The countdown to the IPL 2025 mega auction has begun, intensifying the anticipation among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this grand event will showcase a staggering pool of 1,574 players, including star names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Mohammed Siraj. These marquee players are set to draw significant attention as franchises prepare to strategize and bid for their services. One of the major headlines ahead of the auction is KL Rahul’s release from the Lucknow Super Giants, a team he captained since 2022, adding intrigue to the proceedings.
Former Indian cricketer and renowned analyst Aakash Chopra has weighed in on Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) plans for the upcoming season, particularly regarding their search for a potential successor to the legendary MS Dhoni. With CSK retaining key players such as captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, power-hitter Shivam Dube, and death-overs specialist Matheesha Pathirana, Dhoni remains a part of the squad as an uncapped player. However, as the franchise prepares for a future without its iconic leader, Chopra sees KL Rahul as a prime candidate to take up the mantle.
In his YouTube analysis, Chopra elaborated on Rahul’s suitability for CSK, emphasizing his dual capabilities as a wicketkeeper and batter. “Chennai needs a player who can eventually fill Dhoni’s shoes—a skilled wicketkeeper-batter, ideally Indian. KL Rahul checks all those boxes. At over 30, soon to become a father, and with people questioning his form, Rahul aligns perfectly with the CSK ethos of backing experienced players others might overlook. Expect them to go all out for him,” Chopra predicted.
He further suggested that CSK might also consider other Indian options, such as the dynamic Ishan Kishan or the resilient Rishabh Pant, estimating bids in the ₹10-15 crore range. Additionally, Shreyas Iyer could emerge as a wildcard choice, given CSK’s need for Indian batters adept at handling the league’s challenging conditions.
The auction is set to feature a diverse pool of talent, comprising 320 capped players, 1,224 uncapped talents, and 30 players from Associate Nations. Among these, 48 are capped Indian cricketers, while a remarkable 965 uncapped Indian players are part of the list, promising a highly competitive bidding war that could shape the league’s future for years to come.
