Surprising picks of IPL 2025: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Allah Ghazanfar, Anshul Kamboj and others

The IPL 2025 Auction brought its share of surprises, with franchises deviating from the usual star-studded approach to secure emerging talent and lesser-known players.

These strategic picks highlight the league's focus on unearthing fresh talent capable of making an impact.

Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 Crore, KKR)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a bold statement by securing Venkatesh Iyer for a staggering ₹23.75 crore. Iyer, instrumental in KKR's turnaround during IPL 2021, regained form in 2024, finishing with an impressive average of 46.25 and leading the franchise to another title. With KKR banking on his versatility at number 3 and 4, Iyer is poised to justify this hefty investment.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (₹1.1 Crore, RR)

Bihar's Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest-ever player to be signed by an IPL franchise at 13 years as Rajasthan Royals bought the prodigy for Rs 1.10 crore in the mega auction here on Monday. His base price was Rs. 30 lakh and Delhi Capitals made the opening bid. RR entered the fray at Rs. 35 lakh and eventually got the better of DC to get the player on board.

Suryavanshi made headlines recently when he became the youngest batter to score an international century, achieving the feat in a Youth Test for India Under-19 against Australia U-19 in Chennai.

He made 104 off 62 balls in that match.

Prasidh Krishna (₹9.5 Crore, GT)

Prasidh Krishna, a fast bowler with a knack for delivering match-winning spells, joined Gujarat Titans for ₹9.5 crore. Known for his breakthrough performances in domestic cricket, Krishna's ability to extract bounce and pace makes him a valuable addition to GT’s bowling arsenal.

Allah Ghazanfar (₹4.8 Crore, MI)

At just 18, Afghanistan’s Allah Ghazanfar was picked by Mumbai Indians for ₹4.8 crore. The mystery spinner impressed scouts with his performance in the Emerging Asia Cup, and his variations make him a potential game-changer for the five-time IPL champions.

Anshul Kamboj (₹3.4 Crore, CSK)

Chennai Super Kings continued their legacy of scouting talent by securing Anshul Kamboj for ₹3.4 crore. An all-rounder with consistent domestic performances, Kamboj's ability to adapt to high-pressure situations has already turned heads.

Noor Ahmad (₹10 Crore, CSK)

Another Afghan spinner, Noor Ahmad, joined CSK for ₹10 crore. After making waves in global franchise leagues and forming a lethal combination with Rashid Khan at Gujarat Titans in 2023, Ahmad brings a wealth of experience despite his young age.

Jitesh Sharma (₹11 Crore, RCB)

Jitesh Sharma, a hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter, found a new home with Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹11 crore. After proving his prowess in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and IPL stints with Punjab Kings, Jitesh's fearless batting style makes him an ideal fit for RCB's aggressive approach.

Akash Deep (₹8 Crore, LSG)

Lucknow Super Giants acquired Akash Deep for ₹8 crore, banking on his inspiring journey from domestic cricket to representing India. Known for his swing and pace, Akash is expected to strengthen LSG’s bowling lineup.

Gurjapneet Singh (₹2.2 Crore, CSK)

CSK’s focus on grooming future stars led to their selection of Gurjapneet Singh for ₹2.2 crore. A left-arm seamer with natural swing, Singh’s potential to disrupt batting lineups makes him a long-term prospect for the franchise.

The Road Ahead

These selections underscore the IPL’s dual mission: to nurture fresh talent and reward players with proven ability to thrive under pressure. With the 2025 season around the corner, these players have the chance to transform into household names and justify the faith shown in them by their franchises.