Predicting the top 3 most expensive buys in Set 1 of capped wicket-keepers at IPL 2025 auction ft. Ishan Kishan
The Indian Premier League 2025 mega-auction is set to begin on Sunday, November 24 at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and conclude a day later, on Monday. The event will witness several big names going under the hammer, with teams giving their all to get them.
While the marquee list of players includes some top wicketkeeper-batters, Set 1 of capped wicket-keepers also has some fine players, and this section will also see a good fight between the teams at the auction.
Set 1 of capped wicketkeepers includes six players, namely Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ishan Kishan, Phil Salt, and Jitesh Sharma. Of these, let’s predict who will grab the biggest bid at the arena.
#3 Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma made his IPL debut in 2016 when Mumbai Indians roped him in for ₹10 lakh but played his first game only in 2022 when he represented the Punjab Kings, who bought him for ₹20 lakh, which continued to remain his price till the 2024 edition.
His attacking approach also led to Jitesh getting his India cap when he represented his nation at the 2023 Asian Games. He’s been an effective cricketer in the shortest format and has equally good skills with the gloves behind the stumps.
While there are chances of the Punjab-based franchise buying him back at a higher price, other teams too will have their eye on the Indian keeper-batter. Earlier, he revealed his choice of teams, saying that if PBKS don’t rope him in, he’d want to see himself at either Chennai Super Kings or MI.
#2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be one of the players who will attract good bids. Gurbaz was roped in by Gujarat Titans as Jason Roy’s replacement in 2022 but was benched throughout the season and didn’t get a single game.
He was then traded to Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2023 and represented them that season and the following year, lifting the title with KKR in 2024. He played a key role with the bat in KKR’s summit clash against SunRisers Hyderabad.
Gurbaz is a fine opening batter and has showcased exceptional keeping skills representing his national side Afghanistan. His heroics against Australia at the T20 World Cup 2024 won many hearts as he notched up a 49-ball 60 and Afghanistan beat the Mitchell Marsh-led side by 21 runs.
#1 Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan made headlines when Mumbai Indians released him ahead of the 2022 auction, only to buy him back at a higher price.
The keeper-batter was brought back by MI at the IPL 2022 mega auction for ₹15.25 crore and got ₹9.05 crore more than his previous price of ₹6.25 crore.
Mumbai Indians have shown immense trust in Kishan, who has been associated with the franchise since 2018. Hence, there is a high chance of the five-time champions getting him back into their squad. Kishan is young and will be a key player for whichever team he goes to.