IPL 2025: 10 Underrated released players who could earn big at auction

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction around the corner, several impactful performers will enter the auction pool on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah. Despite consistent performances over the years, these players could be smart investments for franchises looking to strengthen their squads. Among the released players, some players have been consistent and impressive with their performers over the past few years. Though they have proved themselves, many of them have gone unnoticed and haven't been retained by their respective franchise. Despite giving performances during high-pressure situations these players have gotten the tag of 'Underrated'. These athletes who have donned the jerseys of different franchises over the years have proven themselves under challenging circumstances. With franchises retaining a total of 48 players ahead of the auction, 204 spots will be filled among the 1,574 registered players. Some of the underrated players have the potential to earn a big amount in the auction and go on to prove themselves once again. Here are 10 Underrated released players who could earn big at auction: 10. Noor Ahmad Noor Ahmad ( Photo Source: Twitter) While Rashid Khan has been retained for INR 18 Crore, his Afghan teammate Noor Ahmad has been released by Gujarat Titans ahead of the 2025 mega auction. The young left-arm spinner has been consistently proving himself in the cash-rich and is considered as, 'Rashid's mirror image'. Despite his modest IPL price tag of INR 30 lakh, Noor's impact has been brilliant. With 24 wickets in 23 matches, including an impressive 16-wicket haul in the 2023 edition, he has gone on to become one of the most impactful spinners in the shortest format of the game. For the past two years playing along with his Afghan teammate in the same franchise, his performances have been unnoticed, but in the coming season, he has a chance to once again create havoc with his bowling. 9. Will Jacks Will Jacks. (Source -Twitter/X) England all-rounder Will Jacks emerged as the steal deal of IPL 2024. Acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 3.20 Crore, the 25-year-old drew attention to himself with his explosive batting. Stepping in for Glenn Maxwell in mid-tournament, Jacks turned RCB's fortunes with his fearless approach. Also Read: Top 3 teams who can sign KL Rahul in mega-auction In eight matches that he featured in he scored 230 runs at a strike rate of 175.57. His best innings came against Gujarat Titans where he smashed a 41-ball century. Jacks could earn big in this auction and join another team or be back in the RCB camp if the side decides to use the Right-to-Match card. 8. Shahbaz Ahmed Shahbaz Ahmed. (Photo Source: The Hindu) Shahbaz Ahmed has become one of the most promising all-rounders over the years. The left-arm spinner and middle-order batter has had an impressive IPL career spanning 55 matches across two franchises, where he's scored 536 runs and claimed 21 crucial wickets. Shahbaz apart from contributing with bat and ball is also an exceptional fielder and has plucked some spectacular catches and run-outs. His memorable game was against his previous team Sunrisers Hyderabad where he picked three wickets in a game in 2021 while playing for RCB. The Bengal-born could be the dark horse and teams will look to acquire his services in the upcoming auctions. 7. Vaibhav Arora Vaibhav Arora. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL) Vaibhav Arora had a breakthrough season in 2024 with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. The Himachal Pradesh speedster caught everyone's attention as he claimed 19 wickets in 20 matches. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl in the middle overs makes him a reliable player for any team. Arora's rise began during the 2019-20 domestic season, where he consistently impressed scouts with his pace and control. His strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy made him a reliable wicket-taker. With many teams looking to strengthen their bowling arsenal, Arora might go for a big amount in this season. 6. Abhinav Manohar Abhinav Manohar. (Source -IPL/BCCI) Karnataka's explosive middle-order batter Abhinav Manohar is one of the underappreciated players in this cash-rich league. With impressive performances in the league and other competitions, Manohar hasn't made a place for himself. Recently, in the Maharaja T20 Trophy 2024, he scored 550 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 194.35 and an impressive average of 78.57. With six half-centuries under his belt, the attacking cricketer was the second-leading run-scorer. The right-hander joined Gujarat Titans since their inception in 2022 and has featured in 19 matches and scored 231 runs. His recent domestic performances make him a strong candidate to earn huge money in the coming auction with many teams looking for a reliable middle-order power-hitter. 5. T Natarajan T Natarajan. (Source -IPL) Tamil Nadu pacer T Natarajan's IPL career has seen him quickly rise the ranks in the shortest format of the game. The left-arm pacer has consistently performed, particularly shining in the 2024 season with 19 wickets under his name. Known for his yorkers and clever variations, Natarajan has turned into a complete T20 bowler, but his skills have often been overshadowed by bigger names. His ability to bowl effectively in all phases of the game makes him a valuable asset. The 2022 season saw him claim 18 wickets at a strike rate of 14.33. In 61 IPL matches, he has picked 67 wickets at an average of 29.39, including a career-best 4/19. For franchises looking to strengthen their pace attack in the upcoming auction, Natarajan is a brilliant player to have. 4. Ajinkya Rahane Rahane ( Photo source :IPL ) Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane is not much known for T20 brilliance. After being picked by Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2023, the Mumbai batter silenced the critics with his fast-paced batting as he contributed 326 runs and played a crucial role in CSK's fifth title victory. While known for his excellence in Test cricket, Rahane has played some good knocks in the shortest format of the game. With an experience of 185 IPL matches and two 500+ run seasons, Rahane brings invaluable experience to any franchise. Though his stocks have decreased over the past few years, he still can pull franchises to bid for him at the auction table. 3. Harpreet Brar Harpreet Brar. (Photo Source: IPL) Harpreet Brar has become one of the most reliable left-arm spinners, since his IPL debut in 2019. Playing for Punjab Kings for the past six seasons, Brar led the side's spin bowling department. The 28-year-old spinner's breakthrough moment came in 2021 when he dismissed Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and AB de Villiers in a single match. His impressive economy rate of 7.91 and consistent performance improvements make him a valuable asset. In the 2023 season, Brar claimed figures of 4/30 against Delhi Capitals and has so far scalped 25 wickets in 41 matches. A handy lower-order batter, Brar could be a possible retention choices for some teams in this auction. 2. Maheesh Theekshana Maheesh Theekshana. (Source -Twitter/X) Maheesh Theekshana is one of the most underrated spinners, even after some brilliant performances in the shortest format of the game. But he might be a prime target of many teams for IPL 2025's mega auction. The Sri Lankan mystery spinner's ability to contain the batter while striking at crucial moments has made him a valuable asset in T20 cricket. Despite limited opportunities in IPL 2024, Theekshana has taken 25 wickets in 27 matches at an economy rate of 7.66. His breakthrough season was in 2022 where he claimed 12 wickets at a strike rate of 17.50. What sets Theekshana apart is his adaptability across all phases of the game and effectiveness against both left and right-handed batsmen. His experience playing in global T20 leagues and a good track record of exploiting the conditions make him a top contender for big purchases in this auction. 1. Harshal Patel Harshal Patel. (Source -Twitter/X) Harshal Patel is one such player who hasn't gotten his due even after some unbelievable performances in IPL. The 33-year-old seamer's career has been nothing short of extraordinary, especially in the 2021 season, where he claimed 32 wickets and secured the Purple Cap. With 135 wickets in 105 matches at an average of 23.33, Patel brings a wealth of experience and proven success to the table. In IPL 2024 he once again claimed the Purple Cap after claiming 24 wickets. Known for his clever variations and deadly slower balls, Patel has repeatedly shown his potential in crucial match situations. Also Read: IPL 2025 Player Auction: Registered players sorted by capped, uncapped and country – Full Details As teams look to strengthen their death bowling arsenal in the upcoming auction, Patel's track record of performing in high-pressure situations and his ability to consistently pick wickets makes him a valuable asset worth investing in heavily.

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IPL 2025: 10 Underrated released players who could earn big at auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises made history during their retention announcements on Thursday, October 31.

5. T Natarajan

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