL 2025 auction and is certain to have several teams raising the paddle for him.
Archer is among the most exciting fast bowlers in international cricket at the moment. Despite his injury and workload concerns, teams would be willing to invest in the 29-year-old due to his ability to bowl in all three phases - powerplay, middle-overs, and at the death.
Although Archer has played only 40 games in the IPL so far, he has an impressive record with 48 wickets at an average of 24.39 and an economy rate of 7.43. Overall, he has picked up 197 wickets from 158 T20s and also has the experience of playing in various leagues apart from his international experience.
Teams looking for a lead overseas fast bowler to strengthen their pace attack will certainly want someone like Archer in their line-up.
#1 Trent Boult
Trent Boult is arguably among the players who are expected to fetch big money at the IPL 2025 auction. The left-arm pacer has established himself among the best pacers in the world, with his ability to move the ball both ways upfront, bowl at a decent pace, and trouble the best batters around the globe.
He picked up 16 wickets in the last IPL season and has 121 wickets from 104 games overall. Boult has played across various leagues, gathering a total of 275 wickets from 235 T20s. Boult's ability to handle pressure and bowl at the death, along with his experience make him a top-quality pacer that any side would want to have.
He can also tonk the odd ball, providing some crucial runs down the order, apart from being a gun fielder as well. Boult is a consistent wicket-taker and poses a threat to many batters. In all likelihood, the Kiwi pacer should certainly attract a hefty pay check at the auction this time around.