Tag: Mumbai Indians

RCB crowned kings as IPL brand value hits $18.5bn in record-breaking 2025 season

MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) juggernaut stormed into 2025 with record-breaking viewership, blockbuster auctions, and soaring brand valuations—cementing its status as one of the world’s most valuable sporting properties.

According to Houlihan Lokey’s latest IPL Valuation Study, the business value of the league has surged to a staggering $18.5 billion—up 12.9 per cent year on year: in rupee terms that tots up to Rs 156,568 crore -a 16.1 per cent growth. Its brand value alone clocked in at $3.9 billion, a 13.8 per cent jump while in rupee terms it grew 16.1 per cent again to Rs 32,721 crore. The numbers reflect not only the league’s financial firepower but also its bulletproof commercial appeal amid global uncertainty.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally shed their “chokers” tag after 17 seasons to lift their maiden IPL trophy, catapulting them to the No. 1 brand spot with a valuation of $269 million. Virat Kohli’s on-field heroics and Rajat Patidar’s captaincy delivered a fairytale finish that sent digital viewership through the roof—JioHotstar recorded a peak of 678 million views during the final, eclipsing even the India–Pakistan ICC clash earlier this year.

Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retained their spots in the top three, with brand values of $242 million and $235 million, respectively. While MI impressed with eight wins and Hardik Pandya’s smooth takeover as captain, CSK’s season was defined by MS Dhoni’s calm return to the helm amid injuries and a rebuilding phase.

The 2025 season also saw record media rights revenues, a $300 million extension of Tata Group’s title sponsorship till 2028, and mega-bucks player signings—Rishabh Pant fetched a record $3.19 million at the auction. The franchises spent a record 76 million (Rs 639.15 crore) on player acquisition. The BCCI sold four associate sponsor slots for Rs 1,485 crore, up 25 per cent from the previous cycle, while advertising revenues soared to an estimated $600 million—up 50 per cent YoY. The franchises spent a record 76 million (Rs 639.15 crore) on player acquisition.

Franchisees continued to ride high on asset-light models and predictable revenue streams. Top teams clocked Rs 6,500–7,000 million in annual revenue with over 80 per cent visibility secured pre-season, aided by front-loaded sponsorships and tight salary caps. The league’s capital-light structure and OTT-driven audience growth make it a poster child for high-yield sports investments.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings emerged as the fastest-growing brand in 2025, leaping to $141 million in value. With Shreyas Iyer as captain, and bold marketing campaigns like “Sarpanch Sahab” driving regional fandom, the franchise not only made it to the finals but also dominated digital chatter.

As cricket’s footprint grows beyond its traditional bastions—with the ICC Champions Trophy breaking global viewership records and the US hosting marquee events—the IPL remains the sport’s commercial and cultural vanguard. It’s no longer just a league; it’s a billion-dollar blueprint for the future of cricket.

July 8, 2025
Fan-tastic four as Dhoni hype and debutant delight rule IPL 2025 pulse

MUMBAI: Turns out the biggest impact player of IPL 2025 isn’t even an “impact player”, it’s Dhoni. A new report titled The IPL Pulse by 23 Watts Insights Studio has bowled over cricket buffs with fan-fuelled findings from over 5,000 respondents across 10 cities. From emerging icons to unexpected frontrunners, the survey captures the shifting allegiances, breakout stars, and strategic evolution of this year’s league proving once again that in India, cricket isn’t just watched, it’s felt.

At 42, MS Dhoni may not be scoring big with the bat, but his grip on the nation’s heart remains unshaken. A whopping 73 per cent fans say he shouldn’t retire just yet, with 35.13 per cent calling him the “soul of CSK” and 37.77 per cent admitting he’s not in peak form, but still brings immense value. Only 27 per cent feel it’s time for Thala to trade the gloves for the dugout.

While legends still shine, Gen Z has crowned its new prince. Rajasthan Royals’ teen dynamo Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as the most impressive debutant with 31.4 per cent votes. Following close are Mumbai Indians’ Ashwani Kumar (21 per cent) and South African import Ryan Rickelton (15.8 per cent), whose flair with the bat has turned heads across formats.

When it comes to bowling nightmares, Jasprit Bumrah (32.4 per cent) reigns supreme, followed by CSK’s crafty spinner Noor Ahmad (28.4 per cent). Fans, though, are clearly on the pace bandwagon 65.3 per cent believe fast bowlers are tougher to face than spinners this season.

It’s the year of the underdog. According to the report, 65 per cent of fans are hoping for a first-time IPL winner. Royal Challengers Bangalore leads the fairytale charge with 44 per cent of the vote, ahead of Delhi Capitals (12 per cent), Punjab Kings (7 per cent) and Lucknow Super Giants (2 per cent). Mumbai Indians (13 per cent) and CSK (12 per cent) remain in the hunt, but fan hopes seem to favour fresh silverware.

Love it or overhype it, the “Impact Player” rule has divided the pitch but not the people. An overwhelming 78 per cent agree it’s added a strategic edge to the game, while 20 per cent say it’s tough on true-blue all-rounders.

Key takeaways from The IPL Pulse:

. Thala for life: Only 1 in 4 fans want Dhoni to retire.

. Debut delight: Suryavanshi and Kumar lead the rookie chart.

. Bowling heat: Bumrah is still the batter’s worst nightmare.

. Dark horse energy: RCB tops wishlist for a new IPL champion.

. Rule reimagined: “Impact player” earns mass approval.

With 55 matches down and plenty more fireworks to come, The IPL Pulse proves one thing beyond doubt, the love for cricket is as layered and unpredictable as the tournament itself. And in this game, it’s not just the players making an impact, it’s the fans who write the script.

May 20, 2025
Cricket Icons bowled into play with miniature stars and mega fanfare

MUMBAI: Mini but mighty and ready to take a wicket in your living room. As cricket fever grips the nation, a new league of legends has entered the fray this time, not on the field but on your shelf. Pune-based startup Infinity Toy Tronics (ITT) has launched Cricket Icons, India’s first official line of collectible miniatures featuring players from top IPL teams like Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, and Rajasthan Royals.

The project, fuelled by fan obsession and startup hustle, marks a significant leap in India’s sports memorabilia landscape, one where a tiny Hardik Pandya or Rohit Sharma might just be your next prized possession.

Founded by three cricket-crazed first-gen entrepreneurs Rikesh Raja, Saurabh Gajbi, and Pratik Agrawal across three continents, ITT was born out of a shared frustration: why had cricket, India’s biggest sporting passion, never had its own Marvel-style merch moment?

“Growing up, we all played with Marvel heroes, Power Rangers, or football action figures but cricket, despite being India’s biggest sport, never had its own space in the collectables world,” said Infinity Toy Tronics Director Saurabh Gajbi. “With Cricket Icons, we saw an opportunity to not only fill that gap but also spark a revolution in the Indian toy industry. Unlike seasonal merchandise, these collectables have year-round appeal, driven by deep-rooted team loyalties and fan passion. It’s more than just a toy it’s a cultural connection and a step toward building a sustainable, homegrown ecosystem for sports memorabilia in India,” he added while talking about these IP-based collectables.

Thanks to Rise Worldwide, the team inked a three-year deal with major franchises, and they’ve got the distribution to match. Aditi Toys handles B2C and D2C routes, Neha Creations takes care of B2B, and the toys are already available across Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. For old-school charm, you’ll find them in Hamleys and local stores from metro malls to Tier 3 town bazaars.

The line includes single figurines priced at Rs 249, team packs at Rs 649, and upcoming action figures at Rs 699. Each one is crafted with 90–95 per cent likeness and doubles as a digital key. Scan the QR code on the toy to unlock player avatars, quizzes, loyalty rewards, and challenges on the Cricket Icons app. Fans can win match tickets, signed memorabilia, and more adding serious value to their shelf-space superstars.

Beyond the toys, it’s a larger mission. ITT’s strategy ties into the government’s 1 billion dollars toy economy vision under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

With a million-unit sales target for 2025, Cricket Icons is already swinging for the fences creating not just figurines, but fan stories, one miniature at a time.

April 17, 2025
Shalimar Paints adds colour to Mumbai Indians for a vibrant cricket season

MUMBAI: When cricket meets colour, the result is a masterpiece, this IPL season, Shalimar Paints is bringing its brushstrokes to the Mumbai Indians (MI) as their official paint partner. With a legacy spanning over 120 years, the iconic paint brand is set to paint the town blue with its vibrant association with one of the league’s most successful franchises.

This partnership isn’t just about branding, it’s about blending passion and performance, much like a perfectly mixed shade. With MI boasting five IPL titles and a colossal global fanbase, Shalimar Paints aims to amplify its reach, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where the brand sees immense growth potential. The collaboration promises wide brand visibility across MI’s team merchandise, advertisements, digital campaigns, and fan engagement initiatives making Shalimar a household name, both in the stadium and at home.

Shalimar Paints director Kuldip Raina said, “At Shalimar Paints, we are thrilled to partner with Mumbai Indians as the official paint partner, tapping into the massive cricket fan base to connect with India’s passionate audience. This collaboration targets the young, radiant generation who value creativity, modern aesthetics, and bold, dynamic energy, principles that drive our Shalimar Paints 2.0 transformation. We are blending exceptional quality, innovative products, and forward-thinking solutions, supported by substantial investments in R&D. With a wide range of sustainable, power-packed products, we cater to individuals whose dynamic lifestyle aligns with our offerings. Leveraging digital integration, social media, and region-specific campaigns, we are creating experiences that drive awareness, build lasting connections, and foster loyalty. This collaboration is about igniting a passion that resonates with India’s energetic spirit, positioning Shalimar Paints as a brand that evolves with today’s vibrant audience.”

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson added, “We welcome Shalimar Paints to the Mumbai Indians family. Their commitment to innovation and quality aligns well with our team’s ethos. We look forward to an exciting season together, bringing fans closer to the game and enhancing their engagement with Mumbai Indians.”

As the IPL fever grips the nation, Shalimar Paints and Mumbai Indians are set to create a bold, bright, and unforgettable season, because whether on walls or wickets, a flawless finish is what truly matters.

March 28, 2025
Mumbai Indians strike fragrance deal Lattafa joins squad

MUMBAI: Mumbai Indians, has announced a novel partnership with Lattafa Perfumes, securing the middle eastern perfumery as their official fragrance partner for the upcoming season. This collaboration marks a unique fusion of cricket and luxury fragrance, aiming to enhance fan engagement and sensory experiences.

The alliance pairs Mumbai Indians’ esteemed legacy with Lattafa’s expertise in premium fragrances, creating an immersive experience for supporters.

“Fragrance is more than just a scent it’s an identity, a symbol of confidence, and a statement of prestige. Much like Mumbai Indians’ legacy, Lattafa embodies excellence, strength, and ambition. This partnership celebrates the winning spirit both in cricket and in life.” Lattafa Perfumes founder Sheikh Shahid Ahmed.

A Mumbai Indians Spokesperson stated, “We are delighted to welcome Lattafa Perfumes to the Mumbai Indians family. This partnership brings together two distinctive brands that excel in their fields cricket and fragrances making for a perfect synergy. We look forward to an exciting journey together.”

Lattafa Perfumes head of marketing Nayana Tharoor explained, “At Lattafa, we see fragrances as powerful expressions of identity and emotion, much like the passion that fuels every cricket match. Partnering with Mumbai Indians allows us to bring this philosophy into the world of sports, offering fans a deeper connection to the team through signature scents. By partnering with Mumbai Indians, we aim to enhance the fan experience through our signature fragrances while capturing the spirit of champions both on and off the field.”

Under the campaign tagline ‘Ignite the Game – The Scent of Champions,’ the partnership will implement several key initiatives, Television commercial campaign a series of advertisements featuring Mumbai Indians’ top players, showcasing moments of preparation, intensity, and victory, all enhanced by Lattafa’s Khamrah fragrance. Kit sponsorship Lattafa branding will be prominently displayed on Mumbai Indians’ helmets and caps. Digital strategy a comprehensive digital campaign involving Indian and global influencers, bridging sports, lifestyle, and luxury. Game-day activities, exclusive scents and fan interaction.

The collaboration extends to include an exclusive Mumbai Indians x Lattafa Fragrance collection, featuring a limited-edition range with team-inspired packaging. Furthermore, fans can anticipate immersive fragrance experiences at Mumbai Indians’ home matches through stadium activations and fan zones. Digital engagement will be fostered through social media campaigns, contests, and giveaways, offering prizes such as signed merchandise and match tickets, all accessible via Lattafa Perfumes’ Instagram page.

Lattafa India aims to become an integral part of the Mumbai Indians’ season, providing players and fans with the scent of champions.

March 26, 2025
The Sleep Co scores big with Mumbai Indians partnership

MUMBAI: In a knockout collaboration that’s set to change the game, The Sleep Co (TSC) has been named the Official Comfort Partner for Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 campaign, bringing a nice twist to athletic performance.
The brand’s latest campaign “Jam ke soyenge, tabhi toh jam ke dhoyenge” (loosely translated: “Sleep hard to play harder”), isn’t just another marketing gimmick.

A recent survey revealed that 86 per cent of athletes swear by pre-match naps, believing they’re the secret sauce to peak performance. Further, studies suggest that quality sleep plays a vital role in physical and mental well-being and increased cognitive flexibility.

Through this association, TSC wants to bring to the fore the role of peaceful sleep in achieving success in everyday life. Sleeping well prior to the night of a big day is what fuels present-moment awareness and confidence, leading to victory and the making of legends.

TSC co-founder Priyanka Salot quipped, “Mumbai Indians is one of the favourite teams among cricket fans. Associating with a team that inspires millions with its winning spirit, solidifies our position as a performance-driven comfort brand. For cricketers and athletes who always stay in the canopy of fitness, ultimate recovery starts with resting and sleeping well. Through this campaign, we want to communicate to the people that striking a right balance between effort and recovery leads to assured success.”

The partnership aims to spotlight the often-overlooked MVP (most valuable player) of athletic prowess: quality shut-eye.

” As India’s most beloved sport, cricket serves as the perfect platform to bring people’s attention to the often-overlooked role of quality sleep in life,” said TSC chief marketing officer Ripal Chopda. “Rest and recovery aren’t just important to perform well on a cricket field, they are important for every individual – be it in sports, work or life. We aim to inspire people to take their health seriously and prioritise peaceful sleep which can boost their overall productivity and efficiency.”

The brand has launched an exclusive digital film featuring an anthem that’s part battle cry, part lullaby.

Steve Priya chief creative officer Priya Pardiwalla noted: “Most IPL films are all about high energy, high action, and high intensity. But what if fans saw their favourite cricketers in a way they’ve never seen before – fast asleep. Our goal was to carve out a distinct tone and voice, ensuring both the brand and category stood out in the noise, despite the challenges. More importantly, we wanted to remind audiences of a simple yet powerful truth: peaceful sleep has the power to elevate performance, sharpening both what you do and how well you do it.”

Fans can now splurge on exclusive Mumbai Indians merchandise, from mattresses to ergonomic chairs that’ll make working from home feel like a winning streak.

Who knew sleep could be the ultimate game-changer?

The Sleep Co, that’s who.

Watch the campaign here:

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March 25, 2025
Bumrah steps into Skechers’ shoes, ready to bowl rivals over the boundary

MUMBAI: Just when batsmen thought facing Jasprit Bumrah couldn’t get any scarier, Skechers armed him with shoes—shoes that promise comfort, style, and apparently, even more lethal yorkers. Imagine facing India’s pace king in sneakers designed for maximum traction—sounds terrifyingly brilliant, doesn’t it?

On 17 March 2025, Skechers—the comfort technology company®—signed cricket superstar Bumrah, adding yet another big fish to its athletic pond. The Mumbai Indians stalwart now competes wearing Skechers cricket footwear and will feature prominently in marketing campaigns for the brand’s performance and lifestyle collections.

“I joined the Skechers family as they are known for blending comfort with cutting-edge innovation,” said Bumrah, who recently earned the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award for the 2024 ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. “Their wide range of offerings make it a perfect fit for athletes who value performance without compromising on style, especially for bowlers like me. I’m proud to represent a brand that resonates with my approach to both cricket and life.” Clearly, comfort is crucial when sending batters packing back to the pavilion.

Skechers south Asia Pvt. Ltd. CEO Rahul Vira highlighted the synergy, saying, “Jasprit Bumrah’s relentless pursuit of excellence perfectly aligns with Skechers’ commitment to innovation and performance. Having him as part of the Skechers family adds to our stellar roster of ambassadors, including Yastika Bhatia and Ishan Kishan. The Skechers Team of athletes illustrate how the signature Comfort That Performs of Skechers Cricket footwear can help anyone’s game no matter what level you play. We’re excited to further elevate our journey in cricket and continue shaping the future of sports culture in India.” Translation: Bumrah plus Skechers equals trouble for batsmen everywhere.

Bumrah isn’t your average bowler; he’s cricket’s equivalent of lightning in trainers. After debuting in 2014, he bagged over 400 international wickets by 2024 and uniquely achieved number one ICC rankings across all formats simultaneously. Add his ‘Player of the Series’ award from India’s 2024 World Cup triumph, and you have a cricketer who’s not just good, but absurdly good.

The Skechers Cricket collection, which Bumrah now represents, includes the Cricket Elite shoe with 11 spikes for players craving maximum grip—perfect for those dramatic follow-throughs and flamboyant appeals. The Cricket Blade, featuring seven spikes, caters to players who require agility and decisive action—ideal for those quick single-run dashes or frantic dive-ins.

Bumrah joins other big hitters and global sports icons already wearing Skechers: footballer Harry Kane, NBA giant Joel Embiid, and even pickleball maestros like Tyson McGuffin.

Fancy bowling like Bumrah or just avoiding slipping embarrassingly during Sunday cricket? Skechers Cricket shoes are now available in select retail stores and online at skechers.in.

March 17, 2025
Reliance Industries joins forces with Oval Invincibles in The Hundred

MUMBAI: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), the powerhouse behind Mumbai Indians (MI), has officially added another feather to its cap. Through its subsidiary, Rise Worldwide Ltd, RIL has successfully partnered with the Oval Invincibles, a London-based franchise competing in the England & Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) thrilling 100-ball competition, The Hundred.

Just days after clinching yet another league title in south Africa, MI is set to bring its winning mentality to English cricket. The partnership unites MI’s winning DNA with the reigning men’s champions of The Hundred in 2023 and 2024 and the women’s champions of 2021 and 2022—making this a true meeting of champions.

From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the historic Oval, MI continues to build its cricket empire. With successful franchises in India, south Africa, the UAE, and now England, the MI brand is cementing itself as a dominant force in world cricket. The move is not just about expansion—it’s about bringing MI’s aggressive, entertaining, and fearless brand of cricket to an even bigger audience.

MI’s journey is one of continuous evolution, and The Hundred—with its fast-paced, dynamic gameplay—is the perfect new frontier. The tournament has already captured the imagination of fans worldwide, and with MI’s involvement, it’s set to get even bigger. The #OneFamily philosophy has been at the core of MI’s success, and the inclusion of the Oval Invincibles only strengthens this ethos.

So, whether it’s Mumbai, Cape Town, Dubai, or London—MI’s blue and gold continues to shine brighter than ever.

February 11, 2025
IPL’s business value will only rise: investment bank Houlihan Lokey, Brand Finance

MUMBAI: The numbers are eye-popping. And they should please the calculators at JioStar, the newly created joint venture between Disney Star and Reliance’s Viacom18 just as its sales folks go into the market to raise sponsorship and free commercial time advertisers for its 2025 season.

Brand Finance in its 17th IPL valuation report said that the IPL’s cumulative brand value rose 13 per cent to $12 billion. The league was valued at $2 billion in 2009, $10.7 billion in 2023, according to Brand Finance.

Chennai Super Kings registered a brand value at $122 million growing a healthy 52 per cent, Mumbai Indians grew 36 per cent at $119 million, RCB increased 67 per cent with a brand value of $117 million, KKR rose 38 per cent to be valued at $109 million, Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed 76 per cent to touch $85 million, Rajasthan Royals had a 30 per cent increase ($81 million), Delhi Capitals, 24 per cent to touch $80 million, Gujarat Titans showed a five per cent growth to generate a brand value of $69 million while Punjab Kings racked up a 49 per cent rise to be valued at $68 million.

“IPL 2024 witnessed a significant paradigm shift, with four franchise brands now surpassing the $100 million mark in brand value and experiencing dramatic increases in central revenue shares. Digital viewership has overtaken traditional TV numbers, while domestic batters and bowlers are emerging as key performers. Does this mark a dramatic turn for the IPL, signalling a positive transformation for the league’s future?” said Brand Finance India managing director Ajimon Francis.

Meanwhile, global investment bank Houlihan Lokey which released its IPL brand valuation study in June 2024 had valued the swashbuckling league as a business at $16.5 billion (Rs 134,858 crore).

According to Houlihan Lokey corporate senior vice-president corporate valuation advisory services Harsh Talikoti who penned the report, the IPL in 2024 showed a growth of 6.5 per cent over the 2023 season’s business value which was at $15.4 billion. The business value of the league was pegged at just $8.5 billion in 2022 by the advisory firm.

Houlihan Lokey used the discounted cash flow method to reach at these valuation numbers.

In 2024, the IPL has transcended traditional sports norm to become a global phenomenon, it says.

The brand value of the IPL has also soared from $1.8 billon in 2022 to $3.2 billion in 2023 to $3.4 billion in 2024 – a growth of 6.3 per cent. The valuation was determined using the relief from royalty method.

Houlihan Lokey estimated the title sponsorship of the league cost the Tata group Rs 2,500 crore for a five-year period (approx. Rs 500 crore per season) which was a growth of approximately 50 per cent than the previous season’s deal of Rs 335 crore per season.

The TV commercial ad rates have gone northwards from Rs 14.5 lakh in 2022 to Rs 16 lakh in 2023 to Rs 16.5 lakh in 2024, according to the report.

Chennai Super Kings is the most valued amongst all the teams with a $ 231 million brand value. “CSK is the most consistent team in the league. Not only have they qualified in the playoffs for a staggering 12 out of 15 seasons they have played in, they have also won five titles. Former CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been the face of the franchisee and the biggest contributor to the franchisee’s success,” says the report.

The second most valued team is Royal Challengers Bengaluru with a valuation of $227 million. “The team’s emotional connection with fans, coupled with consistent efforts to fortify its brand, has cemented its enduring appeal, attracting marquee sponsors at premium rates,” revealed the report.

Kolkata Knight Riders ranks third with a brand value of $216 million. Mumbai Indians comes in fourth with its brand valuation at $204 million. According to Houlihan Lokey, “MI’s brand value was impacted slightly due to the negativity surrounding the team after a change in captaincy and its on-field performances; however, the long-term goodwill associated with the brand helped to negate the impact.”

Rajasthan Royals came in fifth with its value at $133 million. Sunrisers Hyderabad is at sixth with its brand value at $132 million. Delhi Capitals is at seventh with its brand value at $131 million. Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings made the tail end of the rankings with their valuations at $124 and $101 million respectively.

Houlihan Lokey believes that the IPL has some way to go to achieve its potential.

“Though these stats may look slightly lower than other established leagues, it is important to note that the IPL commenced just over 15 years ago, while the EPL has been standing ground for over 25 years and the NFL for over 40. It is only natural for one to expect a growth in this tournament in terms of size and volume. The IPL has proven its current value and is sure to become the next big thing in the sports world,” predicts the report.

You can download the full report by clicking on the link: Houlihan Lokey: IPL Valuation Study 2024

You can access the BrandFinance data by clicking here: Brand Finance IPL valuation study

(Picture courtesy: IPL)

December 4, 2024
IPL2025 Auction: The action heats up on day two

MUMBAI: With limited purses at their disposal, some of the team managements moved cautiously while making their purchases on day two of the IPL2025 mega auction at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a piggy bank with Rs 30.65 crore; Mumbai Indians, Rs 26.1 crore; Punjab Kings, Rs 22.5 crore; Gujarat Titans, Rs 17.5 crore; Rajasthan Royals, Rs 17.35 crore; Chennai Super Kings; Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 14.85 crore; Delhi Capitals, Rs 13.8 crore; Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 10.5 crore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rs 5.5 crore.

The day was a bit of a shocker with some rather good players not finding any takers in the first round of the auction, but getting picked up in the first or second round of the accelerated auction later in the day. Among the cricketers who were left out figured: Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Ajinkya Rahane, Mayank Agrawal, Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell,Shai Hope, K.S. Bharat, Alex Carey, Akeal Hosein, Adil Rashid, Keshav Maharaj, Fin Allen, Moen Ali, Umran Malik, Mustafizur Rahman, Umesh Yadav, Steve Smith, Sikandar Raza, Sarfaraz Khan, Kyle Mayers, Navdeep Saini, Lungi Ngidi Kwena Maphaka and Shivam Mavi. Some of these were once celebrated as stars and sure shots who were paid big bucks in previous IPLs.

It’s almost as if some of the teams were looking to take major risks and take on new talent, instead of recruiting players who have put up mixed performances. While others went about putting in big bucks to retain their squads of yesteryear.

Kolkata Knight Riders got the train moving by offering Rs 1.5 crore for West Indies skipper Rovman Powell, which was his base price. Delhi Capitals then got into the act by acquiring Faf du Plessis for Rs 2 crore, his base price. But the big story of the day was the Rs 1.1 crore which Rajasthan Royals shelled out for the 13 year old tyro and hard-hitter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, making him the youngest ever player to be picked up for the IPL.

Among the players who were picked up during the day included: Akash Deep (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 8 crore); Lockie Ferguson (Punjab Kings, Rs 2 crore); Deepak Chahar (Mumbai Indians, Rs 9.25 crore); Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 10.75 crore); Gerald Coetzee (Gujarat Titans, Rs 2.40 crore); Tushar Deshpande (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 6.50 crore); Josh Inglis (Punjab Kings, Rs 2.60 crore); Nitish Rana (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 4.20 crore); Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians, Rs 1 crore); Washington Sundar (Gujarat Titans, Rs 3.20 crore); Krunal Pandya (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 5.75 crore); Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings, Rs 7 crore); Sam Curran (Chennai Super Kings, Rs 2.40 crore); Allah Ghazanfar (Mumbai Indians, Rs 4.80 crore); Xavier Bartlett (Punjab Kings, Rs 80 lakh), Yuvraj Chaudhary (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 30 lakh); Pyla Avinash (Punjab Kings Rs 30 lakh); Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rs 1.2 crore); Devdutt Padikkal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 2 crore) ; Luvnith Sisodia (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 30 lakh); Shreyas Gopal (Chennai Super Kings; Rs 30 lakh); Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 2 crore); Glenn Phillips (Gujarat Titans, Rs 2 crore); Donovan Ferreira (Delhi Capitals, Rs 75 lakh); Anukul Roy (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 40 lakh); Vansh Bedi (Chennai Super Kings, Rs 55 lakh); Moeen Ali (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 2 crore); Umran Malik (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 75 lakh); Sachin Baby (Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rs 30 lakh); Arshin Kulkarni (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 30 lakh); Matthew Breetzke (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 75 lakh); Kwena Maphaka (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 1.5 crore); Praveen Dubey (Punjab Kings, Rs 30 lakh); Manvanth Kumar (Delhi Capitals, Rs 30 lakh); Karim Janat (Gujarat Titans, Rs 75 lakh); Bevon Jacobs (Mumbai Indians, Rs 30 lakh); Tripurana Vijay (Delhi Capitals, Rs 30 lakh); Madhav Tiwari (Delhi Capitals, Rs 40 lakh); Kunal Rathore (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 30 lakh); Arjun Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians, Rs 30 lakh); Lizaad Williams (Mumbai Indians, Rs 75 lakh); Abhinandan Singh (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 30 lakh); Kulwant Khejroliya, (Gujarat Titans, Rs 30 lakh); Ashok Sharma (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 30 lakh); Vignesh Puthur, (Mumbai Indians, Rs 30 lakh); Mohit Rathee (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 30 lakh).

Below are some moments from the auction interspersed with the final squads of each of the teams and the prices that were paid for them. Happy reading and viewing! (pix courtesy screen grabs from JioCinema’s stream of the auction)

The price mentioned in the second column is the amount paid to the player to acquire him for
the team.

November 25, 2024