IPL 2025: 5 players who can trigger bidding war between CSK and MI at upcoming mega-auction

2. KL Rahul

One of the most surprising exclusions from the retention list was star India batter KL Rahul. The Lucknow Super Giants skipper led his side to the playoffs in his first two seasons in charge. However, with a subpar season in 2024, Rahul was released, and he could brew up quite the storm in the auction. 

With Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians both in search of a star batter, KL Rahul could prove to be the perfect fit for either side, and a bidding battle could be underway in the mega auction. 

Throughout his career, KL Rahul has played 132 matches in the IPL and has amassed 4,683 runs to his name. In his early seasons in the IPL, KL Rahul was one of the best batters and a consistent winner of the orange cap, and the franchises will hope that Rahul can come into his own once more.