Top 5 steal deals in IPL 2025 auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction in Jeddah has been nothing short of a blockbuster, with teams splashing huge amounts on marquee players. While Rishabh Pant's record-breaking INR 27 crore deal with Lucknow Super Giants grabbed headlines, several teams managed to secure exceptional talent at surprisingly reasonable prices. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerged as one of the smartest buyers at the auction, securing Tim David for just INR 3 crore. The explosive Australian finisher's acquisition looked like daylight robbery, given his proven track record in T20 leagues worldwide. RCB's planned thinking continued with their possession of Krunal Pandya.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing deals was Jos Buttler's move to Mumbai for INR 15.75 crore. Despite being the highest-paid overseas player, Buttler's price looks decent considering his extraordinary white-ball abilities and current form. Similarly, Delhi's acquisition of KL Rahul for INR 14 crore shows the exceptional value for a player of his calibre and experience. Other teams also made good moves at the auction table with the event nearing its end with some players still about to go under the hammer. 

Here are the five steal deals in the IPL 2025 auction so far:

5. Adam Zampa (INR 2.4 crore, Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off one of the smartest deals of the IPL 2025 auction, securing Australian spinner Adam Zampa for just INR 2.40 crore. The experienced leg-spinner was surprisingly acquired close to his base price of INR 2 crore after a brief bidding war with Rajasthan Royals.

As Australia's most successful T20I bowler with 117 wickets from 95 matches at an economy of 7.16, he brings immense talent to the table. His IPL career, which began with Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016, has seen him deliver memorable performances, including a stunning 6/19 against his new team SRH. With 341 wickets across 280 T20 games and experience from stints at RCB and RR, Zampa's acquisition at this price point could be the steal of the season.