The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah showcased a fascinating mix of bold moves, tactical signings, and smart retention strategies. With 182 players sold for a massive Rs 639.15 crore, the auction proved to be an exciting spectacle, drawing attention to some high-profile acquisitions and intense bidding wars. While some franchises made big-money signings to bolster their squads, others focused on enhancing their core groups, aiming for a balanced team setup that could thrive in the upcoming season.

Teams like Gujarat Titans impressed with their methodical approach and well-executed purchases, while other sides, despite spending heavily, will need to ensure their new acquisitions fit seamlessly into their plans. The challenge now lies in how these newly assembled squads’ gel on the field and whether the high-priced players live up to their expectations. As the 2025 season approaches, it’s clear that the race for the IPL title will be as fierce as ever, with every team hoping that their strategic decisions in the auction will propel them to success.

IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Squad Ratings for All 10 Teams

1. Gujarat Titans – 10/10

• Gujarat Titans have once again nailed their strategy, combining stability and fresh talent. Their squad boasts a strong bowling lineup and an explosive opening pair. With Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, and Jos Buttler leading the charge, they have a well-rounded team capable of challenging for the title.
  • Strengths: Top-class pace attack, a potent spin core, reliable finishers, and a strong opening combination.
  • Weaknesses: None identified.
  • Key Purchases: Kagiso Rabada, Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

2. Mumbai Indians – 9/10

• Retaining a solid core of Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah was a smart move. Mumbai’s focus on bolstering their bowling attack with the acquisitions of Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar gives them a formidable lineup. However, they lack a solid back-up for Hardik Pandya as a finisher.
  • Strengths: Strong Indian core, balanced pace and spin attack, new X-factors like Naman Dhir and Will Jacks.
  • Weaknesses: No clear backup for Hardik Pandya in the finisher role.
  • Key Purchases: Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner.

3. Punjab Kings – 9/10

• Under new coach Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings have managed a complete overhaul, investing heavily in proven IPL talents like Shreyas Iyer and Yuzvendra Chahal. The inclusion of versatile all-rounders like Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell further strengthens their squad. However, the reliance on Australian players could be a double-edged sword.
  • Strengths: Strong leadership in Shreyas Iyer, solid core with Chahal and Arshdeep Singh, versatile all-rounders.
  • Weaknesses: Over-reliance on Australian players.
  • Key Purchases: Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell.

4. Delhi Capitals – 8.5/10

• Delhi’s decision to part ways with Rishabh Pant and opt for KL Rahul was a bold but calculated move. Their squad features a mix of experienced internationals like Mitchell Starc and Harry Brook alongside emerging Indian talents. However, a clear finisher still seems to be missing.
  • Strengths: Solid overseas group, strong Indian bowling, leadership options with KL Rahul and Axar Patel.
  • Weaknesses: Lack of a proven finisher.
  • Key Purchases: KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, Harry Brook.

5. Royal Challengers Bangalore – 7.5/10

• RCB was initially criticized for not securing marquee players on Day 1, but their strategy of being selective and sticking to a well-thought-out plan paid off. With players like Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma, RCB has the makings of a dangerous squad. The lack of a strong spin attack and adequate backup options remains a concern.
  • Strengths: Solid core with Kohli, powerful middle order, experienced bowling leaders.
  • Weaknesses: Lack of quality spinners and backup options for the bowling unit.
  • Key Purchases: Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone.

Also Read: Who Is Allah Ghazanfar? Mumbai Indians Land Afghan Spinner for ₹4.80 Crore in IPL Auction

6. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 7/10

• SRH managed to retain a core of exciting players like Heinrich Klaasen and Pat Cummins while filling gaps with strategic buys like Rahul Chahar and Ishan Kishan. Despite their solid squad on paper, they may struggle due to a lack of experienced seamers and middle-order depth.
  • Strengths: Explosive top-order, good spin options, solid middle-order.
  • Weaknesses: Lack of proven seamers and sufficient backup for the middle-order.
  • Key Purchases: Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar.

7. Kolkata Knight Riders – 7.5/10

• KKR’s approach was to build a strong spin attack with the likes of Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Mayank Markande. They also made an impressive signing in Venkatesh Iyer. The lack of a clear captaincy option and their inability to fill gaps in pace bowling could be their undoing.
  • Strengths: Strong spin department, talented all-rounders, and experienced players.
  • Weaknesses: No clear captaincy candidate, lack of depth in pace bowling.
  • Key Purchases: Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali.

8. Chennai Super Kings – 7/10

• Chennai’s strategy remained as reliable as ever, with a focus on experienced players and key local talent. Their squad is a good mix, but the lack of new game-changing talent and the potential overreliance on veteran players could be a concern as they aim to defend their title.
  • Strengths: Strong leadership with MS Dhoni, experienced core, balanced squad.
  • Weaknesses: Aging squad, lack of fresh game-changing players.
  • Key Purchases: (Full squad details needed for more specific analysis).

9. Lucknow Super Giants – 6/10

• Despite acquiring Rishabh Pant for a record sum, Lucknow’s squad looks weak on paper, with limited depth in the middle order and bowling attack. They may struggle to make an impact in IPL 2025 if they don’t get the best out of their expensive buys.
  • Strengths: Big-money purchase in Rishabh Pant, strong leadership in KL Rahul.
  • Weaknesses: Weak middle-order, lack of proven match-winners in the squad.
  • Key Purchases: Rishabh Pant.

These squad ratings reflect a mix of strategic insights, player combinations, and potential weaknesses that each team will need to address as they look to challenge for the 2025 IPL title.

Rajasthan Royals – 8/10

Rajasthan Royals have a well-balanced squad for IPL 2024, with a solid mix of experienced internationals and exciting young talent. Their retention of key players like Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shimron Hetmyer is a big boost. However, their success will largely depend on how well their new acquisitions, including Jofra Archer and Wanindu Hasaranga, adapt to the pressure of IPL cricket.

Strengths: Strong core group with key players, solid leadership under Sanju Samson, quality international reinforcements like Archer and Hasaranga.
Weaknesses: Inconsistent middle-order depth and reliance on some young players for big performances.
Key Purchases: Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana.