The board announced the list of retained and released players before the next auctions. There were quite a few surprises. Here, we take a look at the best playing XI of cricketers released before IPL 2025 Mega Auctions.
Openers: KL Rahul and Jos Buttler
It will be a blockbuster opening combination for this best playing XI of cricketers released before the IPL 2025 Mega Auctions. KL Rahul’s departure from LSG was on the expected cards. He will be in demand again. It was a surprise that RR released Jos Buttler, who was vital for the side’s success in the last few editions.
Middle-Order: Shreyas Iyer (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Glenn Maxwell and David Miller
The Indians will dominate in this best playing XI of cricketers released before the IPL 2025 Mega Auctions. Here is where many unexpected things have happened. Iyer was not supposed to leave after captaining his side to the trophy last year. Similarly, Pant is the face of DC and it is surprising to see him under the hammer. Maxwell and Miller are veterans but they will still be in demand at the auctions.
All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner
For the balance of the squad and in general, Santner is one of the better all-rounders to be released. However, it was on the expected lines because he hardly played for CSK. The franchise also did not have slots to retain him ahead of the others.
Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, T Natarajan, Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal
Some of the shocking releases have happened in this department. The likes of Arshdeep, Siraj, Natarajan, Shami and Bhuvi will all go under the hammer. In the spin department, players like Chahal, Ashwin and Rahul Chahar will also be available.
