The IPL 2025 Auction had it all – the star-studded big names, the bidding wars, and some jaw-dropping numbers. While the heavyweights like Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and others grabbed the headlines, there were a few lesser-known players who stole the show with their hefty contracts.
These players may not have been on everyone’s radar, but when the bidding started, they sure made heads turn. Let’s dive into the world of these lesser-known players who turned the IPL 2025 Auction into their personal payday!

Jitesh Sharma’s auction story is a classic example of why you should never underestimate someone based on their name alone. The wicketkeeper-batsman had a base price of 2 crore, but when the bids started flying, Jitesh was snatched up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a whopping 11 crore!
Next up is Prasidh Krishna, who silently crept up the ranks during the auction. The fast bowler, whose base price was 2 crore, was snapped up by Gujarat Titans for 9.5 crore! Known for his pace and ability to rattle the batsmen with those fiery deliveries, Prasidh is set to make a huge impact in the IPL.
Avesh Khan was a name that got a lot of attention during IPL 2025’s auction, especially considering his consistent performance in the domestic circuit. With a base price of 2 crore, Lucknow Super Giants made sure to lock him down for 9.75 crore. For Avesh, it’s time to rise to the occasion and prove that he's more than just another IPL gamble.
Khaleel Ahmed, the left-arm pacer, was always known for his ability to swing the ball, but nobody saw this coming—being bought by Chennai Super Kings for 4.8 crore. His base price of 2 crore didn’t prepare anyone for this bidding war! There’s no doubt that his inclusion in the CSK lineup will add much-needed depth to their bowling attack.
Known for his deadly yorkers and death-over skills, T. Natarajan’s reputation preceded him in the IPL 2025 Auction. Despite having a base price of just 2 crore, the Delhi Capitals showed immense faith in the Tamil Nadu pacer and secured him for 10.75 crore.
Maheesh Theekshana, the Sri Lankan cricketer, was another surprise during the IPL 2025 Auction. While most mystery spinners are a hit-or-miss, Maheesh showed the franchises that he’s all hit and no miss. With a base price of just 2 crore, Rajasthan Royals snapped him up for 4.4 crore.
Noor Ahmad—an Afghan cricketer who’s been quietly making a name for himself—was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for a handsome 10 crore, a massive jump from his 2 crore base price. Known for his wrist-spin, Noor is expected to keep the batsmen guessing and could very well be one of the surprise packages of the season.
Nehal Wadhera was one of the uncapped players whose talent was hard to ignore. With a base price of just 30 lakh, Punjab Kings grabbed him for an astonishing 4.2 crore. With this big-ticket auction purchase, Punjab fans are hoping that Nehal’s star rises faster than his bid did!
Naman Dhir, the uncapped all-rounder, was an underdog going into the auction, but Mumbai Indians surprised everyone when they snapped him up for 5.25 crore. A young, versatile cricketer, Naman has the potential to shine in both departments.
Abdul Samad, the all-rounder, wasn’t a complete stranger to the IPL. His performances in the domestic circuit were enough to get the attention of Lucknow Super Giants, who bought him for 4.2 crore. Known for his hard-hitting batting and useful bowling, Abdul has the potential to be a match-winner.
Harpreet Brar, another uncapped all-rounder, was bought by Punjab Kings for 1.5 crore. His skill set includes useful bowling and big-hitting potential, making him a valuable asset in the IPL. This could be his breakthrough year, where he rises from an uncapped prospect to an IPL star.
Here’s another uncapped player who turned heads at the IPL 2025 Auction—Rasikh Dar, a fast bowler from Kashmir, was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a stunning 6 crore. Rasikh’s ability to bowl fast and with great control makes him one to watch. The bidding war was a clear indication that franchises are starting to pay attention to raw talent from unconventional cricketing regions.