The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction will hold in late 2024. Several franchises will have the opportunity to add and release players from their previous squads at IPL 2024. Many teams usually target a mix of marquee signings and rookies at auction, and the 2025 edition will be no different. However, there’s a higher chance of skippers losing their position this term.
A shocking run of results for several top franchises could see these teams trigger big-name signings at auction. Some of the big signings could be ex-skippers of their former franchise. Other top names could dislodge current skippers in some teams after auction. Let’s check out five (5) players who are likely losing their captaincy after the IPL 2025 auction.
KL Rahul
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is one of the newer IPL franchises, but recent decisions already show their long-term ambition. LSG could aim to shuffle their current squad and such a move may see players like KL Rahul exit the franchise.
Rahul’s frosty relationship with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka also took centre stage last season. The relationship strain between owner and captain could see Rahul leave the franchise early.
Rahul has been on the radar of top IPL franchises since his stellar performances in recent seasons. Top franchises are likely to place huge bids for the Karnataka-born cricketer if LSG decide to let him go.
However, chances are high that Rahul could lose his current captaincy to gain a similar role in his new franchise. Few teams seek a reliable player as their skipper, and Rahul could fit their desires perfectly.
Shikhar Dhawan
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have had a run of terrible IPL seasons in recent years. PBKS players have had to deal with repeat heartbreaks after giving their all on the field under skipper Shikhar Dhawan.
The PBKS captain’s fortunes have not been great in recent years, and there are rumours he could leave the franchise this season. Dhawan is a high-demand batter based on his style and impressive run of form despite the odds. He will be on the radar of many competing franchises if PBKS decide not to retain him.
PBKS could seek the services of a younger captain too, as Dhawan continues to age even with good overall performances. The franchise could seek a younger Indian international or overseas player to replace him as skipper.
Faf du Plessis
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will search for a captain ahead of du Plessis’ reduced roles in future season. Du Plessis continues to serve the franchise faithfully, but RCB could seek a younger captain to take his place.
Rishabh Pant
Several reports claim current Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper could leave the franchise at auction. The cricketer’s future remains a subject of controversy, even if the franchise has come out to say he’s staying. DC may need to look for a captain if Pant decides to exit the team ahead of IPL 2025.
Pant formed a strong working relationship with several top coaching figures at the franchise, especially the former head coach. Ricky Ponting was the DC head coach until after IPL 2024 and chose to step down after a poor run of results. Ponting’s exit could trigger Pant’s departure; however, it’s too early to call.
Hardik Pandya
Many Mumbai Indians (MI) fans were elated when Hardik Pandya joined the franchise ahead of IPL 2024. However, a shocking run of 10 losses out of 14 games has now called the cricketer’s acquisition into question. Pandya became MI skipper before IPL 2024 after Rohit Sharma decided to step down from the position. However, Pandya’s 28% win rate as skipper could see another player like Suryakumar Yadav take his place after auction.
Top Players Likely to Leave their Current IPL Franchise at Auction
Ishan Kishan
Kishan lost his BCCI contract after a tumultuous time on the international scene, but he could make big bucks after the mega auction. The cricketer’s skills are always in demand and he has a huge following with 400+ runs back-to-back at IPL 2022 and IPL 2023. He also smashed an impressive 320 (14 innings) for MI at IPL 2024 with decent averages throughout.
His current franchise (Mumbai Indians) is unlikely to retain Kishan if current retention spots do not increase. He could become a major batting option for other franchises and earn a huge salary next season.
Shivam Dube
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are more likely to retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni. CSK’s preference for these players could leave Shivam Dube out of the team’s plans at auction. Dube’s skillset could fetch him a massive deal in another franchise if CSK decide against retaining him for next season.
The cricketer has managed a mammoth 810+ runs in two previous IPL seasons combined (37 s/rate, 160.2 av.). Dube also sits high among batter rankings with the 3rd best strike rate (164.9).
Sandeep Sharma
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are keen to retain Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravi Ashwin, and Yuzvendra Chahal at the 2025 mega auction. The franchise’s decision to retain these players could see top stars like Sandeep Sharma exit.
