IPL 2025: 5 released openers who can earn big bucks in mega auction

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to be a game-changer, particularly for teams looking to strengthen their opening slots. With Sunrisers Hyderabad being the only franchise to have locked in both their openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, the remaining nine teams are looking for powerful top-order batters who can capitalize on the crucial powerplay overs. The importance of a solid opening pair cannot be understated in T20 cricket, where the first six overs often change the course of the entire innings. This year's retention policies were interesting, with teams being allowed to retain up to six players for the first time, the highest ever in IPL history. Several high-profile openers have been released back into the auction pool, with intense bidding wars on the cards. Teams will be looking for that perfect combination of experience and explosive batting proficiency to strengthen their top order. The focus will likely be on players who can not only provide quick starts but also maintain consistency throughout the tournament. With nine teams potentially bidding for top-order talent, we could see record-breaking bids for some experienced openers. The pressure will be particularly high on franchises that have retained just one opener, as they'll need to find the perfect partner to complete their batting lineup. Also Check: 5 Players you didn't know once played for Mumbai Indians Let's take a look at openers who can earn big bucks in the IPL 2025 auction: 5. Jos Buttler Jos Buttler. (Source - Getty Images) Rajasthan Royals parted ways with their powerful opener Jos Buttler ahead of the 2025 mega auction. The England white-ball skipper, who was a key player in the Royals' batting lineup for seven seasons, had scored 8,055 runs at a strike rate of 147.80 in 88 matches. In the 2022 season, he smashed four centuries and scored 863 runs, helping his team reach the finals, for the first time since 2008. Even in his final season with the Pink Army in 2024, he maintained his solid form with 359 runs and two centuries in 11 matches. While the Royals have retained young Yashasvi Jaiswal among six players, their decision to release Buttler might be due to his prolonged injuries in the recent past. With several teams desperate for a quality opener and captain, the 2022 T20 World Cup-winning skipper could trigger a bidding war. 4. KL Rahul KL Rahul. (Source -IPL/BCCI) Star Indian batter KL Rahul, who was previously leading Lucknow Super Giants captain, will enter the IPL 2025 mega auction as one of the most prized assets. The 32-year-old is not only a brilliant opener but a solid leader as well, under who LSG had consecutive playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023. Rahul has scored 4183 impressive average of 48.63 as an opener, with four centuries and 35 fifties to his name. The right-hander can clear the boundaries at will and has so far smashed 171 sixes and 363 fours. The batter has in total scored 4,683 runs in 132 matches since his IPL debut in 2013. The Bengaluru-born is expected to trigger a bidding war. 3. Phil Salt Phil Salt. (Source -IPL/BCCI) Phil Salt's explosive batting in IPL 2024 has made him a massive prospect to earn a big cheque at the 2025 mega auction. The English opener played a big role in Kolkata Knight Riders' victorious campaign, smashing 435 runs in 12 matches and stitching solid partnerships with Sunil Narine. The 28-year-old has proven his ability to take on bowlers from the first ball and provide consistent firepower in the powerplay. In the previous edition, he featured in 12 games, and scored 435, with 89 being his highest. With several franchises desperately seeking reliable overseas openers who can dominate from ball one, Salt's stocks could go higher. His batting along with his wicketkeeping skills, makes him a complete package that teams will likely break the bank for. 2. Ishan Kishan Ishan Kishan. (Source -IPL/BCCI) Young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan could be in for a massive payday at the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Despite recent setbacks in his international career, Kishan is fighting his way back to earn a national spot. The left-hander's ability to provide firm starts and turn matches makes him an invaluable asset in T20 cricket. Mumbai Indians recognized this potential in the previous mega auction, buying his services for a whopping ₹15.25 crore. Having rediscovered his form in domestic cricket, Kishan is likely to be bid even higher. His skill set as a keeper-batter could make him on the list of many teams. As an opener, the Patna-born has featured in 55 innings and scored 1733 at a strike rate of 141.81. 1. Jake Fraser-McGurk Jake Fraser McGurk vs SRH in IPL 2024 ( Photo source : IPL ) The IPL 2025 mega auction could see teams breaking the bank for Australian sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk, following Delhi Capitals' surprising decision to release the explosive opener. The 22-year-old had a brilliant IPL 2024, scoring 330 runs at a strike rate of 234 in just nine matches. Fraser-McGurk's fearless batting approach and ability to dominate world-class bowlers from the very first ball make him a dream addition to any T20 franchise. With several teams desperately seeking power-hitters at the top of the order, Fraser-McGurk is expected to create a huge bidding war. Many are predicting his price tag could easily go beyond the INR 10 crore mark, making him one of the auction's hottest properties.

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IPL 2025: 5 released openers who can earn big bucks in mega auction

Sunrisers Hyderabad are the only franchise to have locked in both their openers for IPL 2025.

3. Phil Salt

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