Robin Uthappa picks 5 likely most expensive batters in IPL 2025 auction, includes 3 Indians

Former player Robin Uthappa recently picked five likely most expensive specialist batters at the IPL 2025 auction. He chose Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, and Ashutosh Sharma as the Indians in the list.

The IPL 2025 auction is set to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. While the Punjab Kings (₹110.50 crore) have the maximum remaining purse, the Rajasthan Royals (₹41 crore) have the minimum available budget heading into the auction.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Uthappa chose David Warner and Faf du Plessis apart from Shreyas, Nehal, and Ashutosh as the top five batters at the auction. As for Shreyas and Du Plessis, he said:

"I think the Delhi Capitals will go really hard for Shreyas Iyer. I think he should go between the 15 and 20-crore price bracket. I would say Faf du Plessis will go for a little bit of cash. I think he will go above 10 crores."

The former India batter expects Nehal and Ashutosh to be picked for more than ₹8 crore apiece.

"I really want Nehal Wadhera and Ashutosh Sharma. I think they are Indian batters who are a big part of the reason for success of any team, and you want your Indian batters to do really well. So I think guys like them will go for big bucks. They will go above eight crores is what I feel," Uthappa reasoned.

Nehal aggregated 109 runs at a strike rate of 129.76 in six innings for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. Ashutosh amassed 189 runs at a strike rate of 167.25 in nine innings for the Punjab Kings last season.

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"I feel he will go back to Punjab for between 10 to 15 crores" - Robin Uthappa on Arshdeep Singh as one of the 5 likely most expensive pacers

Arshdeep Singh was released by the Punjab Kings ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. [P/C: iplt20.com]

In the same discussion, Robin Uthappa chose Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Trent Boult, Mitchell Starc, and Kagiso Rabada as the likely five most expensive seamers at the auction. He questioned the Punjab Kings for not retaining Arshdeep.

"It just baffles me. I wouldn't understand why would you let go of someone of the quality of an Arshdeep Singh. You make him available for everyone to go for him. I think just because you have that kind of purse with you, you kind of feel that maybe you will get him for cheaper but I don't think. They probably could use the RTM card as well. I feel he will go back to Punjab for between 10 to 15 crores," he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator reckons Boult will be among the most sought-after seamers.

"I think Trent Boult has been one of my favorites. The kind of intent that he brings around to any franchise is really good and the fact that he picks up wickets in the first over more often than not will make him someone who will be a prized possession in the auction. I think he will be one of the highest-paid fast bowlers in the auction," Uthappa reasoned.

Arshdeep picked up 19 wickets at an economy rate of 10.03 in 14 innings for PBKS in IPL 2024. Boult accounted for 16 dismissals at an economy rate of 8.30 in 15 innings for the Rajasthan Royals last season.