The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction from Sunday to Monday is all set to be two of the most intriguing days of this year’s cricketing calendar, with several international stars having entered the auction, records expected to be broken and the possibility of some unexpected crossovers. A total of 574 players have been shortlisted from an initial pool of 1,574 names. These players will go under the hammer from November 24-25 in Jeddah. The list includes 208 overseas players, 12 uncapped overseas talents, and 318 uncapped Indian players.

Among these players, are some stars from India’s ICC U19 World Cup campaign this year, in which they finished as runners-up after a loss to Australia in the title clash.

Let us look at India’s U19 stars, who would be aiming to repeat the monumental success of star India batter Virat Kohli. After the U19 WC win in 2008, Virat was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and backed to the hilt by franchise despite various highs and lows displayed throughout his early career. Now, not only Virat stands as the highest run-getter of the IPL with 8,004 runs in 252 matches with eight centuries and 55 fifties, his presence has also transformed RCB into a massive brand and one of the most popular cricket franchises.

-Uday Saharan

He was the top-run-getter in the tournament, with 397 runs in seven matches at an average of 56.71 and a strike rate of 77.69. He scored a century and three fifties, with the best score of 100. His highlights include a century against Nepal and an 81-run knock against South Africa in the semis.

-Musheer Khan

He was the second-highest run-getter in the tournament with 360 runs in seven matches at an average of 60.00, with a strike rate of 98.09, with two centuries and a fifty. He also took seven wickets.

Since then, Musheer has graduated to first-class cricket and delivered standout performances in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy. In nine first-class matches, he has scored 716 runs at an average of 51.14, with three centuries and a fifty in 15 innings. His best score is 203*.

-Sachin Dhas

Dhas ended as the third-highest run-getter for India and overall at fifth spot. He scored 303 runs in seven matches, averaging 60.60, with a century and one fifty. His best score was 116.

Since then, he has been playing first-class cricket, playing for Maharashtra. In six FC matches, he has scored 267 runs in 10 innings, averaging 26.70 and scoring one fifty. His best score is 98.

-Arshin Kulkarni

Though he had some disappointing outings for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) last season, the young pace-bowling all-rounder is someone to look out for future as he could fill the gigantic shoes of star player Hardik Pandya. In the U19 WC, he scored 189 runs in seven matches, averaging 27.00, with a century to his name. He also took four wickets.

In eight T20s, he has scored 130 runs at an average of 18.57, with a strike rate of over 158 and best score of 47. He has also taken four wickets. The youngster has played four first-class matches for Maharashtra, scoring 202 runs in seven innings at an average of 28.85 with two fifties and best score of 87. He has also taken three wickets.

-Saumy Pandey

The slow-left-arm spinner was the top wicket-taker for India in the tournament, with 18 scalps at an average of 10.27, with a best figures of 4/19.

-Naman Tiwari

The left-arm pacer was the most successful Indian pacer in the U19 World Cup, taking 12 wickets at an average of 19.83, with two four-wicket hauls to his name and best figures of 4/20.

-Raj Limbani

The right-arm pacer Limbani did well for India in the tournament, with 11 wickets at an average of 16.54, with best figures of 3/38. In five first-class matches for Baroda, he has made 87 runs averaging 17.40 and has taken five wickets with best figures of 3/47.

The highest reserve price is set at INR 2 crore, with 81 players opting for this bracket. The largest segment comprises players with a base price of INR 30 lakh, totalling 320.

Among the standout names are Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, part of the 12 marquee players. These three captains were released by their respective franchises ahead of the retention deadline. For the first time since 2018, the marquee players are divided into two sets, comprising seven Indian players and five overseas stars.

The first set includes Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and Arshdeep Singh, while the second features KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. The overseas marquee players are Mitchell Starc, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada.

Several teams will deploy Right-to-Match (RTM) cards during the auction. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), having retained six players each–the maximum allowed–will not have any RTM cards. Punjab Kings (PBKS) hold four RTMs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) three, and Delhi Capitals (DC) two. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Gujarat Titans (GT), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Mumbai Indians (MI) each have one RTM.

RTM cards enable teams to buy back released players by matching the highest bid. In this auction, the team with the highest bid can increase their offer once more, after which the team holding the RTM card can match the final bid to secure the player.

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction promises to deliver high-stakes action, with marquee players and strategic manoeuvres set to enthrill cricket fans.

Prolific batter Sarfaraz Khan will miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Baroda from October 11. The Mumbai batter, who played a match-winning 222 not out in their Irani Cup triumph last week, will be at the National Cricket Academy, according to sources. The Mumbai selectors picked the squad for their first two matches. Defending champions Mumbai face Baroda in an away fixture from October 11, while they face Maharashtra at home from October 18, which will coincide with the India-New Zealand first Test in Bengaluru from October 16. Sarfaraz is expected to retain his place in the India squad.

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane emphasized the importance of giving players ‘freedom’ and ‘confidence’ as Mumbai were awarded Rs 1-crore by the Mumbai Cricket Association for their historic Irani Cup triumph.

Rahane-led Mumbai ended a 27-year wait to win the tournament last week in Lucknow, defeating Rest of India on basis of the first-innings lead.

Besides the BCCI’s prize money of Rs 50 lakh, the MCA on Monday announced an additional Rs 1 crore during a felicitation ceremony. The announcement was made by MCA secretary Abhay Hadap.

“There is no secret to success. I am a firm believer of the thought that this game is not for individuals, there are 11 players playing and 4-5 are sitting outside. All the players are equally important,” Rahane said when asked about his performances as a captain for both Mumbai and India.

“As a captain it is important to give them freedom and confidence because every player in their own capacity is a match-winner. Every player has a responsibility. Those sitting outside can give such inputs which as a captain on the field might not think of,” he added.

India and Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, who was the player-of-the-match for his unbeaten 222, said he had promised his younger brother Musheer to make a hundred on his behalf.

Squad: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias.

Run-machine Sarfaraz Khan had made a promise to his Mumbai teammates and his family after his younger brother Musheer was ruled out of the Irani Cup match against Rest of India, following a road accident: score a double hundred. Known to amass big scores, Sarfaraz kept his word with a magnificent knock of 222 to guide Mumbai to a mammoth 537 all out on the third day of their match, even as Musheer was recovering from the accident he suffered while travelling to the city for the game along with his father Naushad Khan.

“Yes, it has been an emotional week for me. I had promised my family and teammates that if I am set, I will score 200 — a hundred for me and hundred for my brother (Musheer),” Sarfaraz told reporters at the end of day’s play.

“If he (Musheer) had played in the match, abbu (father) would have been prouder. Unfortunately, he met with an accident. So, I thought I must somehow score a double ton in this match.” Sarfaraz, 26, said he has spoken to his brother who is seven years younger to the man who is once again knocking on the national selectors’ doors.

“Yeah, I spoke with him. He is fine but will take two-three months to recover,” said Sarfaraz, who struck a half-century against England in the Dharamsala Test in March.

Sarfaraz became the first player to score an Irani Cup double hundred for Mumbai.

His 15th first-class century will certainly dispel all doubts about his slot as a reserve middle-order batter for the remainder of the Test season (8 games).

Asked about his penchant for making big scores, Sarfaraz said, “I’m known to play big knocks. I feel good doing things I’m known for. Mumbai also needed me to bat long,” he said.

“It’s a big opportunity for us to win the Irani Cup after a long time. Back of the mind, I thought of playing as long as possible, putting as many runs on the board as possible which will help the team win,” Sarfaraz added.

The Ekana Stadium track had underlying moisture on the second day and the dampness contributed to the ball seaming around initially and the extra bounce made it challenging for batters.

Sarfaraz’s driving on the off-side was regal and there is nothing more to add to his footwork against spinners. He was brutal, especially against left-arm spinner Manav Suthar (0/137 in 37 overs), who looked clueless.

After a certain point, he employed the negative leg-stump line and Sarfaraz would either slightly go inside out or bent down on one knee to slog sweep it for maximums.

Speaking further about his monumental effort, he said, “I have played in the Irani Cup earlier and scored a century for the Rest of India. But this is a very emotional innings for me as I’m playing for my home team. I am putting an extra effort so that Mumbai can lift the Cup.

“If you look at it, weather was obviously a challenge. We are up against some of best players in India right now,” he said.

“Most of them have played international cricket. I was looking to make runs against them. It was an opportunity to give my best. I am satisfied with the time I spent in the middle.

“The whole bunch has put in lot of effort to reach the Irani Cup by winning the Ranji Trophy last season. It’s not like our team can’t win this tournament). In fact, we are one of the best teams in India. So, we hope to do well and win it.”

Young all-rounder Musheer Khan, who survived a car accident while on his way to join the Mumbai team for the Irani Cup, expressed his gratitude to everyone who prayed for his recovery in his first public statement. Musheer, the right-handed batter who also bowls left-arm spin, suffered a fracture in his neck in a serious car accident while on his way to Lucknow from his hometown Azamgarh for the Irani Cup match beginning on October 1 against Rest of India. He was traveling with his father Naushad Khan when their car hit the divider and flipped a few times. The neck fracture will keep Musheer out of action for a few months, which means he will be unavailable for Mumbai in the Irani Cup and initial Ranji Trophy matches.

“First of all, I would like to thank Allah for this new life. I am fine now. My father was with me, he is also fine now. I would like to thank you all for your prayers,” said Musheer in a video on his Instagram account, where he was standing with a bandage around his neck.

Musheer, the younger brother of Test batter Sarfaraz Khan, is expected to be taken to a hospital in Mumbai for a detailed assessment once he’s discharged from the Medanta hospital in Lucknow and flies back home.

The injury comes as a big blow for Musheer, whose was to be included for India A tour of Australia later this year, especially after smashing impressive 181 for India B against India A in the first round of Duleep Trophy.

“Good evening, first of all, I would like to thank the Almighty for this new life. I would also like to thank all those people who have prayed for us – well-wishers, friends, relatives. I am very thankful of all of them.”

“I would also like to thank the MCA and BCCI, who are taking very good care. They are going to give an update on what is going to happen in the future. I would also like to say what we have not got, we should be patient about it, and what we have got, need to be thankful for it, and this is life,” said Naushad, Musheer’s father, in the same video.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is yet to name a replacement for Musheer, India’s leading run-getter in this year’s U19 World Cup, in the Irani Cup squad led by veteran Test batter Ajinkya Rahane.

Mumbai all-rounder Musheer Khan, younger brother of India batter Sarfaraz, is “stable” after suffering a road accident on the outskirts of Lucknow but is set to miss cricketing action for a prolonged period starting with the upcoming Irani Cup. The 19-year-old is expected to be out of action for at least three months due to neck injuries he sustained in the accident, effectively ruling him out of Mumbai’s matches at the start of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, starting from October 11.

It is learnt that Musheer was en route to Lucknow from Azamgarh, his hometown, for the Irani Cup beginning on October 1. He was accompanied by his father Naushad Khan, who also suffered minor scratches in the accident that took place on the Purvanchal Expressway after his car hit a divider and overturned.

Dr. Bhola Singh, Medical Superintendent at Medanta Hospital, Lucknow, said in a statement that the cricketer is out of danger.

“Cricketer Musheer Khan, injured in a road accident on the Purvanchal Expressway, was brought to the emergency department of Medanta Hospital due to pain in his neck. His treatment is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Dharmendra Singh, Director of the Department of Orthopedics.

“His condition is stable and he is out of danger,” Dr. Singh said in the statement.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) said Musheer is currently “stable, conscious, and well-oriented”.

“He has sustained a fracture in the neck region and is under close observation. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) medical teams are closely monitoring his progress to ensure he receives the best possible care,” the MCA said.

“Once Musheer is deemed medically fit for travel, he will be flown to Mumbai for further evaluation and additional medical treatment. The timeline for his recovery will be determined following these assessments.” The development comes as a blow for the teenager who has already scored three centuries and a half-century in nine First-Class games. He had a double hundred in last season’s Ranji Trophy quarter-final, a half-century in the semi-final and a match-winning century in the final against Vidarbha.

He had also begun the 2024-25 domestic season with a hundred in the Duleep Trophy for India B against India A in Bengaluru recently.

Reigning Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai are slated to take on Rest of India in the Irani Cup match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium here from October 1-5.

After the Irani game, Mumbai will begin their Ranji campaign on October 11 against Baroda. 

India B vs India C Day 1 LIVE, Duleep Trophy 2024© X (Twitter)

It is understood that 19-year-old Musheer Khan, who has had a dream first-class season, is all set to travel to Australia for the India A shadow tour, which will have three ‘four-day’ Tests. Having scored a double hundred in the Ranji quarter-final and a century in the final, Musheer has impressed with his 181 for India B against India A. The India A team for Australia tour will be picked based on the Duleep Trophy performances and the Irani Cup match between Rest of India and Ranji champions Mumbai, which will be held before tour of Australia. While a couple of Test specialists and pacers might be sent early, two names that are almost certain to make it are Musheer and Rajasthan left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who has eclipsed Saurabh Kumar as the next best left-arm spinner after Ravindra Jadeja and Axar.

As of now, if there are no fitness issues, Musheer is a certainty for India A’s tour of Australia.

Those in the know believe that his talent and penchant for big scores on big occasions (Ranji Trophy final) and against quality attacks (an opposition pace attack comprising Akash Deep, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan) will work to Musheer’s advantage.

Also the temperament of playing 373 balls (62.1 overs out of 116 overs) has made him stand out along with how he forged partnership with a tailender (Navdeep Saini).

In case of Suthar, Ajit Agarkar and his colleagues are looking at slowly making him Axar’s understudy and put him on regular A tours so that by the time Jadeja is done, he becomes the second left-arm orthodox bowler.

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan‘s fearless approach in the home series against England impressed one and all but KL Rahul‘s experience will give him the advantage when it comes to finalising the playing XI in India’s season-opening Test series against Bangladesh starting September 19 in Chennai.

It is believed that the team management and the selection committee’s full focus is on the tour of Australia in November-December and Rahul’s experience of 50 Tests puts him in an advantageous position.

For the team management, it is a choice between a younger man’s (Sarfaraz) flamboyance and fearlessness and a seasoned campaigner who has been a Test captain and is part of the national set-up for a decade now.

“For people on the outside, they don’t understand how a team works and what are the systems in place. In his last three Test matches, KL scored a century in South Africa, one of the best Test knocks in recent times and 86 at Hyderabad in the last Test he played before injury.

“He was not dropped but got injured. So, he is fit and available, scored a fifty in Duleep, got match time and he will start,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Musheer Khan in action during Duleep Trophy 2024.© X (formerly Twitter)

KL Rahul’s gumption, which helped him pile a patient fifty, found no resonance among his colleagues as India B pacers led by Yash Dayal pushed India A to a 76-run defeat on the fourth and final day of their Duleep Trophy match on Sunday. Chasing 275, India A were bundled out for 198 in their second innings as left-arm seamer Dayal (3/50), with able support from his colleagues Mukesh Kumar (2/50) and Navdeep Saini (2/41), led the India B attack. Rahul top-scored for ‘A’ with a 51.

In the first session of the day, India B made 184 all out in their second essay to muster a handy overall lead of 274.

The India A chase began on a shaky note as Mayank Agarwal departed in the second over itself, wafting Dayal away from his body to Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made a wonderful diving catch at second slip.

That brought Riyan Parag to the middle and the right-hander followed the path set on Saturday by Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan.

Parag took on the bowlers and pacer Mukesh bore the brunt of his aggression, getting smoked for two sixes and the second maximum touched the roof of the Chinnaswamy Stadium over the mid-wicket region.

Parag added 48 runs for the second with a rather subdued Shubman Gill, who was dropped by Nitish Reddy at slips off Mukesh on 16, and 31 came off the former’s bat in just 18 balls.

But the approach was tough to sustain considering the kind of assistance the bowlers were getting here, and soon his massive hoick off Dayal took an edge off Parag’s bat en route to stumper Rishabh Pant.

Gill (21) departed soon, falling to Saini for the second time in the match and on this occasion, he edged the pacer to Pant.

Dhruv Jurel poked Dayal well outside off-stump to Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully, as India batters perished to a combination of bowlers’ persistence on that channel and their own carelessness.

They took the lunch at a queasy 76 for four that soon transpired into 99 for six after the dismissal of Shivam Dube and Tanush Kotian, an hour into the lunch.

However, Rahul batted out 180 minutes 121 balls and milked 42 runs for the seventh wicket with Kuldeep Yadav to delay the inevitable.

The standout shot in an otherwise dour innings was a whistling on drive off Mukesh that fetched him a boundary.

But Mukesh had his revenge soon when Rahul feathered a cut off him to Pant, who completed five catches in this innings, soon after reaching his fifty with a single off Saini.

It effectively signalled the end of the road of for India A, though Akash Deep (43, 42b, 3×4, 4×6) gave a few moments of fun with a cavalier innings.

But beyond the entertainment value, it always was a case of when more than if.

Earlier, resuming from their overnight score of 150 for six India B could only 34 runs more to the total before getting bundled out.

Pacer Akash, whom Sarfaraz Khan carted around for five fours in a row the previous day, found his mojo to add the scalps of Washington Sundar and Saini to complete a five-wicket haul (5/56).

The spell will keep his name floating among the contenders when the selectors sit together soon to pick up squad for two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

India A vs India B, Duleep Trophy 2024 LIVE Score: KL Rahul© AFP