It’s that time again when every IPL team has to press the reset button. Except for meeting certain conditions set by the retention policy, each team is forced to reshape their squad from last season. Letting go of the best players is challenging, especially for franchises like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. But the auction also gives other teams a golden opportunity to build a squad capable of mounting a serious title challenge. Here are 7 bowlers who could fetch the maximum bid at IPL auction 2025.

Building a team is like completing a jigsaw puzzle—every piece needs to be in place and complement the others. Quality batsmen add spectacle to the game, but for franchises, investing in top-notch bowlers is essential, as they are crucial for winning pivotal moments in T20 matches, particularly in the death overs.

Just like previous mega auctions, the bidding frenzy for top-tier bowlers is likely to reach fever pitch. Some high-profile bowlers will go under the hammer in the upcoming IPL Auction 2025, and here are seven bowlers who might attract the highest bids.

Read more about IPL 2025.

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1. Mohammad Shami (India)

Mohammad Shami has been a mainstay in India’s fast-bowling attack for years. Known for his ability to reverse the ball and generate pace, Shami’s value in T20 cricket is immense, especially with his experience in international cricket. Shami was the main reason why Gujarat Titans won the IPL 2023 title during their inaugural season. Though he sat out the entire IPL 2024 season due to an injury and is still not 100%, he is still a premium fast bowler.

• IPL Stats (2023): 45 matches, 52 wickets, economy rate of 8.03.
• Best IPL figures: 4/11.

Shami’s ability to bowl consistently at high speeds and reverse the ball makes him a potent weapon, particularly in the powerplay and death overs. His experience, combined with his ability to bowl under pressure, makes him an attractive pick for any IPL franchise.

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2. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Mitchell Starc is one of the finest fast bowlers in the world, known for his raw pace and ability to bowl lethal yorkers in the death overs. Though he has played only three seasons in the IPL, his performances in in KKR’s IPL 2024 title win was instrumental. especially in the biggest matches. Starc won man-of-the-match award in both the playoff and the final match.

• IPL Stats (2024): 14 matches, 17 wickets, economy rate of 8.21.
• Best IPL figures: 4/33.

Starc’s ability to bowl at high speed makes him a constant threat in the T20 format. His tall frame allows him to generate extra bounce, and his accuracy with the yorker and slower ball make him a must-have in any IPL team.

Given his limited but impactful IPL appearances, the 2025 auction could see Starc fetch a massive bid, just like IPL 2023 mini auction.

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3. Jofra Archer (England)

Jofra Archer is one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket, known for his pace, bounce, and ability to bowl match-winning yorkers. But his career so far has been marred by injuries. When fit, Archer is easily amongst the most lethal bowler in all formats of the game. During the IPL 2020 season, while playing for Rajasthan Royals, Archer picked up 20 wickets in only 14 matches.

• Best IPL Season (2020): 20 wickets in 14 matches, economy rate of 7.13.
• Best IPL figures: 3/15.

Archer’s pace (often exceeding 140 km/h) and his ability to bowl under pressure make him a significant threat, particularly in the final overs. Having regained full fitness, Archer is expected to attract a massive bid at the IPL Auction 2025.

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4. Arshdeep Singh (India)

India’s left-arm pacer, Arshdeep Singh, has emerged as one of the most consistent performers for India in the white-ball format. Like Mitchell Starc, Arshdeep belongs to the rare breed of left-arm fast bowlers who deliver at impressive speeds. At just 25, Arshdeep’s best years are still ahead of him, which spells trouble for batsmen around the world. He finished the IPL 2024 season as the joint fourth-highest wicket-taker.

• IPL Stats (2024): 14 matches, 19 wickets, economy rate of 9.03.
• Best IPL figures: 5/32.

What makes Arshdeep special is his ability to bowl in the pressure-packed death overs, consistently hitting the yorker length. His growing reputation on the international stage will only increase his value at the 2025 auction.

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5. Mohammed Siraj (India)

It came as a shock when Royal Challengers Bangalore decided against retaining Mohammed Siraj ahead of the IPL 2025 season. Over the years, Siraj has been RCB’s go-to bowler in all situations and is easily one of India’s best bowlers across formats. Siraj’s best IPL campaign came during the 2023 season when he picked up 19 wickets in 14 matches.

• IPL Stats (Overall): 93 matches, 93 wickets, economy rate of 8.65.
• Best IPL figures: 4/21.

At only 30 years of age, Siraj is arguably at the peak of his powers. He has consistently delivered for India, and combined with his IPL experience, he is likely to spark a bidding war among teams in the 2025 IPL auction.

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6. Harshal Patel (India)

A two-time IPL Purple Cap winner, Harshal Patel has been one of the standout performers in recent years. Known for his variations, particularly his slower balls and cutters, he makes life difficult for batsmen. He is the current Purple Cap holder, having taken 24 wickets in IPL 2024.

• IPL Stats (2024): 14 matches, 24 wickets, economy rate of 9.73.
• Best IPL figures: 5/27.

Harshal’s skill set, particularly his ability to execute slower balls and yorkers, is in high demand in the IPL. As teams continue to look for bowlers who can bowl effectively in the middle and death overs, Harshal will likely be a sought-after player at the IPL 2025 auction.

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7. T Natarajan (India)

T Natarajan, known as the “Yorker King,” has earned a reputation for his impeccable yorkers and death-bowling prowess. His breakout IPL season came in 2020, when he burst onto the scene with 16 wickets, playing a key role as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) reached the playoffs.

• IPL Stats (2024): 14 matches, 19 wickets, economy rate of 9.06.
• Best IPL figures: 4/19.

Natarajan’s yorkers and accurate death bowling are invaluable in T20 cricket. Given the growing demand for bowlers who can control the final overs and take wickets at crucial moments, Natarajan will be one of the most sought-after bowlers at the IPL Auction 2025. What strengthens Natarajan’s case even further is that his best IPL season came last year, when he picked up 19 wickets, finishing as the joint fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

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Conclusion

As the IPL teams continues to prioritize death bowling and powerplay mastery, these seven bowlers are likely to be in high demand, and with their match-winning abilities, they could easily secure some of the largest contracts in IPL history. Whether it’s Shami’s experience, Starc’s pace, Archer’s yorkers, Arshdeep’s death bowling, Siraj’s experience, Harshal’s variations, or Natarajan’s precision, each of these bowlers has what it takes to set the IPL auction on fire.