NEW DELHI: The IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, marked a transformative phase for the league as all ten teams revamped their squads. With only six retentions allowed, franchises spent a staggering Rs 639.15 crore to acquire 182 players, including 62 overseas stars, during the two-day event.
This overhaul saw the end of several iconic long-term associations, with players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rishabh Pant, and Jos Buttler switching teams.
Notable moves included Pant’s record-breaking Rs 27 crore transfer to Lucknow Super Giants and Bhuvneshwar’s return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The auction reshaped team dynamics, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 season.
Here’s the list of top players parting ways with teams after long stints:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (11 Years at SRH)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s all-time leading wicket-taker, ended his 11-year stint with the franchise. The pacer, who joined SRH in 2014, was acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 10.75 crore, marking his return to the team where his IPL journey began in 2009.
Rishabh Pant (9 Years at DC)
Rishabh Pant, the former Delhi Capitals captain, became the most expensive player in IPL history, joining Lucknow Super Giants for a record Rs 27 crore. After nine years at DC, Pant is expected to take on a leadership role at LSG, replacing KL Rahul, who moved to DC for Rs 14 crore.
IPL Auction: SRH go big to bring in Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan (7 Years at MI)
Mumbai Indians parted ways with wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan after seven years. Kishan, with 2644 IPL runs, was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 11.25 crore.
Mohammed Siraj (7 Years at RCB)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Mohammed Siraj, a vital part of their bowling attack, joined Gujarat Titans for Rs 12.25 crore. Siraj exits RCB with 93 wickets in as many matches.
Jos Buttler (7 Years at RR)
English star Jos Buttler, a cornerstone of Rajasthan Royals’ batting lineup, will now represent Gujarat Titans after being bought for Rs 15.75 crore. Buttler leaves RR after scoring 3582 IPL runs, including seven centuries.
IPL Auction: RR bowling looks overdependent on Jofra Archer
Deepak Chahar (7 Years at CSK)
Deepak Chahar’s seven-year run with Chennai Super Kings ended with his move to Mumbai Indians for Rs 9.25 crore.
Nitish Rana (7 Years at KKR)
All-rounder Nitish Rana, who recently made his Test debut, left Kolkata Knight Riders after seven seasons to join Rajasthan Royals for Rs 4.2 crore.
Mitchell Santner (7 Years at CSK)
New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner, despite limited opportunities with Chennai Super Kings, moved to Mumbai Indians at his base price of Rs 2 crore.