IPL 2025 Auction: Four Teams Likely To Pursue Mitchell Starc For Competitive Edge

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah. This event will feature ten franchises vying for top cricket talent. One of the players expected to draw significant interest is Australia's fast bowler, Mitchell Starc.

In the 2024 auctions, Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in IPL history when Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for INR 24.75 crore. Despite his impressive performance, he was not retained for the 2025 season and will re-enter the auction pool. Starc played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders' title-winning campaign in 2024, taking 17 wickets. Although he didn't start well with KKR, he was vital during the playoffs.

As the 34-year-old enters the auction pool again, many teams are expected to pursue him. Punjab Kings are still seeking their first IPL title and might target Starc in the upcoming auction. With only two players retained—Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh—the franchise has the largest budget of INR 110.5 crore among all teams. Adding a player of Starc's calibre could significantly boost their chances of success.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru might consider bringing back Mitchell Starc to strengthen their bowling department. The team has faced challenges recently, making Starc an attractive option. RCB has retained Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal ahead of the auction, leaving them with INR 83 crore to spend. His previous stint with Bengaluru makes him a suitable choice for the franchise.

Rajasthan Royals' Interest

Rajasthan Royals have retained six players but lack a premium pacer in their squad. Mitchell Starc could fill this gap perfectly for them. Alongside Sandeep Sharma, he can form Rajasthan's dream bowling pair. The Jaipur pitch offers bounce and assistance to fast bowlers, which would suit Starc's style well.

Gujarat Titans will also keep an eye on Mitchell Starc during the auction. They previously bid up to Rs 24.5 crore for him in a mini-auction but lost out to KKR. In this mega auction, they are expected to join the bidding again, especially after not retaining any pacers.

The upcoming IPL mega auction promises intense competition among franchises aiming to secure top talents like Mitchell Starc. His past performances and potential impact make him a highly sought-after player as teams strategise for success in the next season.