IPL 2025 auction kicks off in Jeddah with teams eyeing major roster changes

The IPL 2025 auction has begun in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, featuring 574 players and ₹120 crore in total purses. A key change this year is the return of the Right to Match (RTM) card, last used in 2018, allowing teams to match bids for former players. Mumbai Indians aim to improve their bowling after finishing last in 2024, retaining only Jasprit Bumrah. Punjab Kings, with the largest budget of ₹110.5 crore, plan a major overhaul under new coach Ricky Ponting, while Lucknow Super Giants have released K.L. Rahul to pursue aggressive players. Chennai Super Kings can retain M.S. Dhoni as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore, leaving them with ₹55 crore for the auction. Other teams, like Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, are also making strategic moves to reshape their rosters.